Hall of Fame running back Joe Washington will speak Friday.

Joe Washington says he always welcomes any chance to get back to Oklahoma. But this one will be extra special.

Washington, the former University of Oklahoma running back and College Football Hall of Famer, is the keynote speaker at Friday's annual Awards and Scholarship Gala of the 100 Black Men of Tulsa.

The banquet starts at 7 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown.

"I really want to capitalize on the history of the organization and the good things they've done and are trying to do," Washington said.

"I think it's great," said Richie Anderson, spokesman for the 100's Tulsa chapter. "With all the publicity that (Adrian Peterson) had, with the possibility of breaking the (OU career) rushing record, you kept seeing Joe Washington's name come up. That tells you the caliber of player he was and the caliber of person he is."

Others to be honored: Eddie Evans, Hannibal Johnson, Michael Johnson, Lana Turner-Addison, Joseph L. Parker Jr., and councilman Jack Henderson. The organization also will present college scholarships to select high school seniors from the Tulsa community.

Albert E. Dotson Jr., national chairman of the board of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., will address a crowd that Anderson estimates to be 200-300.

The 100 Black Men of America's mission is to improve the quality of life and enhance education opportunities for blacks. There are 106 chapters in the

Anderson said the Tulsa chapter's primary goals are to promote mentoring in the community and to help prison inmates stay positive both during and after their incarceration.

Washington is not a member, but said, "If you've got 10,000 members, it's probably something that we all should join."

Washington, 53, played in the NFL from 1977-85 after his OU career ended. He's now a stockbroker in Baltimore.

Washington, who last week was named a special assistant to the athletic director at OU (he's in charge of reaching out to former lettermen), said Friday's engagement gives him "a platform to talk about being involved in the community and doing what you can to help your community, however small it might be. . . . Always do something that's positive, that helps and that makes the world a better place."

"Little Joe" -- nicknamed for his 5-foot-9, 175-pound stature -- was a two-time All-American at OU, ranks second in school history with 4,071 rushing yards and scored 43 touchdowns. In the NFL, he compiled 8,252 yards total offense and scored 30 touchdowns.

John E. Hoover 581-8384
john.hoover@tulsaworld.com