Rev. Al Sharpton.  (Courtesy photo)
Rev. Al Sharpton. (Courtesy photo)

TV One, the National Action Network (NAN) and Reverend Al Sharpton, are partnering to present the first televised airing of The Triumph Awards. The Triumph Awards, now in its 6th year, honors individuals who have made a positive impact in their community in addition to their professional contributions in their respective fields. The special will tape in Atlanta, GA and is scheduled to premiere on TV One exclusively Friday, October 10 2015 8PM/ET.

“TV One is proud to partner with National Action Network and Rev. Al Sharpton in bringing the Triumph Awards to television for the first time,” said Alfred Liggins, CEO, TV One. “The merit of the individuals honored along with the positive impact NAN has in society deserves the wider exposure television brings and TV One promises a star-studded evening of great performances and luminaries and even some laughs.”

“I can’t think of a better broadcast partner than TV One for the first televised airing of the Triumph Awards,” remarked Rev. Al Sharpton. “The network’s track record in delivering quality programming that entertains and illuminates as well as reflects the principles NAN and the Triumph Awards celebrate is second to none and we are excited about this next step in our Triumph Award movement.”

Honorees to date include Emmy® winning comedienne, actress, writer and voice over artist Wanda Sykes, Four-time Grammy® nominated R&B singer, songwriter, actor, author, producer, philanthropist Tyrese Gibson and Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External Relations for Intel Rosalind Hudnell. Additional honorees will be announced at a later date.

Wanda Sykes has been called “one of the funniest stand-up comics” by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America. Always an advocate for human and civil rights, Sykes was honored with a GLAAD award for promoting a good image of equal rights for gays and lesbians in 2010.

Tyrese Gibson is well known for his movie roles in the Fast and Furious film franchise, most recently in 2015’s Furious 7 and in Baby Boy. Upcoming movie credits include co-starring in Ride Along 2 and Fast & Furious 8 set for release in 2017. To the delight of his fans, Tyrese returned to his musical roots this summer with the release of his first solo album in nine years, Black Rose, which opened at Number 1 on Billboard’s album chart.

Rosalind Hudnell currently serves as Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education & External Relations for Intel Corporation. She is widely known for directing the implementation of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, a global award-winning program bringing leading-edge technology to underserved youth around the world.

The Triumph Awards are executive produced by Bart Phillips of Sunseeker Entertainment and Christina Norman of Gemini Entertainment. Janaye Ingram is Executive Director of National Action Network. Craig Henry is Executive in Charge of Production and D’Angela Proctor is Head of Original Programing and Production for TV One.