Community leaders, entertainers, celebrities, and spectators
poured into the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Theater during
Essence Fest weekend, to
celebrate outstanding African American achievements. This year’s recipients
included film producer Will Packer; civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton;
entertainment icon Kevin Liles; inspirational leader Iyanla Vanzant; former NFL
athlete Dhani Jones; and New Orleans McDonald’s owner/operator Henry Coaxum.
For the first time ever there was the McDonald’s 365Black Community Choice
Youth Award added to the line up! This award honors exceptional youths making a
positive impact in the community. The two recipients for this year's award were teen
entrepreneur/ author Gabrielle Jordan Williams and teen artist Skyler Grey.
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| Rev. Al Sharpton |
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| Iyanla Vanzant |
The pre-awards golden carpet was definitely star studded as
expected. Many celebrities graced the golden carpet with their appearances such
as this year’s fabulous award show hosts actress Tika Sumpter, actor/television
personality Terrence J. along with a slew of others. The very funny comedian Jonathan
Slocumb kept the audience filled with laughter. The audience was also treated
with amazing live performances from recording artists such as Ledisi;
Tank; KEM; Kim Burrell; Leela James; Jazmine Sullivan; and Mali Music. Some of
this year's stellar presenters were veteran radio personality Tom Joyner, news anchor/producer Soledad, O’Brien, and singer/actress Michelle Williams.
The 11th Annual McDonald's 365Black Awards was definitely an amazing celebration. For those who were unable to witness the greatness live and
in person; be sure to tune for the broadcast on
BET Networks August 10 at 10pm
EDT/9pm CDT. The awards will also air on
Centric August 17 at 11pm EDT /10pm
CDT. We at GI Empire Media had a blast and look forward to attending again
next year!
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| Gabrielle Jordan Williams |
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| Skyler Grey |
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