Over the holiday break, Clark Atlanta University Athletic Director Dr. J Lin Dawson was honored by his hometown of Kinston, N.C., as he chosen to serve as the Grand Marshal of the town's Christmas parade. 

Dawson was a star football player at Kinston High School before going on to play football at North Carolina State University.  After playing there, Dawson - a tight end - was drafted by the National Football League's New England Patriots. He played ten years with the Patriots and was named to the franchise's "Team of the Decade" for his play in the 1980s. 

The Kingston "Light the Night" Christmas parade, held on Dec. 4, was the town's first parade since 2019 due to Covid-19 protocols.