Singer Janelle Monae, actor Jamie Foxx and designer Tommy Hilfiger were among the honorees heralded at the 23rd annual Trumpet Awards, held Saturday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. It will air Feb. 21 on TV One.
“I decided through fashion and music that I would challenge the status quo and redefine what it meant to be a black female artist,” the always snappily dressed Monae said.
After receiving her award, she posted a photo with an excerpt of her speech on Instagram:
“It’s not that I don’t experience fear but I understand fearlessness is more important. It’s not that I don’t get tired but I realize standing up for those whose voices are often ignored has to come first. It’s not that I don’t get discouraged but I understand that working hard, being a champion for minorities and those marginalized across the world as well as opening up more doors for girls has to come first.”
Honorees also included MLB Hall of Famer Lou Brock, Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold W. Donald, PVH Foundation President Guy Vickers, legendary performers the Isley Brothers, Morehouse School of Medicine President Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice and Sunshine Holdings Chairman Franklyn R. Wilson.
Well-known guests, including former Atlanta Mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young and his wife, Carolyn Young, boutique owner Monyetta Shaw, "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast members Cynthia Bailey and her husband, Peter Thomas, and singer-actress Jasmine Burke, walked the red carpet ahead of time.
“I’m here to be inspired in my career and enjoy the legacy so many great people have laid the foundation for me,” Burke said.
Boxing champ Laila Ali and "The Biggest Loser" trainer Dolvett Quince hosted the event, and presenters included actor Lou Gossett Jr., broadcaster and commentator Roland Martin, television/radio personality Egypt Sherrod, TV One founder Cathy Hughes, singer-actress Naturi Naughton, actor Laz Alonso and actress Quvenzhane Wallis.
Wallis, 11, the youngest-ever best actress Oscar nominee, for the 2012 drama “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” more recently starred in the remake of “Annie,” which also starred Foxx.
“Always stay confident and keep going for what you want and never give up,” Wallis told the crowd.
Founded by Xernona Clayton to celebrate and honor African-American achievers and those who support the African-American experience, the annual Trumpet Awards event salutes accomplishments in law, medicine, business, politics, the arts, civil rights, sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment and other fields.
“We’re going to keep inspiring,” she said. “We’re going to keep educating. We’ve got to keep fueling the fire with the burning desire to do better.”
Contributing: Elizabeth Montgomery
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