Phyllis Nichols named “Woman of Year” by Beck Center

“Woman of the Year” Phyllis Nichols, left, poses with her friend Tammi Campbell, during the luncheon.

Scores of happy women dressed mostly in yellow gathered recently to celebrate Beck Cultural Exchange Center naming Phyllis Y. Nichols the “Woman of the Year” during its annual Ethel Beck Society Awards Luncheon.

Nichols is the recently retired president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League, a position she held for more than 20 years.

Beck’s president, Rev. Renee Kesler, said Nichols was chosen because “as chief executive since 2000, she expanded the Urban League’s impact to serve over 11,000 individuals and families annually through programs to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; to increase and retain home ownership; to support economic and small business development, and to advocate for equity and excellence in education for students of color.”

Nichols and Kesler also worked together over the past four years to ensure that Blacks and other minorities received opportunities during the construction and operation of Covenant Health Park, the new East Knoxville home to the Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball team.

The women-only Ethel Beck Society Luncheon is always a fun event to attend. Not only is the champagne flowing as mimosas are distributed freely before and during the festivities, but a party atmosphere ensues as old and new friends get together to celebrate one of their own. Last year’s winner was Gwen McKenzie, the city’s first Black female City Council member and Black vice mayor!

The luncheon usually starts with mingling outside Beck Cultural Exchange Center. This was, thankfully, a beautiful day.

The Ethel Beck Society is named in honor of Ethel Benson Beck (1897-1970), the namesake of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and an influential woman in Knoxville beginning in the 1920s.

Phyllis Nichols, left, and her friend Rosalyn Tillman, the retired dean of Pellissippi State Community College’s Magnolia Avenue campus.

Denise Nichols, left, is Phyllis Nichols’ sister-in-law.

From left, Mae Mosley, Phyllis Nichols, and Joshalyn Hundley.

The official color of the Ethel Beck Society is yellow because, according to the Society’s website, yellow “represents warmth, sunshine, and positivity, which align with the society’s values.” Who wouldn’t want to be in that society?

A lovely display of mimosas welcomed guests!

The official poster.

Alecia Davis, left, and Cathy Brown.

Cute place settings!

LaKenya Middlebrook, left, and her mother, Betty Middebrook.

Lovely centerpieces.

Two award winners! Phyllis Nichols, left, and Gwen McKenzie.

Rev. Renee Kesler making introductions.

Previous award winners were recognized. Here are Dr. Alpha Alexander, left, who won in 2019, and Lois Jean White, who won in 2018. Alexander was the second female recipient in history to receive the Olympic Shield Award. She served for more than a decade on the US Olympic Committee Board of Directors. White was the first African American president of the National PTA.

Singer Rukiya Shani performed.

Then, it was time for some “best dressed” awards!

Former Knox County Commissioner Evelyn Gill won third place.

Donna Hardy took second place.

Tonya Patterson was the first place winner!

The heart of the program is always an interview of the winner by Rev. Kesler.

I was disheartened when Rev. Kesler asked Nichols what was the single biggest obstacle in her career and Nichols answered with one word: race.

Rev. Kesler did a great job.

Frances Hall, left, and artist Jennifer Simon.

Some of Simon’s art was on display in the room where we were meeting.

Elizabeth Goodale.

Nichols’ sister-in-law Denise Nichols, left, and sister, Linda Young Reid.

Jonida Robinson, left, and Ursula Bailey.

Joan Daniels, left, and Evelyn Gill.