Continuing its long-standing support and connection to the African-American community, McDonald's® recognized a distinguished list of five prominent African-Americans who influence and inspire greatness through outstanding community service at the 2011 365Black® Awards. This year's 365Black Awards were co-hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner and Academy Award® nominated actress Angela Bassett and were held Friday, July 1, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. in New Orleans, La., at the start of the Essence Music Festival weekend.
The 2011 365Black Awards honorees were multi-platinum recording artist Mary J. Blige, Oscar® nominated and Grammy Award winning actress Ruby Dee, Radio One network founder Cathy Hughes, NAACP® president and CEO Benjamin Jealous, and civil rights activist and McDonald's owner/operator Henry "Hank" Thomas.
The 365Black Awards were launched in 2003 and are an extension of McDonald's 365Black initiative, created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. McDonald's outreach under the 365Black platform includes the web site www.mcdonalds.com/365black, as well as alliances with organizations that provide opportunities for African-Americans to succeed.
Below we bring you pictures from the event.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu gives opening remarks 2011 365Black® Awards in New Orleans, kicking- off the Essence Music Festival weekend. The 365Black Awards were launched in 2003 and are an extension of McDonald’s 365Black initiative, created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round.
365Black Awards Co-host Angela Bassett poses with Ronald McDonald® on the red carpet. Angela Bassett and radio legend Tom Joyner hosted the 2011 365Black Awards in New Orleans during Essence Music Festival.
Gospel singing sensation and Grammy Award® winning recording artist Hezekiah Walker leaders 2011 McDonald’s 365Black Awards honorees and audience into opening inspirational song.
Legendary Broadway actress Ruby Dee receiving her 2011 McDonald’s 365Black Award from Academy Award® nominated actress and ceremony co-host Angela Bassett in New Orleans at the Essence Music Festival.
2011 McDonald’s 365Black Awards recipient Mary J. Blige and husband Kendu Isaac during the awards ceremony at Essence Music Festival celebration.
Vice President and General Manager of McDonald’s Florida Region James Collins, McDonald’s 365Black 2011 recipient Mary J. Blige and radio legend Tom Joyner share stage during awards ceremony.
365Black Award Honorees, Civil rights activist and McDonald’s owner/operator Henry “Hank� Thomas, Radio One network founder Cathy Hughes, multi-platinum recording artist Mary J. Blige, legendary Broadway actress Ruby Dee and NAACP® president Benjamin Jealous, on the red carpet after receiving a 2011 365Black Award.
Rob Jackson, McDonald;s USA, presents a check for $40, 000 to Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute for the Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now during the 2011 365Black Awards Ceremony.
Men of McCafe Celebrity Ambassadors NFL Star Issac Keys, TBS’s Meet the Browns Lamman Rucker, 2011 McDonald’s 365Black Awards recipient Mary J. Blige and TBS’s House of Payne Lance Gross.
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