2016 Trumpet Awards Recap

CELEBRATED ACTORS, SINGERS, POLITICIANS & HUMANITARIANS ATTEND AT THE 24^th ANNUAL TRUMPET AWARDS

 NIA LONG & TERRENCE HOST MEMORABLE EVENING HONORING SALT-N-PEPA, NE-YO, GEORGE WALLACE, WILL PACKER &

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN OF THE US CONGRESS

TO AIR ON BOUNCE TV ON JANUARY 29^th AT 9:00 p.m.  

(Photo Credits: Frontpage Photography, JTR Photography, and SocialXposure LLC )

ATLANTA (January 27, 2015) – The Trumpet Awards Foundation and title sponsor American Family Insurance presented the 24^th Annual Trumpet Awards, celebrating and honoring history-making entertainment, humanitarian, political and philanthropic individuals. “The Best Man” and ABC sitcom “Uncle Buck” actress Nia Long and “Think Like A Man Too” and “The Perfect Match” star Terrence J hosted the black-tie ceremony, held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, January 23, 2016. The 24^th Annual Trumpet Awards will premiere on Bounce TV on Friday, January 29^th at 9:00 p.m. (ET).

Kicking-off the show was a crowd-pleasing special tribute to the GRAMMY® Award-winning iconic group Salt-N-Pepa, in celebration of their 30-year anniversary in hip-hop. The tribute included a special performance by Salt-N-Pepa, who took the stage to perform their smash hit “Push It,” as well as featured appearances by rappers MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and Monie Love.

Two extraordinary performances of the evening included a soul-stirring rendition of the Adele hit single “Hello” by GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer-songwriter Joe Thomas, as well as an emotionally riveting performance by R&B and jazz singer Andra Day, who sang “America the Beautiful,” prompting the audience to their feet, which she sang during a very special tribute to all 20 African American Women of the United States Congress who were honored with the prestigious “Political Leadership Award.” The women lined the stage one by one during the performance, and were honored in recognition of their unparalleled leadership, affecting change, and steadfast work in representing their constituents and promoting diversity.

One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the honoring of comedian and actor George Wallace with the “Legend Award.” Reminiscing on old times, sharing their fun memories and reflections were comedians Rodney Perry, Arnez J, Cory “Zooman” Miller, Jonathan Slocumb, and a very special appearance and tribute by Academy® Award-winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique. George Wallace accepted the honor, sharing a few jokes, which caused the audience to break out in tears of laughter.

Among the many well-deserved honors included GRAMMY® Award winning artist Ne-Yo presented with “The Visionary Award;” Television and film producer Will Packer received “The Entertainment Award;” Alicia Boler-Davis, Vice President of Global Connected Customer Experience for General Motors was presented with “Corporate Executive of the Year Award;” Dr. Curtis Ivery, Chancellor of Wayne Community College District in Michigan received “The Education Award;” Alexis M. Herman, Former Secretary of Labor and Chair & CEO of New Ventures was honored with “The Phoenix Award;” and HRH Princess Basmah Bint Saud, International Humanitarian was given the “The Global Humanitarian Award.”

Other stand-out performers, presenters and special guests who graced the stage at this year’s milestone show included &B singer-songwriters Vivian Green; Kelly Price; Joe; Raheem DeVaughn; gospel singer Deitrick Haddon; actors Regina Hall; Michael Ealy; Bryshere “Yazz” Gray; Clifton Powell; Christian Keys; R&B recording artist Al B. Sure and journalist Ed Gordon.

Closing out the night was a very special surprise honor to Trumpet Awards Foundation Founder & CEO Ms. Xernona Clayton.

The support of corporate sponsors was vital to helping make the production of the Trumpet Awards possible; presenting sponsor American Family Insurance, and other major corporate partners included:  FedEx, Delta Air Lines, Cadillac, Nordstrom, The Coca-Cola Company, Home Depot, Turner Construction and MGM. The red carpet was sponsored by Carnival Corporation.

For more information about past honorees, presenters, performers, and information about The Trumpet Awards Foundation, visit www.trumpetfoundation.org.