St. Jude honors Bernal Smith II at St. Jude Spirit of the Dream event hosted by actress Elise Neal

Around 300 people celebrated Black History Month at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the third annual St. Jude Spirit of the Dream event on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Organized in partnership with the National Pan-Hellenic Council Memphis Metropolitan Area, the event celebrated the achievements and contributions that African Americans have made to the St. Jude legacy.

Emceed by Elise Neal, the cocktail event featured art, a live performance from Raheem DeVaughn, dancing and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new Spirit of the Dream Award that posthumously honored Bernal Smith II, president and publisher of the New Tri-State Defender. The award recognizes people who support the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and champion the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.^®

When describing Smith, guests remembered him for how he empowered the city's majority African-American population to make a difference. Others described him as “Memphis through and through,” and as “a passionate and persuasive voice for the city he loved.”

“Although young in years, Bernal possessed a purposefulness and power of discernment, far beyond his years. He loved Memphis, accepted it with its challenges, but dreamed of the fulfillment of its potential," said A C Wharton, former Mayor of Memphis. “It is often said that old men dream dreams and young men see visions. Bernal had both, dreams of what our city could become and visions of the joy we would witness once Memphis became truly the place where every man woman and child would drink plentifully from God’s bounty.” 

There was also a special presentation related to the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers. Among the honorees were Ozell Ueal, Rev. Cleophus Smith, Baxter Leach, Elmore Nickelberry and H.B. Crockett. The sanitation workers were the catalyst during the civil rights movement to safer working conditions for black and white workers, improved labor representation, and their “I AM A MAN” strike.

“As Memphis and the nation recognize the 50^th anniversary of the sanitation workers’ strike and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ALSAC and St. Jude are proud to recognize the lifelong work and achievement of Bernal Smith II,” said Richard C. Shadyac, President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “Our founder Danny Thomas believed no child should die in the dawn of life and that all children deserved a fighting chance regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or ability to pay — and Bernal Smith certainly shared similar values in tirelessly dedicating his time and talents to equality and advancement for all.”

Also during the event, guests learned that ALSAC/St. Jude will commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination throughout 2018, including expanding employee community service efforts and promoting positive social change through its external events in Memphis and throughout the country.

Event sponsors included: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Cigna, Black & Veatch, City of Memphis, Allworld, Ampro Industries, Allen & Hoshall, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kappa Alpha Psi Greenville Alumni, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Event Rentals by Hicks, L3Media, Eagle Distributing, Pyramid Wine and Spirits, Pinot’s Palette, D. Arthur’s Catering, McBride Sisters and Mahaffey Tent & Event Rentals.