Retired WRAL-TV Director/Producer Clarence Williams receives the NABJ Region III Achievers Award at a luncheon in Memphis on Saturday, April 9, 2016.

WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith recently had the honor of presenting a prestigious award to a CBC legend.  Retired WRAL-TV Director/Producer Clarence Williams received National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Region III Achievers Award in a special ceremony in Memphis, TN, on Saturday, April 9, 2016.

The NABJ Region III Achievers Award is the equivalent of a lifetime achievement.  Each year the organization presents the award during their annual conference.

“This award is given to someone whose long career exemplifies excellence and dedication, not just in the broadcast news business but also the community,” explained Smith.  “I was humbled and honored to present Clarence with the NABJ Region III Achievers Awards during a luncheon in Memphis on Saturday, April 9th. We were all so grateful, he was able to make the trip to Memphis to receive his award in person.”

The 2016 conference was themed “Race Matters:  Looking Back, Moving Forward.”  Former civil rights movement leader Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. provided the keynote, which took place during the awards luncheon.  Region III encompasses Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

“When our committee started talking about possible recipients of this year’s achievers award, Clarence immediately came to mind and I nominated him,” said Smith.  “His 49 years with WRAL, the countless hours of community and charity work, and the lives (including mine) he’s touched and shaped over the years, made the decision easy for the committee.”

Smith continued, “I consider Clarence a mentor but more importantly a friend who is always there with a kind word, an encouraging word and let’s not forget, a story.”

Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Ken Smith for these capcom photos.