Brotherhood Crusade President Charisse Bremond is joined by Award-winning actor, writer, producer and philanthropist Cedric The Entertainer and Brotherhood Crusade Chairman Danny J. Bakewell, Sr. at the 46th annual Brotherhood Crusade awards dinner on Nov. 7 in Beverly Hills. (Photo by Valerie Goodloe for Sentinel)
The 46th Annual African American Achievement Awards recognized the comedian for his active commitment in the community
Black tuxedos and floor length gowns filled the Beverly Hilton Hotel ballroom on Friday, November 7th in honor of the Brotherhood Crusade’s 46th Annual Pioneer of African American Achievement Awards Gala.
The ballroom was dipped in deep-red fabrics, a black backdrop and dimmed accent lighting. The theme of the dinner was Harlem Renaissance jazz era. Hostesses dressed in red satin cigarette girl outfits handed out candied cigars, Cracker Jack’s popcorn and hand held fans to guest as they sipped their cocktails before and after the ceremony.
Fellow actors, musicians and politicians showed up to honor actor, comedian and television host Cedric the Entertainer for his years partnering up with Brotherhood Crusade in effort to help at-risk youth in South Los Angeles. Cedric also created The Kyle’s Family Foundation, which provides life and social skills development to young men and women throughout the city.
Hosted by Chris Schauble, co-anchor of KTLA 5 Morning News, and Pat Prescott, radio personality for 94.7 The Wave, the event started with an opening prayer by Rev. Carolyn Tyler Guidry and music from R&B singer Oya.
The gala featured a social media video wall, which displayed real time messages and photo postings from event guests on Facebook and Twitter using the hash tag #bhcgalaturnup2014.
During a special performance of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” dinner guest were encouraged to wave their white napkins in the air as a celebration to all of the achievements in the African American community.
Comedian/actor Cedric The Entertainer, his wife Lorna, and their children Croix and Lucky Rose (Photo by Valerie Goodloe)
Brotherhood Crusade Chairman and Executive Publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper, Danny Bakewell Sr. introduced the honoree for the evening explaining, “The Brotherhood Crusade is about a community doing something for itself because it believes it can. Cedric has taken that initiative and made it his own.”
A video of appreciation from Duane Martin, Wendy Raquel Robinson, George Lopez and Steve Harvey commemorated the involvement of Cedric in the community.
Cedric’s versatility in his career has deemed him very successful in television, live performances and in film. He has become one of the premier entertainers in the world and he uses that platform to accelerate his philanthropy.
Cedric The Entertainer (photo by Valerie Goodloe)
“If I never took the step to pursue comedy I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve down some pretty great things in my life, but taking that step for comedy was my biggest accomplishment,” Cedric said to the fully packed ballroom. “I took a chance with comedy and that setup a platform for me now. The spirit of feeling confidant about who I am motivates me to help young people.”
He surely used his comedic talents to keep the laughs going during his speak and really recognized the importance of balanced work with the Brotherhood Crusade.
“My charitable partnership with this top-notch organization is based on our mutual commitment to giving back. So, for me, it’s an incredible compliment and profound honor to be the recipient of their 2014 Pioneer of African American Achievement Award,” he said.
The some of the event’s guest included April Parker Jones “If Loving You is Wrong” (OWN), Duane Martin “Real Husbands of Hollywood” (BET), Obba Babatundé “Introducing Dorothy Dandrige “(HBO), Congresswoman Karen Bass, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, and Assembly member Isadore Hall III.
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Brian McKnight closed out the night with performances of hit songs, “Crazy Love” and “Anytime.”
Brian McKnight performs for the gala audience (photo by Valerie Goodloe)
