Ne-Yo, Will Packer, George Wallace, and more honored at 2016 Trumpet Awards [PHOTOS]

adminJanuary 24, 2016

Written by | Ray Cornelius

It was all about African-American achievement last night at the 2016 Trumpet Awards. The annual black-tie affair recognized some of the biggest and brightest names in the fields of education, medicine, arts & entertainment, politics, community service, and business.

George Wallace with Arnez J, Rodney Perry, Mo’Nique & Cory “ZooMan” Miller

The lavish ceremony took place at Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Centre and was hosted by celebrated actors Nia Long and Terrence J. This year’s honorees included TV and film producer Will Packer, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Ne-Yo, comedic legend George Wallace, former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, General Motors executive Alicia Boler-Davis, Wayne County Community College Chancellor Dr. Curtis Ivery, Arun Gandhi (grandson of Mohandas Gandhi), and Her Royal Highness Basmah Bit Saud.

Congresswomen on the red carpet

The award show also recognized over twenty “Women of Congress” including Donna Edwards, Alma Davis, Barbara Lee, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Brenda Lawrence, Corrine Brown, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Terri Sewell, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Frederica Wilson, Gwen Moore, Joyce Beatty, Karen Bass, Marcia Fudge, Maxine Waters, Robin Kelly, Shelia Jackson Lee, Stacey Plaskett, Yvette Clarke, and Mia Love.

Salt-N-Pepa with Spinderella are celebrating 30 years in entertainment

This year’s celebrity presenters and performers included Deitrick Haddon, Kelly Price, Raheem DeVaughn, Vivian Green, Joe, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Christian Keyes, Bryshere Y. Gray, Mo’Nique, Brad James, Tweet, Andra Day and Trumpet Award announcer Al B. Sure. There was also a special acknowledgement of Hip Hop pioneers Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella. The trio is celebrating over 30 years in the music industry and opened the show alongside iconic rap stars MC Lyte, Yo-Yo, and Monie Love.

The Trumpet Awards was presented this year by Cadillac, Carnival Cruises, and American Family Insurance. It will premiere on BOUNCE TV January 29 at 9 p.m. EST and on January 31 at 3 p.m. EST. Check out more photos from the red carpet and media lounge below: