INDIANAPOLIS – Jamal Smith, Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, will receive the 2014 Rev. Charles Williams Award from Indiana Sports Corp and Indiana Black Expo. Smith will be recognized at the Indiana Sports Corp Pathfinder Awards Luncheon at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on Tuesday, August 5 at 11:30 a.m.
The Rev. Charles Williams Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through direct service to youth in the Indianapolis community. Formerly known as the Chairman’s Award, it was renamed in July 2004 in honor of the late president of Indiana Black Expo. Past award recipients include Indiana Fever All-Star Tamika Catchings, former Indiana University men’s soccer coach Jerry Yeagley, and former Indiana State Senator Glenn Howard.
“Jamal is a tremendous choice to receive this award in 2014,” said Allison Melangton, Indiana Sports Corp President. “His work in the corporate world is significant, but he is making a lasting difference in the lives of our youth through his coaching, mentoring and the building of longstanding relationships with so many young men who look up to him.”
For more than 13 years, Smith has coached more than 100 young men, personally mentored over a dozen, provided tutoring and academic support and personally paid tuition for many to begin college.
Currently, Smith spends time as the assistant coach for the Arsenal Tech Titans–the 2014 Indiana 4A State Basketball Champions. He helped develop a program that had its entire senior class graduate and get accepted to college, maintain a collective GPA of 3.2 or better, and support various social causes and take part in community service.
Smith’s professional experience also includes positions in government affairs, marketing and business development, event management, and community engagement.
Previously, Smith was the Director of Marketing and Business Development for United States Synchronized Swimming (USSS), the national governing body for the Olympic sport of synchronized swimming.
One of Smith’s biggest accomplishments is his experience with the Black Coaches Association (BCA), where he successfully increased the membership from 249 to more than 3,000. His influence with the BCA and collaboration with NCAA athletic directors resulted in a 200-percent increase in athletic director membership activity.
In addition to recognizing Smith, former Pacers head coach and radio voice Bobby “Slick” Leonard will be honored as the 2014 Pathfinder Award recipient. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to purchase a table or tickets to the Pathfinder Awards Luncheon at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on August 5, please contact Mike Karnuta at mkarnuta@IndianaSportsCorp.org.
Indiana Sports Corp’s mission is to create positive impact by hosting world-class sporting events that enhance vibrancy in the community, build civic pride, drive economic impact and media exposure, and encourage opportunities for youth. A not-for-profit organization, Indiana Sports Corp was founded in 1979 as the nation’s first sports commission. Our recent and upcoming schedule of events includes NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, Big Ten Football Championship Games through 2021, Big Ten Basketball Tournaments, and much more. For more information, visit: www.indianasportscorp.org.
Press release provided by the Indiana Sports Corp.