Cathy Hughes Urban One Founder and Chairwoman, will present the Third Annual “Urban One Tribute” on TV One Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 9p.m. ET/8C and simulcast for the first time on its sister network CLEO TV.
This year’s theme is “Women Leading the Change,” and the will recognize the myriad achievements of women leaders who are blazing trails and creating new pathways for others in their respective areas of expertise. The Urban One Honors class of 2021 honorees in business, media, health, and politics include:
Voting Rights Champion and New York bestselling author: Stacy Abrams
Abrams dedicated efforts through her organizations New Georgia Project and Fair Fight have helped to restructure the political landscape by garnering awareness for heightened voter suppression efforts, protecting the votes of underrepresented communities, and successfully executing a grassroots movement focused on turning out Georgia voters in record numbers.
Investigative Journalism Crusader: Nikole Hannah-Jones
Jones is reframing the national conversation by covering the impediments and contributions made by Black Americans. Through her 1619 Project, published in the New York Times Magazine, Hannah-Jones continues to push past the obstacle of reframing the country’s history by placing the lasting impact of slavery and contributions of Black Americans at the center of the national conversation and educational curriculum.
Health Equality Advocate: Dr. Ala Stanford
Dr. Stanford is Founder of The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, Dr. Ala Stanford, is a healthcare champion who answered the call to eliminate institutional barriers preventing healthcare to those in her community. She is a staunch advocate for healthcare equality. Her work to mobilize the Black community and help it understand the need and urgency to vaccinate against Covid-19 reaches beyond the U.S. to Haiti, which has not yet begun to vaccinate its population.
Business Alchemist -CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance: Rosalind Brewer
Brewer is the third African American female executive selected to lead a Fortune 500 company. She has successfully broken the “glass ceiling” to blaze trails in corporate America at companies like Starbucks and Sam’s Club. Brewer is a distinguished and experienced executive who has led organizations globally through periods of changing consumer behavior by applying innovation that elevates customer experiences – ultimately driving significant and sustainable growth and value creation.
Family Needs Ambassador, President and CEO of Martha’s Table: Kim R. Ford
Ford leads the organization in its mission to support strong children, strong families, and strong communities in Washington D.C. Ford previously served in the Obama Administration’s Recovery Implementation Office, where she helped lead efforts to implement the $350 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to ignite the economy.
Reparations Ambassador: Robin Rue Simmons
Rue Simmons as a civic entrepreneur and alderman of Evanston’s 5th Ward, is working to break down systemic racism and barriers that hold the Black community back. Rue Simmons brought to the table the item “A Resolution Establishing a City of Evanston Funding Source Devoted to Local Reparation.” Its central provision diverts tax revenue from cannabis sales for local reparations. Her nimble political maneuvering and effort to get people to rethink what reparations mean can serve as a lesson on how to succeed in the long fight for reparations.
Urban One Honors will also pay a special homage to the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, the boundary-breaking, all-female jazz band. Helen Jones Woods, the mother of Urban One Founder, Cathy Hughes, was a founding member of the group. The Sweethearts band comprised 18 ethnically diverse members who overcame discrimination, racism, and sexism to become symbols of success in the face of adversity.
In commemoration of Urban One Honors, Radio One will promote its “Hometown Sheroes” initiative, honoring women of distinction in all 13 of its urban markets.
CONGRATULATIONS and a big THANK YOU to these phenomenal pioneering women for the great work and positive impact they are making.
Watch the “Urban One Honors” teaser trailer Here and be sure to tune in on May 16, TV One. 9pm/ET 8C