Presenter
Presented by Ms. Carlisle
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Whereas, (March 2, 1906-January 13, 1992) Everett Emory Utterback is awarded The Spirit of King Award 2006 in recognition of his lifework as a community activist; and
Whereas, it's no wonder Mr. Utterback became a great track star at the University of Pittsburgh. Growing up on the family farm in Mayfield, Kentucky taught him how to overcome a lot of life's hurdled; and
Whereas, born into a modest-income family, Mr. Utterback learned to make the most of his abilities. He studied hard and graduated from Dunbar High School. In 1923, he was accepted at Lincoln University but financial problems soon forced him to withdraw from school and take a job with the New York railroad; and
Whereas, several years later, Mr. Utterback resumed his education after receiving an athletic scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated from the University School of Business Administration in 1932 and went on to work for several organizations including the Kay's Boys Club, Allegheny County Juvenile Courts and the Pittsburgh Housing Authority; and
Whereas, Mr. Utterback received his law degree at Duquesne University's School of Law. He practiced in the Courts of Allegheny County, the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts, U.S. Court for Western District of Pennsylvania and served as General Counsel to the Housing Authority in 1950. Later, Mr. Utterback became a Senior Partner in the law firm of Utterback, Brown and Harper; and
Whereas, throughout his life, Mr. Utterback overcame his humble beginnings to achieve success in athletics, he became the first African-American to captain a varsity team at the University of Pittsburgh. He distinguished himself as a champion in events like the broad jump, high jump and relay. He was later inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame; and
Whereas, professionally, Mr. Utterback was the first African-American selected for Pitt's Letterman of Distinction Ho...
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