Mayor Booker Honored At Trumpet Awards
I attended the 20th anniversary of the Annual Trumpet Awards, to salute African- American Achievement. It’s held every year in “Hotlanta” (Atlanta) the first week of January and when I tell you that this event doesn’t disappoint! So when I decided to go, I called my stylist Glam Diva of Low Key Fashion Finds and told her to hook a sista up with some trendy pieces, ‘cause I had to represent in the ATL.
Now for those of you who are not familiar with The Trumpet Awards, it was created by Turner Broadcasting in 1993 to herald the accomplishments of Black Americans who have succeeded against immense odds. Special recognition is given to the few, who symbolize the many, who have overcome the ills of racism and poverty and achieved special greatness. In 2005, The Trumpet Awards Foundation was formed by former Turner Broadcasting executive, Xernona Clayton, to continue the tradition of demonstrating total community involvement, global respect for all humanity and its commitment to diversity by heralding the accomplishments of men and women who have significantly contributed in enhancing the quality of life for all…individuals and/or groups who augment the richness of this great global society by partnering the cause of justice and equality of all.
One of this year’s honorees was not other than Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker. When Xernona Clayton invited me to attend over a month ago, I had no idea that the Honorable Cory Booker was being honored. But when I found out I was thrilled! Y’all know I am always happy when anybody represents Newark. When I saw Mayor Booker walk across that stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre to receive his award, I felt such a since of pride. I yelled out; “Newark is in the house!”
Right before they presented him with his Trumpet Award they showed a little clip of all of his accomplishments; during the month of March 2010 marked Newark’s first murder-free month in over 44 years. That’s huge! Booker also attracted over $100,000 million in private philanthropy and when President Obama offered him a position to head the new White House Office of Urban Affairs Policy, he turned it down expressing his commitment to Newark. I had no idea he did that. That is a very unselfish act; I love Newark but if President Obama offered me a big job like that I would have been on the midnight train to Washington D.C.
For the first time in my many years of traveling, I heard people whispering positive things about Newark. And that was a good thing because I get so sick and tired of defending this city as if we are living in some kind of war zone. People who don’t live here and who have never been here kill me talking smack about Newark as if they are living in some kind of Utopia.
The Trumpet Awards put a spotlight on Newark’s excellence by honoring our Mayor with the Political Leadership Award. Cory’s speech was short but very impactful and when he finished he got a standing ovation. WOW, that was a really good look! Cory, if you’re reading this article, sorry you weren’t able to stick around for a photo op, so I just want to say congratulations!
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