The Trumpet Awards were originally presented by Turner Broadcasting in 1993. Its inception however was created by a lady who has gone down as one of the individuals who helped the civil rights movement under Dr. Martin Luther King. Her vision and compassion has allowed her to enrich the lives of people of all walks of life. We are talking about Xernona Clayton. Ms. Clayton is the President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation and the Executive Producer. The Trumpet Awards recognizes African Americans for their achievements and has inspired educated, stimulated and enlightened human minds to the reality that success, achievement and respect are void of color and gender.

Nancy Brinker, Clint Eastwood & friend		Toni Braxton & hubby

The 15^th annual Trumpet Awards held their event at the Bellagio for the 1^st time; it was truly a historical moment, when Mayor Oscar Goodman walked the red carpet. Of course the list of celebrities that night included Cedric the Entertainer, Smokey Robinson, Eric Bonet, Charlie Pride, Judge Mablean Ephriam, James Avery, Bobby Jones, Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, Toni Braxton, Al B. Sure and the list goes on. Perhaps the one of the most memorable moments was Percy Sutton’s story on how he supported himself, by doing odd jobs and then attending 3 historically black universities (Prairie View, Tuskegee and Hampton) he earned his law degree from Brooklyn School of Law. Sutton, who was awarded the Pinnacle Award in business, was a civil rights activist, lecturer, government official and a distinguished serviceman. Another highlight of the evening was Clint Eastwood receiving the Social Justice Award, for his influence in promoting Jazz. Eastwood has used Jazz in nearly every film he has starred in or produced. Movies such as “BIRD” which is about Charlie Parker’s life story, to his habit of hiring Jazz greats such as; Erroll Garner in “Play Misty For Me”, to his many contributed scores has elevated Eastwood to receive this prestigious award.

Clifton Davis, Charlie Pride & Pete Allman		Hill Harper
Quincy Jones & Friend		CeCe Winans & Donnie McClurkin

Toni Braxton who received Entertainment Award was very moved that she was selected by the Trumpet Awards; the young lady was introduced by Baby Face Edmonds who in his introduction emphasized that Braxton had sold over 40 million records. Toni Braxton Revealed is a statement of a personal outlook on her life. Hill Harper the host of this years Trumpet Awards was honored with the Usher Raymond Altruism Award, Usher a personal friend of Mr. Harper, has a personal concern for the welfare of others; as well as Hill Harper. Harper has a book just published entitled “Letters to a Brother: Manifest Your Destiny”. The book is a first in a series of books targeting youth with words of encouragement and guidance. Quincy Jones received the lifetime achievement award; Jones is honored for his work as a composer, arranger, and conductor, instrumentalist, record company executive and magazine founder; also a record, film and television producer.

J. Terrence Lanni & Xernona Clayton		Smokey Robinson with his significant other
Terrance Howard & James Avery		George Wallace

Other awards had gone to Ed Dwight for the arts, Dwight is known as a “renaissance man”; he was the first African American Astronaut, whos career ended when John F. Kennedy was shot. Dwight ended up persuing his career in fine arts. He is one of the most prolific sculptors in America today. Michael Jordan received the Good Will Ambassador Award, his thank you came in the form of a video tape, since he was unable to attend the awards show here in Las Vegas. Donnie McClurkin received Gospel Giant Award, Justice Alan C. Page received the Law Award, Tommy Smith and John Carlos received the 1968 Olympic Track Star Award, Dionne Warwick received the Living Legend Award, CeCe Wians received the Gospel Giant Award, Nancy G. Brinker received the Presidents Award, Brinker founded the Susan B. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. The honorable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas the Prime Minister of Federation of Saint Kitts Nevis received the Global Award. Orak Duke received the Young Star Award. The 27 year old has turned his ideas into reality when he developed new waste water technology; for manufacturing plants in Malaysia, Tawain, South Korea and the United States. J Terrence Lanni received the Chairman’s Award he is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the MGM Mirage. Dr. Melvin N. Johnson received a Salute to a Black College Tenessee State University sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company.