Wanda Sykes to host 2020 Trumpet Awards; Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer and Marsai Martin and Amd. Andrew Young to be honored
ATLANTA, GA - Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, Marsai Martin, Ambassador Andrew Young, Hydeia Broadbent and Phylicia Fant have been named as honorees for the 28th Annual Bounce Trumpet Awards, an exciting and inspirational night celebrating African-American achievements and contributions.
Hosted by EMMY® Award-winning comedian, actress and writer Wanda Sykes, the gala black-tie honors will take place Dec. 4 at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and will world premiere on Bounce on Sunday, January 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Bounce, the fastest-growing African American network on television, exclusively owns, produces and telecasts the star-studded event. Visit www.trumpetawards.com for more information.
Among the artists scheduled to appear, perform or present: Anthony Anderson, Niecy Nash, Steve Harvey, Vanessa Bell Calloway, George Lopez, Mike Epps, Faith Evans, NAS, Elle Varner, Rapsody, BJ the Chicago Kid, Le'Andria Johnson and more.
About this year's honorees:
- Iconic comedian and actor Martin Lawrence will be given the LuminaryAward, which honors an individual who has risen to the top of their field and has illuminated and inspired others along the way. Lawrence became a household name with the success of his hugely-popular self-titled television series, Martin, while going onto star in an impressive list of blockbuster movies including Bad Boys, Blue Streak, Big Momma's House and Life.
- Cedric the Entertainer, one of the "Original Kings of Comedy" and star of the popular CBS sitcom The Neighborhood, will be honored with the Excellence in Entertainment Award. With a career spanning 30 years, Cedric's universal appeal, versatility, and tremendous career successes in film, live performance, and television have solidified his standing as one of the top entertainers in the world.
- 15-year old actress Marsai Martin, currently starring on the hit ABC seriesBlack-ish,will receive the Rising Star Award presented by McDonald's, which recognizes a young person who is quickly establishing themselves by making a significant or historical impact in their particular field or industry.
- Civil Rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young will receive the Xernona Clayton Award of Distinction presented by the 2020 Census, named for the legendary Trumpet Awards founder which recognizes individuals who have succeeded against immense odds and heralded change and prosperity to enhance and enrich the world. Young's work for civil and human rights, his many years in public office as Congressman, United Nations Ambassador and Mayor of Atlanta, his leadership of the Atlanta Olympic Games, his advocacy of investment in Africa through GoodWorks International and much more are among the highlights of his extraordinary life of service.
- The Community Activist Award, which recognizes an individual who dedicates their time and energy to raising awareness of an important cause or issue and to fight for change in their community, will be presented to HIV/AIDS activist and public speaker Hydeia Broadbent. Broadbent has spent her life spreading the message of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention as a distinguished international speaker with a mission to educate people of all ages.
- The Corporate Executive of the Year Award, recognizing someone who leads companies to new heights while creating opportunities for others to succeed, will be presented to music industry and entertainment dynamo Phylicia Fant. Recently appointed as Head of Urban Music at Columbia Records, Fant has established herself as a preeminent executive in the entertainment industry.
The Bounce Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African-American Women of the United States Congress, Steve Harvey, Martin Luther King, III, Janelle Monáe and Spike Lee.
