Awards
2008
Alpha Kappa Alpha Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter AKAward For Outstanding Public Service in the Area of The Economic Keys to Success
Honorary Degree from LeMoyne-Owen College
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Award of Excellence for Public Service
2007
Planned Parenthood "Bob James Award"
Memphis Gridiron Show Headliner Award – Mid-South Newsmaker of the Year
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Region IV Political Award
Business Tennessee 2007 Power 100: Top 100 Most Powerful People in Tennessee
Humane Society of the United States, 2007 Humane Champion Award
2006
Tennessee Humane Association Legislative Achievement Award - In Recognition and Appreciation of Continued Support of Animal Related Legislation.
2004
Shelby County Democratic Party "William W. (Bill) Farris Political Leadership Award"
Business Tennessee Magazine "Power 100"
University of Memphis Society "Walter Barret Distinguished Service Award"
University of Memphis "Eye of the Tiger Award"
2003
National College Board "Excellence in Education" award, presented at NCSL Convention
Boys and Girls clubs of Tennessee "Legislator of the Year Award"
Knoxville News-Sentinel columnist's "Legislator of the Year"
2002
Tennessee Human Rights Campaign "Public Leadership Award"
2001
Governor's Awards in the Arts "Leadership Award"
Executive Seminar for Legislative Leaders, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
2000
AAA Legislator of the Year Award, Holocaust Commission award
AutoZone Park Opening Day First Pitch
1999
TN Pediatrics Society Friend of Children Award
1998
Memphis Arts Council/"Memphis Theatre Award"
1997
Common Cause of Tennessee "Bird Dog Award" for ethics
1996
University of Tennessee-Memphis Faculty Senate's Presidential Citation & Memphis Magazine Reader's Poll "Best Local Politician"
1995
Lorin Hollander Arts Award from the Tennessee Arts Academy & Memphis Women's Political Caucus Good Guys Award
1994
Unitarian Fellowship Dr. Peter Cooper Award
1992
Tennesseans for the Arts Advocate Award, Tennessee Bill of Rights Award, Tennessee Association of County Election Officials Award, Common Cause of Tennessee "Bird Dog Award" for ethics & Sierra Club "green list" top rating in Senate
1991
Community Mental Retardation Agencies of Tennessee Legislator of the Year Award & The Blues Foundation Keeping the Blues Alive Award
1988
Save Shelby Farms Award
1987
Memphis Arts Council Commendation