The prestigious LINZ Award was presented on the second Friday in November for the 95th time. The recipient was none other than prominent businessman and philanthropist Roland Parrish. The LINZ Award honors citizens whose civic or humanitarian efforts have created the greatest benefit to the City of Dallas. Created in 1924 by Simon Linz, who founded Linz Jewelers, has been presented annually minus a period during the Great Depression. Some of the notable previous winners include Ray L. Hunt, Ebby Halliday, R.L. Thornton, Woodall Rogers, H. Ross Perot, and Julius Schepps.
During the VIP reception, attendees greeted and engaged with Parrish and his friends and family while enjoying the sounds of the band. During the luncheon, there were multiple speakers sharing stories of their experiences and fondness of Roland Parrish.
Attendees included congregation leaders, Bryan Carter of Concorde Church, and Richie Butler of St. Luke. Local and state political officials, including Rachel Proctor, Helen Giddings, John Wiley Price, and Royce West. Olympic Champion and Social Justice Icon Tommie Smith. NFL Veterans Tim Brown, Isaiah Stanback, and Everson Walls. Representatives of metroplex media outlets, Laura Harris of NBC5, Chris Arnold of 105.3 The Fan, Joe Trahan of WFAA Ch 8 and Ro Parrish of CBS Texas, along with columnist/authors Clarence Hill Jr and Jean-Jacques Taylor.
Members of the LINZ selection committee, and previous winners of the award were also in attendance. Of the all-time winners, Parrish is the third African American to capture this coveted achievement joining Matrice Ellis-Kirk and Reverend Zan Homes Jr.
All Images appear courtesy of Kieone Young
