The sixth annual Steve
Harvey’s 2008 Hoodie Awards, held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, was another
example of what celebrities can do when they turn on the spotlight and give
their support for everyday people who work in communities across the nation.
The awards show, created by
comedian-actor Steve Harvey and his partner, television-radio producer Rushion
McDonald.
Hoodie Awards are presented
to outstanding community-based leaders and entrepreneurs throughout the country.
Recipients come from churches, businesses and civic leadership programs.
Schools, organizations and other institutions also receive awards for their
service and excellence in their respective neighborhoods.
More than 8,000 attended the
event. Grammy award winners Patty LaBelle, Joe, and Kirk Franklin performed,
along with recording artist Cupid and comedian George Wallace.
“There isn’t any awards show
that recognizes Black businesses throughout the United States. The Hoodies are
going on the sixth year, and it’s the only show where celebrities give out
awards to folks in the community,” said Harvey.
Joe spoke with me about the
music business overall. Although he didn’t offer any specific answers on how to
break in to the business, he offered an inspirational message: “Don’t let anyone
stop you from what you believe in. And keep working on it until you perfect it.”
Gospel artist Kirk Franklin
commented on how to handle stress: “Prayer is the most powerful thing, through
God, which can give us the strength to handle the stress.”
Harvey is the host of a
nationally syndicated radio talk show, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” In
addition, Harvey goes beyond his entertainment field credits with his recently
launched line of men’s fine suits, jewelry and other accessories and attire. The
Steve Harvey Collection is sold at Burlington Coat Factory and other outlets
across the country.
In an effort to encourage
more Black youth and other disadvantaged groups that make up a large part of the
“Digital Divide” to use computers, the voting is done online in the weeks
leading up to Hoodie Awards show.
The award winners were chosen
by their communities and the general public. Among this year’s Hoodie Award
recipients are: Mama Nems’ was voted the Best Dessert Orlando, Fla.; Raphael
Johnson of Detroit, Mich., a motivational speaker and author named the Best
Community Leader for his work with youth and young adults in urban areas. Best
Soul Food went to Sadie’s, renown for its long history of serving delicious
home-style and Southern-theme dishes, as well as being a social meeting spot.
Philadelphia-based Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church was Best Church Choir.
For more information on the
awards show, Harvey’s design line and his entertainment endeavors, visit
www.steveharvey.com.
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My book of poetry
entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along
with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems
along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
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