W. Franklyn Richardson Triumph Awards Leadership Recipient

New York, NY – National Action Network (NAN), one of the nation’s leading Civil Rights organizations, launched its first annual Triumph Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center Rose Hall, Allen Center, on Monday, November 15, 2010.  An intimate audience of about 500 guest watched honorees receive their awards from a stage with one of New York City’s most dramatic backdrops, Manhattan’s skyline over looking E. 57^th Street and Central Park at Columbus Circle.

MSNBC TV Ed Schultz and Mara Schiavocampo hosted the event.  NAN founder Rev. Al Sharpton said “the artists, entertainers and athletes being honored have made a mark in their professions and have recognized the need to remain connected to something bigger and greater than any individual achievement. They have remained connected to the people, have supported their growth and development and realized that together we are a better world.”

The ceremony opened with a riveting dance performance by the cast of Triumph Award recipient “Fela” who showed why their Broadway play won three 2010 Tony Awards for Best Choreography, Costume Design and Sound Design for a Musical.

Honoree Phylicia Rashad, currently starring in the movie “For Colored Girls”, accepted her award on behalf of her mother from NAN executive director Tamika Mallory who expressed her admiration for Ms. Rashad’s body of work. Six-time Grammy Award winner and education activist John Legend received the Triumph Education Award. Other honorees included TV One founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, the family of the late George Steinbrenner and television commentator and activist Julie Menin.  Rev.  Sharpton surprised Governor David Paterson, who thought he was there to make remarks, with an award for his life as a community servant. Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond, Virginia and New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson presented Grace Baptist Church senior pastor and NAN chairman, Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, with the Triumph Award for leadership. Rev. Dr. Richardson accepted his award on behalf of his wife Inez Richardson and Grace Baptist Church.

The awards ceremony closed with musical performances by Grace Baptist Church Choir and the National Action Network Choir.