The 2016 Triumph Awards presented by Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network returned to TV One on October 2 to recognize the accomplishments of change agents through civil rights, the arts, entertainment and business. Tichina Arnold also returned to host this year’s broadcast, filmed at the historic Tabernacle in Atlanta.
The evening included a live performance by R&B crooner Joe, who took the stage to perform “Mercy Mercy Me,” one of the most poignant anthems of sorrow of its time that remains a timely reminder of the work still remaining today. Eric Benet performed a touching memorial tribute to many notable individuals who have passed this year by singing “Keep Your Head ToThe Sky”, while Fantasia brought the evening to a climactic and uplifting finale with the performance of her hit single “Lose to Win.”
Fonzworth Bentley was on hand to present the “President’s Award for Service and Humanitarian Efforts” to Sean “Diddy” Combs who recently used his platform as entertainment icon for greater good by co-founding the opening of Capital Prepatory Harlem charter school based in his childhood neighborhood.
An emotional highlight of the evening honored Gwen Carr (mother of Eric Garner), Lesley McSpadden (mother of Mike Brown) and Sybrina Fulton (mother of Trayvon Martin), collectively known as Mothers of the Movement, who shared their heart-wrenching experiences of loss and tragedy in hopes of empowering the nation. Paying tribute to these women of strength, BJ The Chicago Kid performed a soul-stirring rendition of his hit single “Woman’s World.”
The final award of the evening was the “Activism in the Arts Award” presented to Spike Lee by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vietta Johnson, President of Spellman College Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell and actress Teyonah Parris (The Miki Howard Story, ChiRaq) for his generous contribution of time and resources to support the education and production of original films by aspiring filmmakers.
