Written by | Ray Cornelius
Some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, music, politics, and sports were honored last night at Atlanta’s Legendary Awards. The black-tie affair took place at the Cobb Galleria and was hosted by “The People v. O.J. Simpson” star Cocoa Brown and comedian Rodney Perry.
Rhonda Wilkins with honoree Chanita Foster
The Legendary Awards honors and celebrates the careers of individuals who have made significant contributions within their industries and communities locally, nationally and internationally. It also serves as a fundraiser for the Legendary Health initiative which provides education, prevention, awareness, advocacy and improved access to care for Georgian residents lacking access to quality healthcare, pre-screening diagnosis and health screenings.
Honoree Tena Clark and guest
Awards were given out in categories such as arts, health and humanities and featured a who’s who list of honorees including philanthropist Chanita Foster, acclaimed songwriter and music producer Tena Clark, retired Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, noted Cancer surgeon Dr. April L. Speed, R&B supergroup and songwriters Full Force, iconic beauty and sports broadcaster Jayne Kennedy Overton, Olympic gold medalist Gwen Torrence, Grammy winning songwriter Darryl Simmons, and Berean Christian Church Pastor Dr. Kevin B. Lee.
KeKe Wyatt
Celebrity presenters and performers included former “R&B Diva” star Keke Wyatt, former “American Idol” contestant Ashton Jones, 90’s R&B trio The Rude Boys, vocalist Noel Gourdin, “From the Bottom Up” star Christine Beatty, singer Latrese Bush, singing sensation Black Girl, actress and first Black “Bond girl” Trina Parks and UK vocalist Katy Shotter.
Rhonda and John Wilkins with host Rodney Perry
The Legendary Awards was created in 2010 by Atlanta entrepreneur, philanthropist and former entertainment executive Rhonda Wilkins and her husband John Wilkins after spearheading a memorable 50th birthday celebration for NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.
Other notables spotted at the ceremony included “Hit the Floor” actress Valery Ortiz, 80s R&B singer Melisa Morgan, TV and film actress Reece Odum, comedian Michelle “MzWallStreet” Hodges, Emmy winning poet Hank Stewart, NY Times Bestselling Author Zane, celebrity life coach Akema Day, and media personality Mitch Faulkner.
Check out more photos from the award ceremony below:
Host Cocoa Brown and guest
Full Force’s Paul Anthony, B-Fine and BowLegged Lou with Trina Parks
Hank Stewart and Michelle “MzWallStreet” Hodges
Reece Odum and Rodney Perry
Melisa Morgan with Jayne Kennedy Overton
Valery Ortiz and guest with celebrity life coach Akema Day
R&B Trio – The Rude Boys
Chanita Foster is responsible for feeding over 1,000 children in Swaziland
Former track star turned cosmetologist Gwen Torrence accepting her award
Russel L. Honoré was the Commander for the Joint Task Force after Hurricane Katrina
Trina Parks presenting the award to her friend Jayne Kennedy Overton
Tena Clark has written R&B hits for Patti LaBelle, Natalie Cole, and Vesta Williams
Full Force are songwriters and appeared in the iconic “House Party” films
Ray Cornelius with Full Force/Photo Credit: Terrence Carter
Click here if you would like to donate to the Legendary Health Initiative.
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com