From left to right: Tichina Arnold, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyrese Gibson & Estelle

Hello World,

TV One today will air its inaugural television broadcast of The 2015 Triumph Awards presented by Reverend Al Sharpton and National Action Network tomorrow at 8 p.m. EST. Filmed in Atlanta, GA and hosted by Tichina Arnold, this esteemed ceremony recognizes the triumphant impact this year’s honorees have made on our society.

Journalist Soledad O’Brien

Recording artist and philanthropist Tyrese Gibson was presented the Entertainer of the Year honor by Martin Luther King III and received a special message from friend and fellow entertainer Ludacris. With a body of work as a civil rights leader, activist and minister spanning over eight decades, Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery received the Chairman’s Award for Historic & Transformative Service from NAN’s Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and Rev. Al Sharpton. Emmy® winning comedienne, actress and producer Wanda Sykes received the Activism in the Arts honor for her years of service to youth homelessness and engagement. Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External Relations for Intel, Rosalind Hudnell was presented the honor of Corporate Executive of the Year in support of her distinguished leadership within the corporate sector. The night’s final honor, the President’s Award for Service and Humanitarian Efforts, was presented to John Legend for his work as a vocal champion for social justice who gave the audience a special treat during his acceptance speech by singing “Wake Up Everybody” before turning it over to Tichina Arnold to close the show.

Actress Terri J. Vaughn

This star-studded event included appearances by presenters Afemo Omilami, Carl Payne, Danielle Nicolet, Darrin Henson, Donnie Simpson, Nicole Beharie, Soledad O’Brien, Syleena Johnson, Richard Lawson, Patrik-Ian Polk and Terri J. Vaughn. Legendary hip-hop artist Chubb Rock served as announcer during the show.

Singer Syleena Johnson

Musical performances throughout the show presented a positive, uplifting score for an evening of excellence.

Award winning hip-hop artist T.I. delivered an original spoken word piece titled “United We Stand,” urging youth to not use the spirit of activism as an opportunity to elevate their social media presence.

In a soul stirring performance, gospel recording artist, Tasha Cobbs brought the crowd to their feet with a medley including the television debut of “Put A Praise On It” and Grammy® Award winning single “Break Every Chain.”

Martin Luther King III

The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, the South’s leading African-American theatre company for young adults, unveiled “Put Your Guns Up,” a moving performance art tribute recounting the victims of unfortunate deaths as a result of gun violence.

Youth Ensemble of Atlanta

Led by the program’s Musical Director Robert Glasper, house band The Robert Glasper Experiment performed a touching rendition of “I’m Dying of Thirst.”

Grammy® Award winner Estelle performed her anthem of  perseverance “Conqueror” in honor of the inspirational work that honoree Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery has done for the civil rights movement.

Estelle

Rev. Al Sharpton & Rev. Joseph E. Lowery

Singer, songwriter Chanté Moore was joined by R&B artist Stokley Williams for an enchanting performance of “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”

Ledisi, a leading jazz recording artist and actress with credits including the Academy Award nominated film Selma, performed her hit single “Gonna Be Alright” championing Rev. Al Sharpton, whose 61st birthday coincides with the broadcast premier.

Ledisi

Multi-hyphenate entertainer and distinguished honoree Tyrese took to the stage for a rousing performance of his chart-topping hit single “Shame.”

Paying tribute to Nina Simone’s legacy of activism through the music medium, Grammy® nominated singer Jazmine Sullivan performed “Baltimore,” a song from Simone’s 1978 album that is once again reflective of the times.

Jazmine Sullivan

Tichina Arnold channeled the Godfather of Soul, James Brown for a show-stopping cover of “I Got The Feelin,” went on to reunite with her “Martin” co-star Carl Payne –  who also served as a writer for the program – for a must-see comedic enactment of “Cause I Love You.”

Tichina Arnold & Carl Payne (Pam & Cole from “Martin”)

Source: The National Action Network

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