Written by | Ray Cornelius
I had the pleasure of attending the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Annual Heritage Dinner Thursday evening. The fundraising gala recognized some of the biggest and most legendary names in theater, television and film, the visual arts and music and took place at the Thomas Murphy Ballroom at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta.
Claudette King (BB King’s daughter), Millie Jackson, and Shelia Raye Charles (Ray Charles daughter)
Hosted by actor and comedian, Chris Tucker and his fiancée Fox TV News Anchor Cynne’ Simpson, the dinner raised funds for the organization’s internship, youth symposium and scholarship programs and was attended by a who’s who of Georgia politicians. The GA Black Legislative Caucus is the largest in the nation and also has the largest student internship program.
Kenny Leon with Senator Gloria Butler and Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall
Honorees included Steve Allen, Andre Thompson, Brenda Sigletary and Gilbert Young, BRICK, Clifford “TI” Harris, Kenny Leon, Bohannan, Will Packer, Dottie Peoples, Otis Redding, Clarence Carter, S.O.S. Band and Millie Jackson. Iconic musicians Otis Redding, Ray Charles and James Brown, were given awards posthumously and was received by their families. Shelia Raye Charles, singer and daughter of Ray Charles, performed, a medley of her father’s famous tunes. R&B singer and actor Tony Terry also performed a single from his latest album and his classic hit, “When I’m With You.”
GLBC Chair Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler with Kenny Leon
“We appreciate the support from our corporate sponsors and community partners, we will continue to engage in activities that educate and provide scholarships; conduct research, development and training activities; and support, sponsor, underwrite, staff and administer nonpartisan, programs that protect the general welfare of Black people, other people of color and disadvantaged citizens of Georgia,,” said GLBC Chair Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler.
Check out photos from the VIP reception and the dinner below:
Honorees: BRICK with Dottie Peoples and Millie Jackson
Steve R. Allen artwork
Kasim Reed (Mayor of Atlanta)/Amanda Davis (Media personality) and Adrion Bell (public official)
Steve R. Allen artwork
Myrna White (Hartsfield-Jackson Airport) and Hank Steward (Poet)
Cynne’ Simpson and Chris Tucker
Rep. Billy Mitchell/Miranda Mack McKenzie (Atlanta Technical College)
Rev. Dr. Barbara King /Tony Terry with Shelia Raye Charles
And now for the awards…
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler with artist Brenda Singletary
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler with Gilbert Young and Andre Thompson
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler with Bohannon and Dottie Peoples
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Rep. “Able” Mable Thomas with BRICK
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler with Millie Jackson
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler with Dr.Yamma Brown and Deanna Brown-Thomas
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler with The S.O.S Band
Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler with Tony Terry
Tony Terry and Shelia Raye Charles performing
Will Packer accepting his award
Filmmakers Will Packer and Tim Story
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com