Arch of Triumph Gala

AOT Invite 2026 Please join us for the 2026 Arch of Triumph Gala on Saturday, April 25, 2026! Reception will start at 6 p.m. Program and Dinner at 7 p.m. Charlotte Convention Center 501 S. College Street, Charlotte, NC

This year's honorees

AOT Honoree

Dorothy Counts Scoggins ’64

Dorothy (Dot) Counts-Scoggins, Johnson C. Smith University Class of 1964, has dedicated her life to enriching the lives of others. She changed the lives of multitudes when she desegregated Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools at the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement. Following this momentous moment in history, Counts-Scoggins chose a life of service to ensure all children would receive a quality education regardless of their race, religion or culture.

On September 4, 1957, 15-year-old Dot Counts took a two-block walk toward the front door of Harding High School, accompanied by her father. She was met by a torrent of racial slurs, angry taunts, and threats of violence. A crowd of white students and adults offered aggressive opposition. Photographers captured the moment: Counts walked graciously as crowds screamed behind her. After four days of harassment and abuse by students, teachers, and administrators, Dot’s parents withdrew the teen from Harding High School. She continued her education in Yeadon Pennsylvania and Asheville North Carolina. Dot was one of four African American students who took the bold step to desegregate Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) that fall of ’57. It was a move that changed the inequality of education in North Carolina and across the country.

This pathway was the beginning of a service-driven career grounded in a philosophy of equality of education for all. Dot received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Johnson C. Smith University and received certification in Early Childhood Leadership from UNC-Chapel Hill. Upon graduation, Dot began her career as a social worker for abused and neglected children in New York City. She realized that for children to learn tolerance and acceptance, instruction needed to begin at a very early age. She entered the field of Early Childhood Education. Over the years, Dot has worked as a preschool teacher, a Community College instructor, and an administrator.

In September of 2007, 50 years after she desegregated Harding High School, Dorothy Counts Scoggins was awarded a Harding High School honorary diploma from CMS Superintendent Peter Gorman. The ceremony featured a screening of 9-4-57, a documentary produced by television reporter and award-winning filmmaker Steve Crump. The film, which captured Dorothy’s four days at Harding High School, aired on PBS, WTVI and before a live audience of family, friends, students, citizens and public officials. On May 25, 2007, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education approved the request to name the Harding University High School media center “The Dorothy Counts-Scoggins Media Center,” an honor rarely bestowed upon living persons. During Harding graduation exercises that year, Dot was awarded an Honorary Harding University High School diploma alongside the class of 2007 graduating seniors.

In June, 2007, Dot was invited to the Governor’s Mansion with eight other pioneers from across the state that were involved in school desegregation. They were awarded the Old North State Award from Governor Easley.

Dot retired in July 2012 as Vice President of Quality Improvement and Business Consultation at Child Care Resources Inc. after 24 years of service. She has been sought after locally and nationally to tell her story of “Changing the Education System in America” in 1957 and the importance of the history then and now. Her speaking engagements have been geared to our younger generation to ensure that the history is heard and not forgotten. Her heroic story is recorded in the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

2017, Dorothy “Dot” Counts-Scoggins launched Mentoring Across Differences, a three-year partnership with the Women’s Intercultural Exchange (WIE) and Garinger High School to build trust across race and culture among 15 young women. Thirteen participants have since graduated from college and are pursuing successful careers. In 2022, after receiving the inaugural History Counts Award from the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity, Counts-Scoggins partnered with the Center and WIE again to create the Dorothy Counts-Scoggins Mentoring and Social Justice Program. The initiative served 18 diverse students from Harding University High School, West Charlotte High School, and Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology; all were accepted into colleges nationwide, earning more than $1 million in scholarships.

Counts-Scoggins remains deeply committed to preserving Northwest Corridor communities and schools. She serves on the boards of the Charlotte Area Fund, Historic West End Neighborhood Association, and Northwest Corridor Council of Elders, and contributes to local education and early-childhood initiatives. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and an ordained elder at Memorial Presbyterian Church, she has received numerous honors recognizing her pioneering role in school desegregation and lifelong community leadership.

AOT Honoree

John Crawford '60

John T. Crawford is a lifelong educator, civic leader, and community servant whose career spans more than six decades of dedicated service to youth, families, and public institutions. Raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, he graduated from Emmett Scott High School in 1955 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Johnson C. Smith University in 1960. While at Johnson C. Smith University, Crawford distinguished himself as a student-athlete and was later inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame for basketball. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in public service from UNC Charlotte in 2008.

Dr. Crawford began his professional career as a teacher and coach with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, serving at Irwin Junior High School and West Charlotte Senior High School from 1960 to 1970. His commitment to youth development and education led him to the Charlotte Housing Authority, where he held several leadership roles over nearly two decades. He served as Director of Community Services (1970–1977) and Director of Youth Services (1970–1989), creating and overseeing programs that expanded educational access, leadership development, and opportunity for public housing youth and families.

In 1983, Crawford founded the Charlotte Housing Authority Scholarship Fund, now known as Greater Steps Scholars, to address systemic barriers to higher education for youth living in public housing. Through the founding of Greater Steps Scholars, John T. Crawford transformed access to higher education for more than 1,000 students, leaving a legacy of opportunity that continues to change lives across generations. For more than 40 years, Dr. Crawford has remained deeply engaged in raising resources and advocating for young people, guided by a singular purpose—to give youth a chance at a better life through access to education and opportunity.

From 1990 to 1998, Crawford served as Manager of Human Resources for General Steel Drum Corporation, where he applied his deep understanding of people, systems, and organizational leadership in a corporate setting. Even in retirement, his public service continued through civic engagement, including work as a poll worker, campaign manager for judicial elections, and employment with North Carolina Voter Registration in 2016.

Dr. Crawford’s educational background also includes advanced professional development and fellowships. He completed W. Edward Deming’s Quality Productivity and Competitive Operations Seminar in 1992, participated in the Community Fellows Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1985 to 1986, and pursued summer studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill between 1963 and 1966.

A respected leader, Dr. Crawford is a graduate of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership and has served in numerous leadership roles within civic, educational, and faith-based institutions. His service includes Chairperson of the Clanton Presbyterian Church Initial Steering Committee and Commissioner to the 200th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Throughout his life, Dr. Crawford has served on numerous boards and advisory committees across education, health, youth services, recreation, and civic engagement. His affiliations include Child Care Resources, Diabetes Services, Cities & Schools, Planned Parenthood, the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, Charlotte Park & Recreation Commission, Trinity Episcopal School, the Martin Center for Racial Reconciliation & Unity, and many others. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Dr. Crawford’s service and leadership have been recognized with numerous honors and awards, including the NAACP Freedom Award, NCCJ Humanitarian Award, Bank of America Local Heroes Award, and Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award. In 2014 he was honored with the grand opening of the Dr. John T. Crawford Renaissance Center. Most recently, he received both the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Order of the Hornet in 2024.

Beyond his professional and civic life, Dr. Crawford is an avid golfer and golf instructor, an enthusiastic reader, a dedicated mentor to youth, and a lifelong traveler. He is married to Gayle B. Crawford and is the proud father of Lisa G. Crawford and grandfather to Jarin Crawford.

Guided by his lifelong motto, “Help make someone’s life a little better every day,” Dr. Crawford’s legacy is one of service, integrity, leadership, and enduring impact.

AOT Honoree

Malcolm Graham '85

Malcolm Graham, Johnson C. Smith University Class of 1985, is a seasoned business and civic leader, public servant, and respected voice on public policy, economic development, and community-centered growth. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, he has called Charlotte home since 1981, when he arrived on a tennis scholarship to attend Johnson C. Smith University.

Over more than three decades, Malcolm has built a distinguished career spanning corporate leadership, nonprofit management, and elected office, united by a singular purpose: strengthening communities and expanding opportunity. He served for over a decade as President and CEO of the Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council, advancing minority-owned businesses as drivers of regional economic growth, and later held senior leadership roles at Bank of America and Spectrum, focused on supplier diversity and corporate–community partnerships.

Graham’s deep ties to Johnson C. Smith University include service as Special Assistant to the President for Government and Community Affairs, where he helped lead the Historic West End’s first major revitalization in nearly 40 years. That effort catalyzed more than $70 million in redevelopment, supported federal funding for the LYNX Gold Line streetcar, and strengthened connections between West Charlotte neighborhoods and economic opportunity.

His commitment to public service includes election to the Charlotte City Council and ten years in the North Carolina Senate, where he championed neighborhood revitalization, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and public safety legislation. He later returned to the City Council, chairing the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and helping advance transformative initiatives such as the Corridors of Opportunity, workforce development strategies, and The Pearl Innovation District.

Graham is the author of The Way Forward, a reflection on grief, resilience, and moral leadership shaped by the loss of his sister in the 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting. He serves on multiple civic and nonprofit boards, including the Johnson C. Smith University Board of Visitors, Charlotte Center City Partners, and the North Carolina Tennis Foundation, and is the founder of the Charlotte Amateur Tennis Championship.

In recognition of his leadership and impact, Malcolm has received numerous honors, including the Charlotte Business Journal Power 100, QC Metro’s Great 28, Who’s Who in Black Charlotte, and recognition as one of Charlotte’s Most Influential Leaders. He is also the recipient of the Martin Luther King Medallion Award and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Malcolm is married to Kim Graham and is the proud father of Cortney and Nicole, and grandfather of Carter and Ashton.

A proud JCSU alumnus, community builder, and mentor, Malcolm Graham’s life and leadership reflect a steadfast belief that service is not simply a role—but a responsibility.

AOT Honoree

Ms. Jessica “The Girl Next Door” Williams '04

Ms. Jessica “The Girl Next Door” is an award-winning radio personality, community advocate, and proud fifth-generation alumna of Johnson C. Smith University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts. With more than 20 years of experience in broadcasting, she has built a dynamic career defined not only by ratings and recognition, but by authentic connection, cultural impact, heartfelt service and joy.

Ms. Jessica currently hosts multiple radio programs across major markets, including the top-rated Afternoon Vibez with Ms. Jessica on Power 98 in Charlotte, The Morning Maddhouse on Power 98 (co-host) and Ms. J in Your Midday on KISS 105.9 in Detroit. She also serves as a guest host on Community Connections, airing across all six Beasley Media Charlotte stations. Known for her warm spirit, bold energy, and conversational style, she has become a trusted voice for more than half a million listeners nationally.

A member of Johnson C. Smith University’s inaugural 40 Under 40 class, Ms. Jessica proudly represents the Golden Bull legacy through her commitment to the university’s principle of “Sit Lux”, Let there be light. She has raised thousands of dollars in support of JCSU by hosting Golden Bull football watch parties and serving as emcee for numerous university fundraisers, including the first Commemorative Classic Giving Challenge Virtual Pep Rally. Ms. Jessica also has emceed numerous JCSU Homecoming events and the Arch of Triumph Gala.

Beyond the airwaves, Ms. Jessica has partnered with national brands including the NBA, Disney, Jack Daniel’s, CIAA, and BET. She has engaged in meaningful conversations with influential leaders such as former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. She was also one of 30 North Carolina influencers invited to the Executive Mansion by Governor Josh Stein to explore collaboration opportunities between the Governor’s Office and digital creators statewide.

Ms. Jessica is deeply committed to youth empowerment and community uplift. She is the creator of several signature initiatives that serve thousands of children and families each year, including Ms. Jessica’s Big Cut (free haircuts and school supplies for youth), Ms. Jessica’s Boo Bash (a safe Halloween celebration for families), Ms. Jessica’s Excellent Educators (recognizing outstanding teachers), and The Golden Bull Pink Out (a breast cancer awareness fitness initiative). Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to creating access, opportunity, and pride throughout the Carolinas.