The NAACP Spingarn Medal

An experienced sociology professor and social justice activist,
Judy C. Morelock earned a bachelor's and masters degree
in sociology from the University of Tennessee. 

An accomplished scholar and college professor, Judy C. Morelock has spent more than three decades as a lecturer and department head for institutions such as the University of Tennessee and Knoxville College, a historically black college (HBCU). In addition to her academic work, Judy C. Morelock has been a social activist committed to racial justice throughout her life. In recognition of her efforts in this area, she received a meritorious service award from the NAACP.

Founded by a group that included civil rights leaders such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells, the NAACP has been fighting for civil rights and racial justice in the United States for more than 100 years. Over the decades the group has helped make historic changes through a network of over 2,000 chapters across the country. To honor individuals who have helped advance the goals of the NAACP, the organization gives out a number of awards each year.

The NAACP’s highest accolade is the Spingarn Medal, which recognizes the achievement of an individual of African descent who is also an American citizen. Named after an early NAACP chairman, J. E. Spingarn, the medal is presented by recommendation of a nine-person committee. Over the years, the medal has been awarded to prominent individuals in the entertainment community such as Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones, as well as to political figures, business leaders, and prominent physicians such as Dr. Ben Carson.

NFL Teams and Players Display Unity in Anthem Protest

A graduate of the University
of Tenessee, Judy C. Morelock
earned both a bachelor's and master's
degree in sociology.

Judy C. Morelock is a retired professor who, throughout her 30-year career, earned numerous awards for her teaching abilities. While working at Knoxville College, Judy C. Morelock served as head of the sociology department and taught courses on subjects such as race and ethnicity, American society, and the history of civil rights.

Since former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem before a game last year, those subjects have been the focal point prior to the kickoff of many National Football League (NFL) games. Earlier this season, several players began taking a knee or locking arms during the anthem in support of Kaepernick and his message of racial equality and civility. However, following President Donald Trump's remarks on Twitter about how team owners should fire players who don't stand for the anthem, the league seemingly took a widespread stance on the issue.

Players from every team in the league either kneeled or locked arms in a sign of unity in response to Trump's comments. Kaepernick's original intention was to draw attention to the treatment of African Americans by police officers, but even players and officers joined together to lock arms in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans opted to remain in the locker room during the anthem. Some owners participated in the show of unity, while others, including Texans' chairman Robert McNair, called Trump's comments divisive.