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On December 8th the nationally syndicated Café Mocha show wrapped up its 2016 Salute Her Tour after making stops in Atlanta, Washington, DC and New York. An array of Chicago’s finest gathered at Hotel Allegro for the show’s 3rd annual Salute Her Beauty of Diversity Awards presented by Toyota. The luncheon was hosted by the show’s co-hosts comedienne Loni Love, hip hop legend YoYo, broadcaster Angelique Perrin with special guest singer Angie Stone. It was truly a memorable afternoon of sisterhood.
Kicking off the celebration was a pre-cocktail ORS Hair Care #NoStereotypes panel enlightening conversation with R&B/Soul artists Angie Stone, Aja Graydon and Namaste Labs COO Shawn Tollerson that set the tone for the six Salute Her Award honorees: Yolanda Adams, GRAMMY Award Winner, Spirit Award; Tragil Wade, Executive Director of Wade’s World Foundation, Champion for Children Award; Lynn Norment, President/Founder of Lynn Norment Media, Media Legend Award; Glenda Gill, VP of Supplier Success LLC., Game Changer Award; Jocelyn Amador, Editor-in-Chief of Sophisticate’s Black Hair Styles and Care Guide, Media Innovator Award; Riana Lynn, Founder of FoodTrace Inc., Toyota Green Initiative Award.
There wasn’t a dry eye following a powerful acceptance speech from Tragil Wade, sister of NBA star Dwayne Wade, who dedicated her award to her cousin Nykea Aldridge whose life was taken in August 2016 while taking her kids to enroll in school. She challenged attendees to shift their purpose and work harder securing the future for Chicago children and youth. Angie Stone reassured all that each one of us can make a difference, “I am old enough to know the difference, yet, I am young enough still to make a difference.”
The afternoon finale concluded with a special musical tribute from Grammy-nominated R&B duo Kindred the Family Soul who reminded us to spread love, equality and respect by lending a hand, when you can, to your fellow man.
Notable attendees included: Cheryl Pearson McNeil (Nielsen), Barbara Bates (fashion designer), Dominique Jordan Turner, Tony Gray (WSRB), Pastor Jolinda Wade, Maudelyne Ihijirika NABJ Chicago VP), Mary Mitchell (Chicago Sun-Times), Dorothy Leavell (Chicago/Gary Crusader), Kathy Chaney (NABJ Chicago President), Clarence Waldron (former Jet Magazine editor), Kai El’Zabar (Chicago Defender), Yolanda Butler (Museum of Science & Industry VP of HR), Arnette Hubbard (Circuit Court Judge), Nyasha Nyamaphene (Chicago Gospel Run 5K founder), Sandra Matthews (Illinois Action for Children), Mary Datcher (Chicago Defender).
Thanks to sponsors Toyota and ORS guest received a ‘Green’ inspired Swag bags with Toyota Green cutting boards, ORS natural hair samples, Kindred the Family Soul ‘Legacy of Love’ CD, organic lip balm by Melissa Michelle, and samples from Chicago entrepreneur, Justice of the Pies just to name a few of the specialty items.
CONTACT:
If you would like to nominate a women for the 2017 Salute Her Awards feel free to contact [email protected] at 301 249 1700.
More information contact Alex Hill at 313-213-2149 / [email protected]