The Equal Opportunity Awards Gala is the Knoxville Area Urban League’s most significant fundraising event of the year in a celebration with food, fellowship and top-flight music. Howard Hewett Jr., a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and former lead vocalist of award-winning R&B group Shalamar, will perform in 2021. Awards will be presented to Volunteer of the Year, Minority Business, Corporate Leadership and Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement winners. The COVID-19 protocols for the gala will mirror those in place at local event venues. Masks are required unless actively eating or drinking. Guests will be required to show proof of vaccination or results of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to the event.