Aretha Franklin
I am too dependent on my GPS. I even use it when I don’t really need it. The first thing that I did, on my way to the 2012 Trumpet Awards Red Carpet Event, was key in the address for the Cobbs Energy Performing Arts Centre. When my GPS pointed me in the opposite direction of I-20, I knew that I had enabled the avoid highways option. In a matter of minutes, I was on my way heading in the right direction.
(left) Xernona Clayton and Ted Turner, recipient of the Golden Trumpet Award
Upon my arrival at the Performing Arts Centre at 11:40 am, I immediately signed in at the media desk and was appointed a spot on the red carpet. As it so happens, It started to drizzle around 1:00 pm, so the media, stationed outdoors, was asked to come into the Cobb Energy Performing Arts building. While waiting inside for the light rain to pass, I decided to write a few notes.
This is the 20th Anniversary of the Trumpet Awards. If one would ask Xernona Clayton about the occasion, she may reminisce about the time when she first approached Ted Turner, founder of CNN and TBS, about the idea of honoring African Americans who excelled in their endeavors. Colleagues had advised her to be well prepared when she spoke to him, so Xernona Clayton stayed up all night working on her proposal. To her delight, Ted Turner approved of the idea without asking any questions. “Let’s do it,” he said. Xernona Clayton, founder and executive producer of the Trumpet Awards and president and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, may also tell you how the Trumpet Awards has evolved to become an international event that has influenced other cultures.
Tyrese Gibson, Actor - Pinnacle Award Recipient
The weather cleared, so back to our designated stations the media went. While waiting for the arrivals, a couple of photographers spotted actor/rapper Ice-T’s daughter LeTesa who was covering the Trumpet Awards. All eyes were on her blue suede, leopard print, over-the-knee high boots. That’s a mouthful. She’s very personable. LeTesha commented that she was supposed to be working not taking pictures. One of the photographers replied, ”You knew that you were going to get noticed when you put those boots on.” She smiled and said “yeah.”
(left) Mrs. Carolyn Young
On the Red Carpet 2:30 pm
A host of dignitaries and celebrities came out to celebrate the Trumpet Awards 20th Anniversary. Aretha Franklin appeared on the red carpet dressed in a beautiful blue gown. The Queen of Soul came to accept the Civil Rights Warrior Award on behalf of her late father Rev. C. L. Franklin. Others who graced the red carpet include Senator John Lewis; Ted Turner, recipient of the Golden Trumpet Award; Tyrese Gibson, Pinnacle Award recipient; Blair Underwood, Actor; Mrs. Carolyn Young (Rev. Andrew Young was in Ghana), Earth, Wind & Fire, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Emmitt and Pat Smith, NFL Hall-of-Fame -recipient of the Humanitarian Award; and Rev. Run to name a few.
Emmitt and Pat Smith, NFL Hall Of Fame
Humanitarian Award Recipient
Highlights
Gloria Goven from the Basketball Wives attended the event as well. When asked who are you wearing? Ms. Goven replied, ” BCBG. I shop at the Mall like everyone else.”
When Ted Turner arrived, the announcer warned the media that he was not going to stop for photos. The photograph that I took of him and Xernona Clayton was one of my favorites.
When Rolling Out asked Blair Underwood about Valentines Day, he responded “My wife’s birthday is next week. I have to concentrate on that first!”
Earth, Wind & Fire – Lifetime Achievement Award
Congressman John Lewis
The Fashion Report
Black evening attire was popular on the Red Carpet at the Trumpet Awards. Mid-range jewel tones were in style as well. Most popular were gowns in royal blue or deep violet, which prove to be alternatives to navy and dark purple.
One family coordinated their look. The wife wore a gray gown while her daughter sported evening wear in pink. The husband is a recipient of the Power at the Front Door Award. An honor for hotel general managers of African decent.
After photographing the last arrivals, the media packed up. As always, I had a great time. While in my car, the first thing that I did was tap the “home” option on my GPS. When the system directed my car to I-285, I rerouted to I-75 and headed home.
The taping of the Trumpet Awards Ceremony was held at the Cobbs Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, on Saturday, January 7, 2012.
The first broadcast viewing window on local networks for the Trumpet Awards is March 24-May 6, 2012; WSB-TV (ABC) in Atlanta, GA will air during this time. The Trumpet Awards will also air on April 8, 2012 on TV One. Wayne Brady will serve as host. Special guests include The O’Jays, Mint Condition and Naturally Seven.
Angela Ragsdale
CLICK ON LINK TO SEE CLIP FEATURING TYRESE AND BLAIR UNDERWOOD ON THE RED CARPET http://www.atltrends.com/News.htm
As it turns out, he stepped out of his auto to look around for someone he was waiting for.
