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Celebrities turned out in full force to celebrate this year’s annual 23rd Trumpet Awards.
The star-studded awards ceremony, which took place at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in metropolitan Atlanta on Jan 24, pays tribute to the accomplishments of African-Americans who’ve made significant achievements.
This year’s honorees included actor Jamie Foxx; singer Janelle Monae; designer Tommy Hilfiger; Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Lou Brock; R&B musical legends The Isley Brothers; Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold W. Donald and Morehouse School of Medicine President, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice.
Actor Jamie Foxx at the 23rd Trumpet Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in metropolitan Atlanta on Jan 24, 2015 (photo credit: Jerome Dorn)
The black-tie ceremony, which was hosted by four-time Boxing World Champion Laila Ali and NBC’s “Biggest Loser” host/trainer Dolvett Quince, included featured musical performances by Avery Sunshine, Chante Moore, Leela James and ConFunkShun.
“It’s not that I don’t experience fear but I understand fearlessness is more important,” said singer Janelle Monae during her acceptance speech. “It’s not that I don’t get tired but I realize standing up for those whose voices are often ignored has to come first. It’s not that I don’t get discouraged but I understand that working hard, being a champion for minorities and those marginalized across the world as well as opening up more doors for girls has to come first.”
Singer Janelle Monae at the 23rd Trumpet Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in metropolitan Atlanta on Jan 24, 2015 (photo credit: Jerome Dorn)
“It’s a great honor to be recognized at this year’s Trumpet Awards,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “To be recognized alongside so many talented individuals who have had a tremendous impact throughout their careers is incredibly special, and I am humbled to be named an honoree.”
Others luminaries who turned out were, Ambassador Andrew Young, Academy Award-nominated actress Quvenzhane Wallis, reality TV stars Claudia Jordon, Monyetta Shaw and Cynthia Bailey, TV One’s Roland Martin and actress Jasmine Burke.
Media personality and reality TV star Claudia Angela Jordan at the 23rd Trumpet Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in metropolitan Atlanta on Jan 24, 2015 (photo credit: Jerome Dorn)
The Trumpet Awards, founded by Xernona Clayton, were created to celebrate and honor African American achievers and those who support the African American experience. The annual event salutes accomplishments in law, medicine, business, politics, the arts, civil rights, sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment and other careers.
The star-studded awards will be aired February 21, 2015 on TV One.
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