At the Apollo Theater in Harlem, Rev. Al. Sharpton and National Action Network recognized a range of leaders that are influencing Black culture at the annual Triumph Awards. Honorees included leaders in civil rights and social justice, the arts, entertainment, education, business, and sports. Each recipient was honored for the positive impact they’ve made on society by utilizing their talents and resources to help change humanity in their respective fields. In their honor, Rev. Sharpton shared their personal stories with guests in the packed venue, of how the honorees are using their platforms to further the Black community’s social justice agenda.
The event was hosted by award-winning NY1 anchor and author Cheryl Wills with a performance by award-winning gospel singer-songwriter Le’Andria Johnson. The Greater Allen AME Cathedral Ensemble, Grace Baptist Church Choir, and the cast of “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life & Times of The Temptations” opened the night with their performance followed by the honorees which included: Naturi Naughton, award-winning actress, singer, and songwriter; Alicia Garza, co-founder of Black Lives Matter and a leading organizer, writer and the special projects director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance; Van Jones, a criminal justice leader who continuously sheds light on injustices through his work as CEO of REFORM Alliance and his CNN show “The Van Jones Show”; Ivy McGregor, a licensed ordained minister, author and CEO of Ivy Inc. & Social Responsibility/ BEYGOOD; Dominique Morisseau, an actress and playwright whose work reflects and highlights the lives of individuals and communities grappling with economic and social changes; and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, a businessman, philanthropist and one who dedicates his free time enhancing youths’ access to academic enrichment programs and recreation through his non-profit Mary’s Court named after his mother.