 |
Press Releases
Attorney Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Esq. and Radio One Chairperson Catherine L.
Hughes Honored With 17th Annual Black History Makers Awards;
NEW YORK, February 5, 2003 -- Attorney and civil rights activist Johnnie
L. Cochran, Jr. Esq. and Catherine Hughes, founder and chairperson
of Radio One and the first African American woman to lead a publicly listed company,
were the recipients of the 17th Annual Black History Makers Awards for
outstanding achievement, presented by Associated Black Charities at its
annual black-tie gala dinner event held on February 5, 2003, at the Marriott Marquis
Hotel in New York. 17th Annual Black History Makers Awards The organization's Annual Black History Makers Awards pays tribute to and honors extraordinarily outstanding African Americans and persons of African descent whose exemplary character, professional achievements and personal service to both the African American and world communities have made an enduring imprint and are a model for emulation by young African Americans. Catherine L. Hughes of Radio One is the first African American woman to head a firm that is publicly traded on a U.S. stock exchange, as well as preside over the first woman-owned radio station to rank #1 in any major market. In mid-January, Radio One announced it had entered a joint venture agreement with Comcast to start a new cable network addressing African American interests. Ms. Hughes was given the Black History Makers Award in the name of Jesse B. Blayton, the first African American to purchase and operate a radio station in the U.S. Antonio "L.A" Reid, president of Arista Records, presented her award. Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Esq., America's most recognized lawyer and best-selling author of the books "Journey to Justice" and "A Lawyer's Life," received his Black History Makers Award in the name of former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. In 1995, Mr. Cochran was named "America's Trial Lawyer of the Year" by the National Law Journal and picked as one of the "Headliners of the Year" by Time magazine. While well known for handling high-profile legal cases, Mr. Cochran says his true measure of accomplishment lays in his success in fighting for the legal rights of African Americans. Elaine Jones, president and director general of the NAACP Legal Department, made the presentation to Mr. Cochran. In receiving the annual award, Ms. Hughes and Mr. Cochran join such notable past honorees as United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, General Colin L. Powell, Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Maya Angelou, Ed Bradley, Suzanne de Passe, Arthur Ashe and others. Willie E. Gary named first recipient of William H. and Camille O. Cosby Philanthropic Award The dinner also marked the presentation of the Associated Black Charities' first-ever William H. and Camille O. Cosby Philanthropic Award to Willie E. Gary, noted attorney, chairman/CEO of Major Broadcasting Cable Network and founder of the Gary Foundation, for his extraordinary support of education and health programs. This new award recognizes philanthropic participation by an African America,
or in selected cases a non-African American, who most exemplifies the Cosby's
philosophy of philanthropy to improve education and health and human services
for less fortunate African Americans. The William H. and Camille O. Cosby Philanthropic
Award has been established to highlight the need for financially capable African
Americans to supplement their traditional giving to religious organizations with
planned, endowment and other forms of tax-advantageous giving. "New Visions for Youth" Theme for the evening was "New Visions for Youth," reflecting Associated Black Charities' commitment to helping underprivileged African American and Hispanic children throughout the city's five boroughs to lead productive lives. "It's a great honor to be involved in this important event," said Kaess. "The future of New York rests in the hands, hearts and minds of our children, yet so many of them face perils every day. Only by improving the educational, health and human services system can we help to insure a better future for our children, our society and the world at large. The work of Associated Black Charities and its member organizations provides children with the tools and the hope to make that future a reality." "All three of our 2003 honorees embody the essence of our 'New Vision
for Youth" theme," said Rayton Gerald, chairman of the board
of directors of Associated Black Charities. "They overcame adversity and
rose through the ranks of their respective fields as a result of their unwavering
dedication and hard work. Throughout their struggle and despite their success,
they always maintained concern for those less fortunate. In their own individual
ways, Catherine Hughes, Johnnie Cochran and Willie Gary serve as an inspiration
to today's children because they are proof that even the highest goals in life
can be achieved." ....................................................................................................... About Associated Black Charities Associated Black Charities' (http://assocblackcharities.org) mission is to promote the delivery of quality health and human services" to New York's African American community. Founded 21 years ago, ABC is a federation of 26 community-based health and human service agencies that serve more than 175,000 clients annually. The primary purpose and task of the organization is fundraising on behalf of
its member agencies. In addition to financial assistance, ABC secures management
and technical assistance for its members. The organization also assists member
agencies to educate and promote constructive dialogue among public and corporate
officials and the community at large through organizing and convening seminars
and conferences, publication of treaties, and other forums about health and human
service issues affecting the community.
|
 |
|
|
|||
