American businessman Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group has announced it will be honoring Tyler Perry, Jennifer Hudson, Dave Chapelle and more at the inaugural “The Grio Awards” awards ceremony.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, The Grio Awards will be hosted by Sheryl Underwood and Taye Diggs at the Beverly Hilton. The award show was created with a mission to honor and celebrate Black creators and leaders in film, television, music, comedy, sports, social justice and more.
“I created theGrio Awards to celebrate and amplify African American excellence and the incredible champions from other communities who truly support us,” said Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, Variety reports. “As a child, strong, positive African American icons such as Berry Gordy, Jr., Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King, Jr. helped me see myself differently, and changed the trajectory of my life. Celebrating and amplifying iconic individuals is something we can never do enough of, especially for our children.”
The Black-tie event is set to award several Black Hollywood stars with awards. Tyler Perry is set to receive the Icon Award, Patti LaBelle will receive the Music Icon Award, Ben Crump will receive the Justice Icon Award and Kenan Thompson will receive the Comedy Icon Award. Others, including Dave Chappelle and Jennifer Hudson and more will also receive recognition for their impact.
Yolanda Adams, Tyrese, Fantasia and LaBelle are slated to take the stage to perform. Greg Phillinganes will be the ceremony’s musical director, and DJ Kiss will serve as both DJ and announcer, Variety reports. The event will be broadcasted on television Saturday, November 5.
