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AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL: 16th Annual Trumpet Awards Salutes African American Greatness
The annual Trumpet Awards acknowledges the accomplishments of men and women who have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals and/or groups who augment the richness of this great global society by partnering with the cause of justice and equality of all.
Over 4,000 onlookers lined the street to welcome and gawk celebrities and Black talent comparable to none as they made their way down the Red Carpet, manned with dignity by James Avery and April Woodard, and into the awards ceremony where The Beautiful People gathered to honor their own – “Black men and women who, through consistency and longevity, have achieved success in their chosen profession or career and are viewed not only for what they have individually achieved but also for the achievement they inspire in others.”
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Martin Luther King, III, Xernona Clayton, Elder Bernice King, Danny Glover (Phot Marty Frierson and Emily Heath)
The glamorous event that is presented annually by the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc., under the pristine leadership of Xernona Clayton, was emceed by the Jacksons – Samuel L. Jackson and his lovely wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson – who jointly rendered a brief history of the stellar organization and its mission.
“Originally presented by Turner Broadcasting in 1993 and now presented by the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc., the Trumpet Awards were created to herald the accomplishments of Black Americans who have succeeded against immense odds. Special recognition is given to the few, who symbolize the many, who have overcome the ills of racism and poverty and achieved special greatness. The past award presentations have been very successful and the future productions will continue to enhance the level of excellence created by the first Trumpet Awards.”
The Jacksons then introduced, Ms. Clayton, founder, president and CEO, The Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. Resplendent in a red gown and wearing her smartly coiffed signature upsweep hairdo showing off her beautifully structured face, Clayton exclaimed with pride, “What a wonderful event; what a great night to be an African American!” Her opening remark garnered thunderous applause. Clayton then heralded the purpose of the awards and “our” contributions to society. “The purpose of the Trumpet Award is to inspire, educate, stimulate, and enlighten human minds to the reality that success, achievement and respect are void of color and gender,” she said. During her powerful remarks, she also reminded the elite black tie audience of what `we bring to the table.’ “Black men and women are a valuable resource to this country. Their contributions and accomplishments, including the part they play to ensure the continued vitality of the nation’s economy, have become increasingly evident.”
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Rene Syler, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mayor Shirley Franklin, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Joyner, Dawnn Lewis (Phot Marty Frierson and Emily Heath)
Considered by many to be the Black Oscars, the distinguished awards ceremony paid tribute to the brightest and most celebrated African American high achievers in various fields including law, business, medicine, politics, entertainment and public service.
Honorees for the 2008 Trumpet Awards included Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges (Usher Raymond altruism award); Halle Berry (entertainment & pinnacle award); Dr. T. B. Boyd III (business award); The Honorable Paul L. Brady (legal award); Danny Glover (humanitarian award); Sheila C. Johnson (entrepreneur award); Brian O. Jordan (athlete/developer award); Dr. Vance and Dr. Vincent Moss (medicine award); Najee (arts award); and Don Thompson (corporate executive award).
This year’s production saw the return of the popular “Tower-of-Power” awards presented to deserving dedicated elected officials and public servants. The 2008 Trumpet Award Tower of Power honorees included The Honorable Thurbert Baker, Georgia attorney general and president, National Association of Attorneys General; Congressman Sanford Bishop, Jr., U.S. Congressman, Georgia 2nd District; The Honorable Paul Howard, Jr., Fulton County District Attorney and chairman, National Association of District Attorneys; The Honorable Hank Johnson, U.S. Congressman, Georgia 4th District; Khalil Johnson, CEO, Georgia World Congress Center Authority; The Honorable Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore, Superior Court Judge; The Honorable David Scott, U.S. Congressman, Georgia 13th District; The Honorable Georganna Sinkfield, Georgia State Representative; The Honorable Calvin Smyre, Georgia State Representative and president, National Black Caucus of State Legislators; The Honorable Michael Thurmond, commissioner, Georgia Department of Labor; and The Honorable Al Williams, Georgia State Representative and chairman, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.
There were many high notes of the evening, in particular, the appearance of the very lovely Michelle Obama who spoke to the Trumpet Awards audience during the pre-show about the presidential candidacy of her husband, Senator Barack Obama to enthusiastic applause.
Another memorable moment was the unveiling of a new group of footsteps into the International Civil Right Walk of Fame located at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, National Park Service. The 2008 inductees included Dr. Maya Angelou, Senator Edward W. Brooke, Tyrone L. Brooks, Sr., Sammy Davis, Jr., Jesse Hill, Jr., Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Attorney Clarence B. Jones, Tom Joyner, The Right Honorable Prime Minister Michael Manley, Herman Russell, Sr., and Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker.
Proceeds from the event will further the Foundation’s mission to support important causes with special emphasis on education. ’The Trumpet Awards through the generosity of its co-sponsors has generated nearly $4 million to charitable and educational causes. We have assisted hundreds of students pursue their education,” emphasized Clayton. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Atlanta Public School system for processing the applicants and preparing the students for the competitions. The expression of joy and appreciation from the students stimulate our zeal to do more.”
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., producer of entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry, was the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Trumpet Awards. Major Sponsors included Anheuser-Bush, Inc.; Barbados Tourism Authority; The Coca-Cola Company; Delta Airlines; Exxon Mobil; Ford Motor Company; GM Goodwrench; General Motors; The Home Depot; ING; McDonald’s USA; Nordstrom; Susan G. Komen for the Cure; TV One; UPS; and Winsonic Digital Media Group.
The illustrious Trumpet Awards weekend took place from Thursday, January 10 and culminated on Sunday, January 13 with the awards show presented by Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and produced by Don Jackson of Central City Productions. Clayton, the creative force behind the first Trumpet Awards in 1993, serves as the executive producer for the annual event. The syndicated television broadcast of the Trumpet Awards will be on Saturday, March 1. TV One will broadcast the show on Sunday, April 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.
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