McDonald’s 365Black Awards Ceremony turned the Essence Fest 2015 spotlight on seven well-deserving community leaders that are making a difference 365 days a year.
Filmed for television broadcast in the Convention Center this afternoon, the ceremony was dedicated to the memory of philanthropist Albert Joyner, who became Alabama’s first African American restaurant franchisee when he opened his Mobile McDonald’s in 1972. Serving as hosts were Akeelah and The Bee actress Keke Palmer and E! News co-host Terrence Jenkins.
The show opened with a performance by B. o. B. followed by some words of wisdom from comedian Ron G. His witty observations on functional alcoholism, his “Bible thug” mother and her various euphemisms for “don’t you dare marry a white girl,” old southern black men who only speak in parables and riddles, and other hysterical realities kept the audience in stitches over the course of the afternoon.
“Black love matters,” says Trailblazer Honoree Jeff Johnson. Photo by Laura DeFazio.
Among the recognized philanthropists (the Humanitarian Honoree) this year was former New Orleans mayor Marc Morial. Currently the President and CEO of the National Urban League, Morial is an active voice in the struggle for housing, education, jobs, and voting rights equity and has been voted one of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans (Ebony Magazine).
In the Arts and Entertainment category, director, writer, and producer Ava DuVernay was recognized for her powerful, socially conscious films and her uncanny ability to get under the skin of a story in a way that is both compelling to the viewer and profoundly empathetic. Her recent film Selma (2014) centers on the 1965 voting rights campaign led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Pastor Marvin Sapp, an acclaimed gospel singer who uses his gift for song to spread the message of his religion, was this year’s Living Legend Honoree. Jonathan McReynolds sang a tribute song to him, followed by a gospel tribute featuring Shanice Wilson, Amber Riley, Smokie Norful, and Sevyn Streeter.
Aaron Johnson. Photo by Laura DeFazio
The Trailblazer Honoree was Jeff Johnson, a journalist whose mission is to tell the stories that are most difficult to face and most often overlooked. Carolyn Hunter was this year’s McDonald’s Owner/Operator Honoree. She owns three McDonald’s franchises in South Carolina and is actively involved in various charitable organizations and scholarship funds in her community.
Community Choice Youth Honorees Aaron Johnson and Tori Turner are living proof that you’re never too young to make a big difference. A frequent volunteer and service project coordinator, 16-year-old Turner established the D.R.E.A.M. Big Scholarship Foundation at only 12 years old to help deserving youth achieve their goals. 14-year-old Johnson is an award-winning filmmaker whose documentaries champion non-violence, speak out against bullying, and promote African American empowerment.
Additional musical performers included singer/pianist Avery Sunshine (leading a riveting R&B/set with a horn-heavy backing band) and singer Andra Day, who led a choir in a tribute to those that passed away this year. Audience members were given candles to participate in the moving moment. The curtain closed to dancehall king/rapper Assassin.
