Black Voice News Online - Trumpet Award Turn 15 This Year

Trumpet Award Turn 15 This Year

Thursday, 01 March 2007

LAS VEGAS, NV

By Cheryl Brown

Fifteen years ago like her good friend civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Xernona Clayton, Trumpet Awards Producer, also had a dream. Her dream has been played out over the years as she has presented and televised the Trumpet Awards first on TBS and now on TV One. The program, now a stand alone foundation, came as a result of Clayton being tired of so few positive images of Black people. "Fifteen years ago, as a Turner Broadcast executive, I gave my idea to CNN Founder Ted Tuner of presenting a program devoted to recognizing the untold story of African American achievement. My dream, my purpose and my aim were to help tell the full story of the struggle for justice and equality with dignity and respect... a story presented with positive imagery. Mr. Turner embraced the idea and supported it fully. It became a reality," said Clayton.

Nancy Wilson, Billie Dee and Marilyn McCoo.

It brings together famous people who admire each other but may have never had time to socialize. The weekend brings them together to pray, raise money for scholarships, interface with the community, visit homeless shelters, and schools giving everyday people the opportunity to be inspired by these role models.

Bishop John H. Bryant and wife Dr. Cecila Bryant.

For the first time the event that honors achievement in diverse fields that include medicine, law, politics, public service, sports, religion and entertainment was held outside of Atlanta in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel. Also a new event introduced this year "High Heels in High Places" honored women who have achieved in the business world.

Songstylist Nancy Wilson and Actor James Avery

The first year Nancy Wilson was one of the the guest emcees. Honorees included Dr. Ben Carson, Quincy Jones, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Evander Holyfield, Suzanne DePasse, the late Coretta Scott King, Maynard Jackson and Dr. Mae Jemison, Andrew Young, NAACP Director Dr. Benjamin Hooks, Kevin Hooks, Dr. Johnetta Cole, Comer and Isabell Cotrell, John Jacob, Judge Leon Higginbotham, Gov. Douglas Wilder. The next year, Nancy Wilson was among the honorees that included Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, the late Mayor Tom Bradley, historian John Hope Franklin the famous Lena Horne, The Mother of Civil Rights Rosa Parks, photographer Gordon Parks, and others.

Eric Brown (President of Charter Communications), Antoinette Brown-Leon (TV One), Johnathan Rodgers (President & CEO of TV One), Michelle Rice (TV One), Mickey Carter (Senior Director, Time Warner Cable).

The Trumpet Awards gets in your blood and once you have attended you want to make it an annual part of your calendar. Those who have been honored do just that and the event has grown to a whole weekend, with an invitational only dinner reaching 2000. Honorees for 2007 were as outstanding as previous years. There was Toni Braxton, entertainment, De Dwight, the Arts, Michael Jordan, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, Gospel Giants, Justice Alan C. Page, Percy E. Sutton, Business Pinnacle Award, Tommie Smith and John Carlos 1968 Olympic Track Stars who won and in protest of the country's policies raised their black gloved fist in the air. The Living Legend Award was presented to Dionne Warwick. Prime Minister Denzil L. Douglas, of St. Kitts & Nevis for his global outreach and involvement received the Global Award. Clint Eastwood was presented for his Social Justice efforts, he has made it a point to include African Americans in every facet of his career. Nancy G. Brinker received the President's Award for her work in breast cancer. She is the founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Young Star Award went to Orok Duke who was recognized for his outstanding work in the field of Chemical Engineering. New this year is the new Usher Raymond Altruism Award was presented to Hill Harper, co-star on CSI-NY. Harper is an Ivy League educated actor, businessman, and author who has a passion to help young men. J. Terrence Lanni, Chairman of the Board for MGM Mirage was the recipient of the Chairman's Award. Black colleges are awarded annually. This year's winner was Dr. Melvin Johnson from Tennessee State University. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to music legend, Quincy Jones.

The Trumpet Awards will air March 17th on TVOne. Check local listings for time and channel.

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