Florida’s ONYX Awards have unveiled the 2016 honorees for the 12th annual tribute to distinguished African-Americans and those of the African Diaspora.
Headlining this year’s celebration is media icon Tom Joyner, whose philanthropy and syndicated broadcasts continue to influence opinion worldwide. Joyner, is credited with raising millions of dollars in scholarships while reminding the nation of the relevance and importance of maintaining America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The Onyx Awards will also pay special tribute to the victims of the recent Pulse Nightclub Massacre and the memory of Orlando’s youth activist Gino Nicolas.
The Onyx Awards will be held at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. Honorees are a host of diverse individuals who have impacted our world.
In attendance will be Maurice Starr, renowned producer, and songwriter for the Back Street Boys, New Kids on the Block and New Edition guest host comedian Shawn Banks from BET.
Live performances include American Idol’s Tyanna Jones and R&B singer Angela Winbush.
“I am very excited about this year’s awards program. ONYX continues to embrace those who are influencing our world. We want to celebrate the contributions of these extraordinary African Americans because they shape the future,” said Richard Black, ONYX Publisher.
Included in this year’s list of honorees are:
Publisher’s Award
Terry Prather, First African-American Theme Park President, President of SeaWorld
Humanitarian Award
Attorney Mark NeJame, Creator of Runway to Hope, Florida’s largest charity organization supporting cancer research for children.
Performing Arts
Maurice Starr, Producer of Back Street Boys, New Kids on the Block, and New Edition
Communications
Gayle Andrews broke the color barrier in broadcast journalism, media relations and lobbying and heading the state’s oldest corporate and political media consulting firm.
Community Service Award
Alachua Branch of the NAACP
Diversity & Inclusion
The University of Central Florida, America’s second largest University
Spot Light Award
Ribault Girls Basketball Team, Florida’s State Champions and Dick’s Sporting Goods National Champions, First team to hold both titles simultaneously – “ONYX Orlando Magic Mentoring Youth Summit, Mentoring inner-city minority males of Orlando- “Gino Nicolas Mentoring Award.”
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