The Trumpet Awards Foundation hosted an array of events Jan. 19-22 in celebration of the 2007 Trumpet Awards in Las Vegas. The 15th Annual star-studded event, held at the AAA Five Diamond Award-Winning Bellagio Hotel, honored African-American achievement in diverse fields of endeavors including medicine, law, politics, public service, sports, religion and entertainment.

Denver Sculpture Ed Dwight was among the honorees this year receiving the 2007 Trumpet Award for the Arts.

The three days of events began on Friday with a visit with students from local inner-city schools. Dick Gregory participated with Trumpet Awards Board of Directors and other select VIPs.  A welcome reception was held at Treasure Island hotel hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority.

On Saturday, prominent attorney and media personality Willie Gary hosted a Prayer Breakfast. This kick-off event honored several people including Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II from Missouri; recording artists Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo; author, professor and celebrated “hip-hop intellectual” Dr. Michael Eric Dyson; and mother of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Christine Johnson. Husband and wife duo Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore performed.

The President’s Reception was graciously and generously hosted by Don Barden, Owner/Chairman and CEO of Fitzgeralds Casino Hotel and a former Trumpet Award honoree.  Smoky Robinson, Kim Fields, Jesse Jackson, Charlie Pride, Vernon Winfrey and Dick Gregory were among the VIP attendees. Denverite and former mayor of East Point, Georgia Patsy Jo Hilliard was in attendance with husband Asa Hilliard. Other Denver attendees were Moses and Gwen Brewer, Geta and Janice Asfaw, Rev. Paul and Agnes Martin, and former Lt. Governor and former Trumpet Award honor Joe Rogers and wife Juanita.

The Sponsors Brunch was held on Sunday at the Mirage Hotel and hosted by Florence LaRue of The Fifth Dimension. This new Trumpet Awards event paid tribute to women who have achieved in the business world. The honorees at this event included women from corporate America and the Las Vegas community.

The Black Cultural Explosion and Caribbean Reception were held at the Grand Ballroom at the Mirage Hotel, a fundraiser for the Trumpet Awards Scholarships. The Caribbean Reception was sponsored by Premier Honorable Michael Misick and the Tourist Board of the Turks & Caicos Islands. The Black Cultural Explosion, an evening of entertainment, was sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Inc.  Entertainment included opera singer Elena O’Connor; gospel vocalist Ann Nesby; 11-year-old pianist Jordan Adams; comedian James Stephens III and others.

Although R&B vocalist headliner Will Downing was ill and unable to attend, guests enjoyed jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips with Eric Darius. Awards were presented posthumously to entertainment and newspaper editor Gertrude Gipson Penland and legendary musician Louis Jordan.

The Trumpet Awards Red Carpet at the Bellagio Hotel was hosted by comedian Jonathan Slocum and gospel and recording artist Vickie Winans.   

Culminating the celebration was the Trumpet Awards Ceremony on Monday evening at the Bellagio Hotel Tower Ballroom hosted by Hill Harper, accomplished film, television and stage actor; and more recently the author of a motivational book entitled Letters to a Young Brother.

Toni Braxton, Ed Dwight, Michael Jordan, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Justice Alan C. Page, Percy E. Sutton, Dionne Warwick, Tommie Smith and John Carlos were honored at the 15th annual ceremony celebrating African-American achievement. Special awards were given to Nancy Brinker, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Orok Duke, Clint Eastwood, Hill Harper, Quincy Jones and J. Terrence Lanni.

Some of the presenters for the Trumpet Awards were, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Nancy Wilson and Gladys Knight, Victoria Rowell, Terrance Howard, Andrew Young, Rev. Bernice King, Dick Gregory, Suzanne Malveaux, Usher Raymond, Linda Johnson Rice, Jasmine Guy, Judge Mabeline, LisaRaye, April Woodard and Victoria Rowell. 

Performers for the 2007 Trumpet Awards included gospel recording artists Yolanda Adams and   Vickie Winans; comic George Wallace; comedian/actor Tommy Davidson; trumpeter Melvin Miller; Zumanity; and Clint Eastwood & The Monterey Jazz Festival Alumni.

Over the years, the Trumpet Awards have paid tribute to Muhammad Ali, Destiny’s Child, Spike Lee, Dr. “J” Julius Erving, Vernon Jordan, Ossie Davie and Ruby Dee, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Stevie Wonder.

“The Trumpet Awards is not just an evening of glamour and glitz, even though we look forward to the atmosphere that adds to the occasion,” said Xernona Clayton, founder, creator and Executive Producer of the Trumpet Awards.  “The Trumpet Awards sends a message across America and abroad that African Americans are doing things second to none and that young Black students have much to emulate and even more to be proud of.”

Editor’s note: The 2007 Trumpet Awards air March 4 on TV One. Check your local listing for times and more information. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry, was the presenting sponsor and MGM Mirage was the host sponsor.