Posts Tagged: awards and honors

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Time Names Simone Biles ‘2021 Athlete of the Year’

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Time magazine

Time magazine named Olympic gymnast Simone Biles its 2021 Athlete of the Year. The 24-year-old Houston native is the most accomplished American gymnast with a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals.

Time magazine announced the honor on Thursday, Dec. 9. Biles was recognized as an advocate for mental health and sexual abuse survivors.

ATP/WENN.com

Biles is one of the most decorated and recognized American gymnasts. She was a member of the gold medal-winning American teams at the 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Biles won individual gold medals in the all-around, vault, and floor.

At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, she won bronze on balance beam, as well as silver with the United States team. She dropped out after experiencing "the twisties," a temporary loss of mental awareness, on the balance beam.

In September, Biles went before Congress to testify that the feds and gymnastics officials ignored her complaints about team doctor Larry Nassar sexually abusing her and hundreds of other women.

ATP/WENN.com


 
READ ALSO: Gymnastics fans criticize Simone Biles for quitting after stumbling in Tokyo
 
Biles, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, was placed in foster care after her mother, Shanon Biles, was unable to care for her and her three siblings.

FayesVision/WENN.com

In 2000, Biles' maternal grandfather, Ron Biles, and his second wife, Nellie Cayetano Biles, adopted Biles and her sister, Adria, after learning they were in foster care.

Ron's sister, Shanon's aunt Harriet, adopted the two oldest children, Ashley, and Tevin.

Biles first tried gymnastics at age 6 during a day-care field trip. She chose homeschooling so she could focus on her gymnastics training.

Biles verbally committed to UCLA on August 4, 2014, but forfeited her scholarship after announcing she would turn professional in 2015.

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Rihanna Declared National Hero of Barbados, Queen Elizabeth II Removed as Head of State

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Rihanna was awarded the honor of Barbados National Hero on Tuesday, after the island nation ousted Queen Elizabeth II and declared itself an independent republic.

The pop singer was honored in her birthplace of Bridgetown, Barbados by Prime Minister Mia Mottley who referenced her 2012 song "Diamonds" during the ceremony.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, but an even prouder people, we therefore present to you the designee for national hero for Barbados, Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty," Prime Minister Mia Mottley said.

"May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation."

Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles (far right), attended the ceremony, as the Queen was unable to travel due to recent health issues.

He said slavery was an "appalling atrocity which forever stains our history."

Britain played a prominent role in enslaving Africans, many of whom were dropped off on the island nation on the way to North America.

On Tuesday the queen sent a congratulatory message to the country's new president, Sandra Mason (4th from right), who was sworn in at midnight.

"I first visited your beautiful country on the eve of independence in early 1966, and I am very pleased that my son is with you today," the British monarch said. She added that Barbadians had long "held a special place in my heart."

Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images

Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has held the title of Ambassador for Culture and Youth in Barbados since 2018. The island's residents continue to celebrate February 22 as "Rihanna Day."

The 33-year-old singer is semi-retired from music and focuses on growing her billion-dollar makeup and fashion empire.

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Girl, 9, fights man who robbed her mother (Video)

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West Palm Beach PD

A 9-year-old girl is being called a hero after she fought off a man who robbed her mom in a supermarket parking lot.

The incident happened outside Sabor Tropical Supermarket in West Palm Beach, Florida on November 2.

West Palm Beach police say Danielle Mobley and her daughter Journée Nelson were walking back to their car when a robber -- identified as 29-year-old Demetrius Jackson -- ran up and tackled Mobley to the ground.

Mobley struggled with Jackson who snatched her purse containing a Samsung phone, $40 in cash, several bank cards, a Coach wallet, her concealed carry permit and chewing gum.

While grown men stood nearby and did nothing, little Journée threw punches at Jackson's face then chased him as he fled with her mom's purse.

"She actually jumped up and chased him four houses down the block with me chasing her, calling her back," Mobley said during a news conference.

Surveillance video below shows the struggle between Mobley, Journée and the robber and the chase that ensued.

For her bravery, little Journée was honored by the West Palm Beach Police Department last week.

"I wouldn't recommend that you confront an individual like that," said West Palm Beach Police Chief Frank Adderley. "I bet he was shocked when she hit him right in his face... He was not expecting that. I think she hit him pretty hard."

Journée took photos with her parents during a tour of the West Palm Beach Police Department.

Watch the video below.
 

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Lizzo, Ciara honor Missy Elliott in tearful speeches at Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Lizzo (left) and Ciara Wilson (not pictured) gave emotional speeches in honor of their good and dear friend, music producer Missy Elliot (right) at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Monday, Nov. 8.

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Missy, 50, is a popular rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known for her hit singles, "Get Ur Freak On", "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)," "Lose Control", and "Work It."

She has produced hits for Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Destiny's Child, Ariane Grande, TLC, and more.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Lizzo tearfully told the well-heeled crowd that Missy inspired her to be the superstar she is today.

"I watched you my entire life and I saw a superstar in you, but I also saw myself and I'd never seen myself before," Lizzo told Missy. "You live so boldly and so beautifully and so unapologetically and so out loud. You have no idea what you have done for so many Black girls."

Nicky Nelson/WENN

Holding back tears, Lizzo continued:

"We don't deserve you. We don't deserve Missy Elliott and still you continue to give to us. You've given and given and given with your heart, your genius ... I want to thank you so much for helping me and my career ... thank you for making my dreams come true, Missy. You have no idea what you mean to all of us. We love you, we celebrate you, god bless you."

Missy's close pal, Ciara, also held back tears as she shared her love and respect for Missy. Musicians Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, Janelle Monae and LL Cool J sent video tributes to Missy.

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Ashanti and Maxwell to Be Honored at 2021 Soul Train Awards, Singer H.E.R. Leads Nominations

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WENN.com

On Tuesday, BET announced three-time GRAMMY® award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Maxwell will receive the Legend award at the 2021 Soul Train Awards.

Award-winning and multi-platinum singer/songwriter Ashanti will be the recipient of the Lady of Soul honor.

"It's an honor to be presented with the Legend award by a community that's been growing with me throughout my career," said Maxwell. “I'm so grateful to be sharing this moment with everyone and returning to the Apollo for an evening of excellence."

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"I'm honored to be recognized as this year's 'Lady of Soul' honoree," said Ashanti.

"This is a full circle moment for me because I received the 'Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year' Award at the Lady of Soul Awards in 2002. As we commemorate 50 years of Soul Train, I'm proud to be a part of this legacy and to return to the Apollo to celebrate."

 

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Singer/songwriter H.E.R. leads the 2021 Soul Train Awards nominations with eight nods.

The Oscar winner will compete with six-times nominated Jazmine Sullivan and WizKid for Best Song, Best Album and Video of the Year honors.

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Tichina Arnold (left) and Tisha Campbell (right) are co-hosting for a fourth consecutive year. The show will honor the 50th anniversary of Soul Train, which made its debut in October, 1971.

The Soul Train Awards will take place at the iconic Apollo theater in Harlem, New York on Saturday, November 20 and will air on Sunday, November 28 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

The complete list of nominees for the 2021 Soul Train Awards include:

Song of the Year:

Blxst feat. Ty Dolla $Ign & Tyga – Chosen

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak (Silk Sonic) – Leave the Door Open

H.E.R. – Damage

Jazmine Sullivan – Pick Up Your Feelings

Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence

Yung Bleu feat. Drake – You’re Mines Still

Album of the Year:

Blxst – No Love Lost

Doja Cat - Planet Her

Giveon - When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time

H.E.R. - Back of My Mind

Jazmine Sullivan - Heaux Tales

Wizkid - Made in Lagos

Video of the Year:

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak (Silk Sonic) – Leave the Door Open

Chris Brown, Young Thug feat. Future, Lil Durk, Latto – Go Crazy (Remix)

H.E.R. – Damage

Jazmine Sullivan – Pick Up Your Feelings

Normani feat. Cardi B – Wild Side

Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence

Best R&B/Soul Female Artist:

Alicia Keys

Doja Cat

H.E.R.

Jazmine Sullivan

Jhené Aiko

SZA

Best R&B/Soul Male Artist:

Blxst

Chris Brown

Giveon

Lucky Daye

Tank

Usher

Best Collaboration:

Chris Brown, Young Thug feat. Future, Lil Durk, Latto – Go Crazy (Remix)

Doja Cat feat. SZA – Kiss Me More

H.E.R. feat. Chris Brown – Come Through

Jazmine Sullivan feat. H.E.R. – Girl Like Me

Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence

Yung Bleu feat. Drake – You’re Mines Still

Best New Artist:

Blxst

Capella Grey

Morray

Tems

Tone Stith

Yung Bleu

Certified Soul Award:

Anthony Hamilton

Ashanti

Charlie Wilson

The Isley Brothers

Jam & Lewis

T-Pain

Best Dance Performance:

Chloe X Halle – Ungodly Hour

Chris Brown, Young Thug – City Girls

Lizzo Feat. Cardi B – Rumors

Normani Feat. Cardi B - Wild Side

Usher – Bad Habits

Best Gospel/Inspirational Award:

Brian Courtney Wilson

James Fortune

Kelly Price

Kirk Franklin

Maverick City Music

Tasha Cobbs Leonard

The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter's Award:

Can't Let It Show - written by: Kate Bush, Durrell Babbs (Tank)

Come Through - written by: Carl Mccormick, Chris Brown, H.E.R., Kelvin Wooten, Michael L. Williams Ii, Tiara Thomas (H.E.R. Feat. Chris Brown)

Damage - written by: Anthony Clemons Jr., Carl Mccormick, H.E.R., James Harris, Jeff Gitelman, Terry Lewis, Tiara Thomas (H.E.R.)

Essence - written by: Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Oniko Eddie Uzezi, Oniko Evawero, Richard Isong, Temilade Openiyi (Wizkid Feat. Tems)

Leave the Door Open - written by: Bruno Mars, Brandon Anderson, Dernst Emile Ii, Christopher Brody Brown (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic)

Pick Up Your Feelings - written by: Blue June, Chi, Audra Mae Butts, Jazmine Sullivan, Kyle Coleman, Michael Holmes (Jazmine Sullivan)

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Damon Dash Eager to Settle Longstanding Beef with Jay Z

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Damon Dash (left) is eager to sit down and talk man to man with Jay Z, after the rapper extended an olive branch to him during his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The two men were close friends when they co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with partner Kareem "Biggs" Burke back in 1995 and released Jay Z's album Reasonable Doubt in 1996. However, they fell out when they sold their remaining 50% stake in Roc-A-Fella Records to The Island Def Jam Music Group.

Jay Z, then CEO and President of Def Jam Recordings, retained Roc-A-Fella Records' masters and ousted his former partners Dash and Burke.

Things came to a head earlier this year when Dash decided to proceed with an auction to sell his share of Jay Z's album Reasonable Doubt, despite legal action from the rapper.

However, Jay Z, 51, spoke warmly about Dash, 50, at the Hall of Fame induction on Saturday, saying:

"Shout out to Dame. I know we don't see eye-to-eye, but I can never erase your accomplishments. And I appreciate you and I thank you for that... Thank you for our journey. Thank you. Thank you for your contribution to this journey."

Dash called Jay's message "beautiful" in an interview with the New York Post's Page Six.

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

"I'm glad he said it for the culture. We need to squash everything. So hopefully if that was an extended (olive branch) I'll spin one back," said Dame, pictured with Jay Z in 2004.

"I have no beef with (him) if (he has) no beef with me. Let's get the lawyers out of it then. Let's talk like men, but I definitely appreciate it.

"I would never want you to think that we have to go to the court to resolve anything. We can talk it out and the culture needs to see two strong black men working out a problem. Even if they worked together they can go their separate ways they can still be cool."

Despite their differences, Dash said he will always consider Jay Z a "brother".

"We should not be divided. We have accomplished too much to be beefing... There ain't no way I'm never gonna [not] consider [him] my brother — it's just that we don't see eye-to-eye."

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PICS: Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Ambassador Andrew J. Young Honored at NBAF’s Annual Benefit and Fundraiser

Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

Kevin "Coach K" Lee (right) and Ambassador Andrew J. Young were honored at National Black Arts Festival (NBAF)'s Annual Benefit and Horizon Award event on Saturday, Oct. 30.

NBAF hosted their 2021 Annual Benefit and Horizon Awards event in Atlanta, GA. Themed ASCEND, the NBAF honored Ambassador Andrew J. Young with the 2021 Luminary Award and Kevin "Coach K" Lee (Lil Baby, City Girls, Migos, Lil Yachty) of Quality Control Music with the 2021 Trailblazer Award.

Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

Both men have harnessed their artistic expression to capture the heart of NBAF's story and have contributed tremendously to uplifting emerging talent. The 2021 Horizon Award winners included Jamie Harris (visual art), Victor Jackson (music), and Nakia Stephens (film).

Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

This year, the awards event took place at the beautiful Guardian Works and was hosted by Lori Wilson of WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News and co-chaired by Beverly Ferguson, Sr. Director of Community Affairs at Georgia Pacific, Carolyn Young, Vice Chair of Andrew J. Young Foundation, and Henrietta Antoinin, Retired SVP of Atlanta Life Financial Group.

Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

The evening began with guests experiencing a silent auction and cocktail hour hosted by CIROC/Deleon. Immediately following, guests were moved to the main area for dinner and the evenings program.

Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

Lori Wilson welcomed guests and Executive Director Stephanie Owens and Board Chair Tracey Lloyd provided remarks before the award presentations by NBAF Artistic Director Tiffany Latrice and co-chairs, Beverly Ferguson and Henrietta Antoinin. Guests also enjoyed entertainment from Orchestra Noir, aerialist Christina Ward, the Mad Violinist Ashanti Floyd and Quinn and the Jukebox Band.

Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

Special guests in attendance included Camille Love (Executive Director, City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs), Derek J (Public Figure, Haircare Professional and TV Host) Natalie Hall (Vice Chair of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners at Fulton Country Government), Kwanza Hall (Former United States Representative), Khadijah Abdur-Rahman (Board of Commissioners of Fulton County), Zak Wallace (Local Green Atlanta), Curley Dossman (President of Georgia Pacific Foundation), Andrea Young (Executive Director, ACLU), Steve Skipper (Visual Artist), Chandra Stephens-Albright (Managing Director, True Colors Theatre), Wanda Rodwell (Director of Global Community Affairs, Coca-Cola), Charmaine Ward-Millner (Georgia Power, NBAF Advisory Board), September Grey (September Grey Gallery), and Blythe Robinson (Executive Director, Sheltering Arms)

Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

ABOUT NBAF:

Founded in Atlanta in 1987 by the Fulton County Arts Council under the guidance of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, NBAF is recognized as the oldest multidisciplinary arts organization in the United States focused exclusively on the arts and artists of African descent. NBAF realizes its mission through partnerships with cultural and educational organizations, governments, individuals, corporate and private funders – partnerships that enable us, in part, to create pathways for success in the arts and in society, especially for those in under-resourced communities with disadvantaged circumstances. The United States Congress honored NBAF as a national treasure in 2008, and in 2018 NBAF received the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities in Georgia.

Click here for more photos from the event.

Source: Press release

Photo Credit: Prince Williams, ATLPics.net

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Atlanta City Council Honors Lil Nas X with Proclamation for Lil Nas X Day

Prince Williams/Wireimage

Atlanta's own Lil Nas X returned home this week to celebrate his critically acclaimed album Montero.

Lil was X received special recognition by the Atlanta City Council that honored him by proclaiming October 20 as Lil Nas X Day.

LNX, who was born Montero Hill in Lithia Springs, Ga., was presented with the proclamation by Atlanta City councilman and mayoral candidate Antonio Brown for shaping the city and world with his "artistic influence and transformative music."

Prince Williams/Wireimage

BMI hosted an intimate dinner at The Gathering Spot prior to the event and presented Lil Nas X with two BMI R&B/Hip-Hop awards for his mega-hit "Old Town Road (Remix)" and the catchy single "Panini," a BMI Pop Award for "Old Town Road (Remix)" and a "Million-Air" certificate in recognition of "Old Town Road (Remix)" reaching over one million broadcast performances.

Prince Williams/Wireimage

Invited guests included Chloe Bailey, Kandi Burruss, Catherine Brewton (VP of Creative at BMI), Emil Wilbekin (Founder of Native Son), Shanti Das, Miss Lawrence, Mardrequs Harris of The Southern AIDS Coalition, and more.

Prince Williams/Wireimage

"This is amazing," said LNX, pictured with his father Robert Stafford.

"I would have not have imagined I would be here four years ago when I was in my sister's room on the floor. What else can I say? This is incredible, man. Life just keeps getting better."

Prince Williams/Wireimage

Lil Nas X will perform at State Farm Arena during opening night for the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 22. State Farm Arena was one of the first places to show hometown love while "Old Town Road" was just beginning to explode across the country.

Source: Press release

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PICS: Smokey Robinson and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds Honored at 25th Annual Keep Memory Alive Gala

Denise Truscello/Getty Images

Resorts World Las Vegas presented the 25th Annual Keep Memory Alive charitable gala to honor legendary musicians Smokey Robinson and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds on Saturday, Oct. 16, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Judy Eddy/WENN

The evening of friendship and philanthropy featured performances by Smokey, Babyface, Charlie Wilson, Bruno Mars, Jordin Sparks, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Demi Lovato, AJ McLean, Tori Kelly, Kenny Loggins, and more.

Invited guests dined on gourmet cuisine from celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and Bobby Flay. Flay recently announced he was leaving the Food Network after 27 years.

Denise Truscello/Getty Images

Bruno Mars, who introduced Babyface, came out to loud applause. "Sit down! Sit down! Please!" he told the well-heeled audience.

Bruno said he was stunned when Babyface told him he'd originally written his hit single "Every Time I Close My Eyes" for Luther Vandross.

"I said, 'You did what?' I am a songwriter, and I understand how hard it is to come up with these chords and make something that's magical, and I couldn't believe he would give it away."

Denise Truscello/Getty Images

Smoky Robinson, right, who recently recovered from Covid-19, was introduced by "Black-ish" actor Anthony Anderson, center.

Smokey said, "I cannot even begin to express how humbled I am to receive this award. I don't do what I do to get awards. I do it for the love of it."

Smokey performed his hits "Being With You," and "Tracks of My Tears." His friend Charlie Wilson joined him for a duet of "All My Love."

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Aretha Franklin Honored with Her Own Post Office in Detroit

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Aretha Franklin's hometown paid her the utmost R-E-S-P-E-C-T by naming a post office after her.

The name change was made possible by a bill signed into law by former President Donald Trump before he left office in January, NBC NY reports.

WENN.com

Members of Franklin's family joined postal and elected officials to celebrate the name change honoring the Queen of Soul, who is best known for her hits "Think," "I Say a Little Prayer" and "Respect."

The post office is located not far from a concert amphitheater on the Detroit River which is also named for Franklin. The former Fox Creek post office will forever be known as "Aretha Franklin Post Office Building."

"Her legacy lives on in her music, in her family. But we have added to that list of her legacy: A post office with her name on it," said U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, a longtime postal service worker.

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Columbia Records

Lawrence, who was also a friend of Franklin's, introduced the bill in Congress that was signed by President Trump.

The longtime Democrat said on Monday:

"Sometimes people wonder if Congress can come together. Congress can come together when it comes to standing up and recognizing this amazing person."

Franklin died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76 in her Detroit home.