Jamile Karout
The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network held their 5th annual action awards Monday night (February 25th) in New York City.
This years Action Awards recipients included Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Doug E. Fresh, Chris Lighty, Jim Jones and Mellody Hobson, who were honored for their dedication and commitment to community service and empowerment.
The music was provided by legendary DJ D Nice. "HSAN holds the Action Awards to celebrate the importance of people taking action to give back to our communities.
Snoop, Ciara, Doug E., Chris, Jim, and Mellody represent the best of Hip-Hop and all have uniquely and effectively given back their time, money and energy to help improve the quality of life of all people," said chairman of the Hip-Hip Summit Action Network Russell Simmons.
Simmon was unable to attend this years Action Awards, due to his obligation in Arkansas as a member of the board at Wal-Mart.
Jim Jones was selected for his involvement as an advocate of the Entertainer 4 Education Alliance, HIV Awareness, and a sponsor of the Achieve Your Dreams Poetry Contest and other community events dedicated to the educational advancement of NYC students.
"Where I'm from, the hood, your supposed to give back its called karma," Jones said.
Snoop was honored for his founding of the Snoop Youth Football League in Los Angeles, where he gives back to hundreds of at risk and underprivileged boys.
"If I'm going to be a legend like I say I am I'm going to start by making a change and this award is helping me make a change," Snoop said during a crowd moving acceptance speech.
Doug E. Fresh took a moment to honor the Hip-Hop Pioneers who have also given back, before giving everybody a beat box message.
"It's important to give back to the foundation… where Hip-Hop artists are is nothing but a reflection of what's going on in our community."
He received the action award for his commitment to teaching financial independence through investing and entrepreneurship.
Chris Lighty sits on the board of 50 Cent's G-Unity foundation, a non-profit focused on improving the quality of life in underprivileged communities.
Businesswoman Melody Hobson was also honored for devoting her time to teaching financial literacy to students South Side Chicago students.
Past years Action Awards honorees have included, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation, Kanye West, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Nelly, Destiny's Child, and Jermaine Dupri.
"Taking back responsibility' is HSAN's motto. We are pleased to pay special tribute to those who are making a responsible and positive difference," said Hip-Hop Summit Action Network President Dr. Ben Chavis.