Photo by Robin Lori
Comedian/actor/music artist Jamie Foxx, singer Janelle Monae, legendary R&B group The Isley Brothers, and designer Tommy Hilfiger were among the honorees awarded at the 23rd annual Trumpet Awards. The event was held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and will be aired Feb. 21 on TV One. Founded by Xernona Clayton to celebrate and honor African-American achievers and those who support the African-American experience, the annual Trumpet Awards event salutes accomplishments in law, medicine, business, politics, the arts, civil rights, sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment and other fields.
Photo by HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
Honorees also included MLB Hall of Famer Lou Brock, Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold W. Donald, PVH Foundation President Guy Vickers, Morehouse School of Medicine President Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice and Sunshine Holdings Chairman Franklyn R. Wilson. Luminaries, such as former Atlanta Mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young and his wife Carolyn Young, boutique owner Monyetta Shaw, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast members Cynthia Bailey and her husband Peter Thomas and singer-actress Jasmine Burke, walked the red carpet.
The evening was hosted by the lovely four-time boxing world champion Laila Ali and “The Biggest Loser” trainer Dolvett Quince. Honoree presenters included Lou Gossett Jr., Roland Martin, Quvenzhane Wallis, Egypt Sherrod, Cathy Hughes, Naturi Naughton and Laz Alonso. The Trumpet Awards featured musical performances by Avery Sunshine, Chante Moore, Leela James, ConFunkShun, The Bar-Kays, former “American Idol” champ Ruben Studdard and Debora Cox.
Xernona Clayton stated, “We’re going to keep inspiring. We’re going to keep educating. We’ve got to keep fueling the fire with the burning desire to do better.”