Trumpet Awards founder elected Chairman of the Board
The Board of Directors of the Trumpet Awards Foundation voted and elected Xernona Clayton as Chairman of the Board. The new move makes her now the chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Clayton created the Trumpet Awards 22 years ago while an executive at Turner Broadcasting. Fourteen years after a successful run, Turner Broadcasting gave Ms. Clayton $5 million to operate independently and assisted her legally to set up a non-profit organization which resulted in the formation of the Trumpet Awards Foundation.
The foundation annually presents the Trumpet Awards, which portrays African American success stories. The awards program is nationally televised and is distributed to over 187 countries around the world. In addition to showcasing African American achievement, the Foundation has generated over $4 million dollars for student education and charitable projects.
A board member, Ms. Vivian Pickard, president, GM Foundation and director, corporate relations for the General Motors Company, in responding to the board officers’ change said, “The community respects Ms. Clayton and so do we. She has given great leadership to this project and many people have been inspired and uplifted by the quality and content of the annual awards presentations.” Ms. Pickard further stated, and board member Mr. Danny Bakewell, Sr., executive publisher, Los Angeles Sentinel concurred, “the Board appreciates the valuable service of the former chair, Mr. Harold Lewis.”
Ms. Clayton, a television pioneer, a civil rights icon, a community activist and a civic leader has dedicated her life to serving the needs of the community. She also created the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame, which is dedicated to honoring men and women who have significantly enriched the lives of many. The Walk is a permanent tribute to the contributions of the inductees. Last year, the city of Atlanta honored Ms. Clayton by naming a downtown street and a park for her.
