Thursday, November 9, Los Angeles’ most influential African Americans joined together at the California African American Museum (CAAM) for the 2017 Vanguard Awards.
The event presented by National Action Network founder Reverend Al Sharpton in partnership with Lord, Bush & Randolph, LLC, recognized African American’s who have helped to make a great impact on the City of the Angels and its surrounding communities.
The 2017 Vanguard honorees were recognized under three categories: The first being “Extraordinary Leaders”; men and women who exhibit outstanding leadership, influence and service. The Under 40”,category highlighted individuals under the age of 40, who are making an impact in their community; the “Movers and Shakers” category galvanize leaders who ignite change and positively influence change throughout the Black community.
This year’s honorees included Judge Greg Mathis, recipient of the Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award, 35th District Senator Steve Bradford, Mervyn R. Dynally Award of Excellence, Pastor Kelvin Sauls, Holman United Methodist Church, and also the recipient of the Al Sharpton Social Justice Award; Wendy Dean, Wendy Gladney Enterprises, Harold E. Hambrick Entrepreneur Award, Dr. Soraya Coley, president, Cal Poly-Pomona, the Dr. George McKenna Excellence in Education Award, Celeste Alleyne, director, Corporate Citizenship, Microsoft, the Corporate Citizenship Award, Clifton Moseley, chairman, NSN LA and Faye Moseley, exec. deputy director of admin access, LA, the LA’s Power Couple Award and Khloe Thompson, Khloe Kares, the Junior Social Justice Award.
To kick-off the evening, honoree and KJLH 102.3 Radio Free Program Director Aundrae Russell co-hosted the event.
Some of the evening’s highlights include, Judge Mathis’ keynote speech, where he touched on service as the key to progress and promotion and Dr. Coley’s speech which touched on the importance of perseverance.
Other honorees, including Dean and Thompson, gave inspiring speeches when they took the floor to discuss the importance of working together and making a difference.
All honorees will be featured in the 2017 Most Influential African Americans Los Angeles edition souvenir magazine.
