Visualizing The Dream, Executing The Journey: Urban One Honors Black Excellence

           Struggle, pain, and poverty are some terms inner city youth face at an early stage in life. The majority of Black children in America are born into difficult situations. The catalyst to the bulk of these problems they inherit stems from the lack of sufficient income. Another key factor is broken homes, as a high percentage of Black children are raised by a single parent. Almost half of the children born into poverty are persistently poor. Staying persistently poor equates to living in an environment that exudes negativity.

           In the scenarios previously mentioned, the Black youth faces adversity on a consistent basis. They don’t have the luxuries of living in the biggest houses, riding in a fancy car, having access to the best education, or traveling for summer vacations. In some cases, it may be challenging to eat three square meals per day. If you grow up privileged or if you grow up struggling, one luxury you both share is the right to have a dream- the dream to grow up and sustain a successful career as a professional, the dream to be rich and famous, the dream of being the positive light for your community. On this fabulous December night at The Anthem in Washington D.C., Urban One Honors showed appreciation to an elite group of Black people who made their dreams become a reality.

           Presented by MGM National Harbor and Radio One’s Washington D.C. radio stations, the inaugural Urban One Honors placed a spotlight on Black star power and honored individuals that have made extraordinary contributions in business, education, technology, social activism, community service, and entertainment. The host of the event, D.L. Hughley kicked things off with his entertaining brand of comedy which consist of current events and real life situations. Hughley placed his imprint on the event throughout the night delivering his astute and politically savvy style of comedy.

           Urban One founder Cathy Hughes spoke on how the Urban One Honors Awards was created to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of people who represent Black excellence. She also made reference to how proud she was of Tom Joyner, the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Hughes concluded her segment by acknowledging her executive team for their efforts in organizing the event. “We pride ourselves on making all endeavors a family affair because we are family,” Hughes said.

           With the celebration taking place in Washington D.C., it seemed fitting for the DMV area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) to have representation. Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby both served as presenters. Mayor Pugh presented the Media Personality Of The Year Award to Baltimore native, journalist and author April Ryan. Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby presented the Education Maven Award to Dr. Nadia Lopez. Former Washington Redskin football player Fred Smoot presented Sports Commentator Doc Walker with the Sports Legend Award. Doc Walker also played football for the Washington Redskins. He was part of the Redskins football team who won the Super Bowl in 1982.

           The award show included several music performances. Elle Varner kicked things off by performing her hit “Refill” and new single “Loving U Blind.” Donnie Simpson introduced Avery Sunshine as she electrified the crowd with a musical tribute to Aretha Franklin. She performed multiple Aretha classics such as “Daydreaming” and “Jump To It”. Armed with red roses, Johnny Gill treated the ladies to his classic hit “My, My, My”.        

            K-Ci of Jodeci did a special dedication to the late Kim Porter as he performed “Forever My Lady.” The timeless Jodeci song was written by Al B. Sure. At that time, his pregnant girlfriend Kim Porter was his inspiration for writing the song. A touch of spirit hit the auditorium as Pastor and Gospel singer Marvin Sapp displayed his powerful vocals as he performed “Never Would Have Made It,” and “The Best In Me”.   

           Dr. Michael Eric Dyson presented the Global Ambassador Award to activist and father of Trayvon Martin. Tracy Martin felt honored to receive the award. He felt it’s an award with a purpose, but the mission is still incomplete. “Two thousand four hundred seventy-nine days ago, an injustice occurred across the country, and it’s still going on til this day,” Martin said. In addition to performing, Marvin Sapp was awarded the Inspirational Impact Award. Jamar Sapp, Marvin’s son was his presenter. Marvin shared his story about losing his wife. “After my wife passed my daughter was getting dressed to go to school. I told her she doesn’t have to go to school this soon. She in return told me mommy would want us to keep it moving,” Sapp said.

          Traci Braxton presented the Generation Next Award to Rotimi, one of the stars of the hit show Power. He articulated how when he was a student in college at Northwestern he dreamed of this moment. L.A. Reid presented Roc Nation President Benny Pough with Record Executive of the Year Award.   

            Ray J displayed excitement and pride as he presented his sister Brandy with the Cathy Hughes Excellence Award. “She is the first Black Cinderella, the first Black singer to be the face of Cover Girl, sold millions of records, and she was Moesha on the hit television show,” Ray J stated. As she received her award Brandy gave all the praise to her family, friends, fans, and Cathy Hughes. “I just want to say Cathy Hughes is the epitome of Black Girls Rock,”  Brandy said.

           D.L. Hughley made reference on multiple occasions about checking on Tom Joyner because he’s known to drift off. Well finally it was Tom Joyner’s time to shine as he collected the Lifetime Achievement Award. He spoke about his humble beginning in Tuskegee, Alabama. He shared his motivation to get into the radio business was due to the fact in Tuskegee they had one radio station, and they didn’t play R&B music. “The radio station we had didn’t play Aretha, or The Temptations,” Tom Joyner emphasized. In addition to receiving his award, Tom Joyner was treated to a special step routine by members of his fraternity Omega Psi Phi. 

            Presented by the Brat and Bryan Michael Cox, Jermaine “JD” Dupri collected the Living Legend Award. Prior to his speech, a collection of Dupri’s greatest hits he wrote, performed, and produced were played. DJ Nabs did a mix of hits which included Mariah Carey, Usher, Da Brat, Kriss Kross, Bow Wow, and Xscape. “Receiving the Living Legend Award makes me feel old. Lot of people didn’t know I was involved with all those hit songs, but they gonna learn today,” Dupri said.  

           Other award winners included June Ambrose, DJ Khaled, Jade Novah, Shaun King, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who was presented by Roland Martin. The night air was filled with success and Black excellence. All the award winners touched on the same blueprint in reference to having a humble beginning and realizing it’s not where you start, it’s all about where you finish. They all spoke on the fact of the key to completing a successful journey is hard work, dedication, and most important of them all believing in yourself. 

 

Photos provided by Urban One Honors.