Urban League of Greater Atlanta honors Toni Braxton at EOD Dinner [PHOTOS]

Written by | Ray Cornelius

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) presented its 53rd Annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner Saturday night honoring seven dynamic women including Grammy-winning music diva, Toni Braxton. The invite only affair was held at the beautiful Atlanta Marriott Marquis and was hosted by popular WXIA news anchor, Demarco Morgan. The fundraising gala serves to honor supporters and individuals who share the same commitment to equal opportunity and justice that the Urban League has promoted over the decades.  Toni picked up the Woman of Empowerment Award not only for her outstanding achievements in music but also for her support of Autism Speaks, The American Heart Association and Lupus Foundation.

Adrienne Green, Pat Lottier, Victoria Williams Jenkins, Toni Braxton,
Alicia Philipp, Patrise Perkins-Hooker, Jocelyn Dorsey

This year’s other recipients included Victoria Jenkins (ULGA Guild Award) and Adrienne Green (ULGA Young Professionals Award); Publisher & CEO of Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, Pat Lottier (Entrepreneurship Award);VP & General Counsel for Atlanta Beltline, Patrise Perkins-Hooker (Economic and Civic Development Award); President of Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Alicia Philipp (Community Philanthropy Award); and WSB TV’s Jocelyn Dorsey (Community Advocate Award).

Presenters throughout the evening included a bevy of Atlanta luminaries including Event Co-Chairs Nick Nelson and Carl Tims, Dr. DeRetta Cole, Myrna Reeves, Dr. Jabari Simama, Pam Cross, Deborah Thomas, Rev. Marion Salior and Commissioner John Eaves.

Dr. Jabari Simama with Nancy Flake Johnson and Tamar Braxton

Celebrating with Toni were her other famous siblings Trina Braxton, Towanda Braxton with her family and Tamar Braxton, who was escorted by her husband, Vincent Herbert. Family matriarch, Evelyn Braxton was also in attendance and received kudos from Toni, who she credited as her as a source of empowerment and inspiration. Noticeably absent from the Braxton table was sister,Traci Braxton and family patriarch, Michael Conrad Braxton.

Musical entertainment was provided by The Ike Harris Group and renowned Jazz saxophonist, Mike Phillips, who opened and closed the program.  Newly crowned “America’s Next Top Model” winner, Keith Carlos was also in attendance.

Check out the photos below:

Auction items included signed memorabilia from Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Tina Turner & Beyoncé

Renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips/Toni Braxton w/Lupus Foundation of America’s Maria Myler

Toni Braxton with Urban League of Greater Atlanta President & CEO Nancy Flake Johnson

Demarco Morgan hosted the event

Honoree Pat Lottier with Cassius Butts, Reg. Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Ray Cornelius with ANTM Winner Keith Carlos

Toni Braxton with Co-Chairs  Nick Nelson, Carl Tims, Charmaine Ward and Board Member

Trina Braxton smiles for the camera

Tamar Braxton and Evelyn Braxton talking to Nancy Flake Johnson

Toni Braxton taking a selfie with Atlanta media icon M. Alexis Scott and guest

 

Ray Cornelius with Mike Phillips

Mike Phillips with Toni Braxton

Ray Cornelius with Nancy Flake Johnson

Mike Phillips wowed the crown with is Smooth Jazz and R&B sounds

Photo Credits: Megan Alodie for RayCornelius.com