The Reverend Al Sharpton took center stage last night to award a host of honorees for their contributions to African-American excellence.
This year’s award ceremony—held at Jazz at Lincoln Center—paid homage to key figures in both the entertainment and corporate sectors that included Emmy & Tony Award-Winning Actor, Jeffrey Wright, Academy Award Nominee, Terrence Howard, President, Combs Enterprises, Dia Simms, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Starbucks, Rosalind Brewer, Managing Partner, Tacopina & Seigel, Joe Tacopina, and Head of Multicultural Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, AT&T & President, Essence Communication & People en Español, Tanya Lombard & Michelle Ebanks.
The event marked the 9th annual celebration of the contributions and advocacy for social justice in America and abroad.
The event opened with a performance by the Greater Allen Cathedral Music Ministry, who ended the evening with a tribute to the late soultress, Aretha Franklin.
The Reverend Sharpton did not focus on politics during the event, but centered the attention on tributes to NAN supporters and staff as well as to the honorees.
“The Triumph Awards are a yearly opportunity to recognize and celebrate high-profile figures that are both successful leaders in their fields as well as staunch advocates for equality and justice. These are people who can be celebrated, lifted up, and ultimately emulated in their work,” Sharpton said in a press release.
