Written by | Ray Cornelius
Bravo to Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon and his True Colors Theatre Company. They recently honored some of the biggest names in the arts, culture and entertainment as part of their annual Applauds Awards Brunch.
Ray Cornelius with honorees – Camille Russell Love and Pearl Cleage
The spring fundraising event is the culmination of the company’s 16th anniversary and a celebration of their year long accomplishments. The awards ceremony was attended by a good number of the company’s high profile supporters ranging from arts and cultural enthusiasts to corporate leaders and philanthropic giants.
The afternoon took place at the swanky InterContinental Hotel in the Buckhead district of Atlanta and featured awards presentations to the innovative Georgia Justice Project; beloved author and playwright Pearl Cleage; global powerhouse Warner Media (formerly Turner); Atlanta Cultural Affairs Executive Director Camille R. Love; and Tony Award-Winning actress of stage, television and screen Phylicia Rashad. Each honoree received an award that is based on the pillars of the True Colors Theatre Company: Boldness, Laughter, Abundance and Respect. Ms. Rashad received the coveted Jane Bishop National Theatre Award, that is named after the company’s late co-founder Jane Bishop.
The event also served as the official installation of Jamil Jude as the Company’s new Artistic Director along with riveting performances from the winner and runner-up of this year’s August Wilson Monologue Competition.
Make sure you tune into this weekend’s edition of UPFRONT for more coverage as well as my YouTube channel Ray Cornelius TV. It will include personal stories from honorees and an encouraging word from Kenny.
See more photos below courtesy of TakeOne Photography by Marvin Striggles: