The 19th Annual Honoring Unsung Fathers (H.U.F.) Awards was held virtually, but that didn’t decrease the level of excitement and entertainment offered by the Mablean Ephriam Foundation (MEF).
The inspiring event recognized dedicated, though often overlooked, dads and saluted intelligent and focused college-bound students. Also, top-notch celebrities appeared to applaud the achievements of the honorees and the young people.
“The H.U.F. Awards were created to honor those fathers who go about their day caring for and nurturing their families, but are often unnoticed,” explained Judge Mablean Ephraim, the event creator and producer.
“Society tends to paint a broad, negative image of Black fathers, but this event is designed to dispel that myth that Black men are ‘deadbeat dads’ and ‘no-good men.’ Each of our honorees shows us the best of men. They are hard working, take care of their wives and children, and have learned to balance career and family and they do it well,” she insisted.
“Also, this is an event with a purpose. The Mablean Ephriam Foundation is on a mission to educate minds and empower our citizens, thereby creating better communities,” said Ephriam, who added that MEF’s scholarship and mentoring programs are supported by funds raised through the H.U.F. Awards
Entertainer and comedian Michael Colyar, the show’s host, opened the program with an enthusiastic greeting. “I’m glad, glad, glad to be here. I’ve been involved with at least 15 of this shows,” he shouted as he wore a variety of hats and delivered a running commentary of jokes throughout the event.
Vocalist Freddy Jackson, who served as honorary chairman, applauded the foundation’s SAT, prep and STEM programs, which have aided many students in the greater L.A. Area. He also acknowledged the support of the sponsors including Mae Stewart, Judge Anita Caruthers, Dr. Chaundra Jones, Lonnie Bronny, Willie Ward, Donna Goodell and Goodell Productions, Byron Reed and United Parcel Service. “To all of you who joined us today, may your lives continue to thrive and be blessed,” Jackson said.
“I told you,” Colyar joked after Jackson’s remarks, “Freddy Jackson is the 100-grand man. A lot of babies came into the world because of the smooth sound he was laying down!” Colyar gave equal kudos to musician Michael Phillips, who gave a soulful and creative saxophone rendition of Earth, Wind and Fire’s classic, “Can’t Hide Love.”
M.C. Lyte, a trailblazing hip-hop artist, presented awards to five H.U.F. honorees. They were Jason Edwards, an educator in New Jersey school system, who received the Solo Warrior Award. The Love Cares Award went to Larry Fuller, a caregiver, mentor and sales executive. The Village Dad Award honoree was Eddie C. Connor, who served 24 years in the U.S. Navy and teaches government and economics in the Inglewood Unified School District.
The Fatherhood Forever Award, which recognizes divorced fathers who maintain a viable presence in their children’s life, was presented to Kerry Ephriam. Cleveland Johnson, who was married for 55 years, served decades in the U.S. Air Force and is a member of the Moreno Valley School Board, was the Living Legacy Award recipient.
Actress Renee Lawless announced the scholarship recipients, who are all graduates of Thomas Jefferson High School where MEF focused its mentoring efforts over the past school year. Jeni Ortega-Leon, who will attend UCLA this fall, received the nursing scholarship. The other recipients were Marilyn T. Figueroa, enrolled at UC Irvine; and Yahir Flores, bound for UC Santa Barbara.
Four college students received scholarships to assist them in continuing their education. Sydney Stephens, a sophomore at Arizona State University; and Jasmin Melgar, a student at UC Mercer, were the recipients of the Returning Scholar Award. Also, Miriam Cannell and Debri Henderson received scholarships funded by the Bernice Jones Family Foundation.
CIT/One West Bank executive Byron Reed, who is also a MEF board member, presented additional college scholarships to Nailah Robinson, Jacob C. Scanton-Belgarde Mackenzie D. Davis, Asa E. Devers, Kyren Kennedy, Jalen Scott, Gary White and Ramon Flowers.
Vanessa Bell Calloway bestowed the Board of Directors Award upon the Right Rev. J. Drew Sheard, the newly elected presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. His wife, Karen Clark Sheard of the renowned Clark Sisters, followed the presentation by singing, “We Are Not Ashamed of the Gospel.”
Actress and comedienne Tiffany Haddish presented the Founders Award to Byron Allen, CEO of Entertainment Studios, a global media production and distribution company.
In her concluding remarks, Judge Mablean said, “I hope you walk away today ready to nominate a father for one of these awards next year.” She added that the MEF awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships this year, “recognizing that the financial needs of our children in college are substantial.”
To learn more or to donate, visit mableanephriamfoundation.net.
