Sherri Shepherd already has a great gig as one of the talking heads on the ABC daytime talkfest “The View.” But she’s perfectly willing to take on more, especially if they involve honoring African-Americans. She and our own Tom Joyner will host McDonald’s Seventh annual 365Black Awards this year in New Orleans.
“Anytime you tell me that I can be a part of paying tribute to the accomplishments of African-Americans, I want to be there,” said Shepherd. “Being a co-host of the 365Black Awards is a great opportunity for me to be a part of telling these individuals’ stories and I’m proud to be a part of this year’s event.”
The awards, held since 2003, are part of an effort by McDonalds to focus on the achievements and heritage of black Americans all year long. Their 365Black campaign is involved in the Essence Festival, the Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour and the annual CIAA basketball tournament, among other things.
The mission statement of 365Black is best expressed on their Web site. “At McDonald’s,” it reads, “we believe that African-American culture and achievement should be celebrated 365 days a year — not just during Black History Month. That’s the idea behind 365Black.com.”
This year’s luncheon gala will be held at the Ernest Morial Convention on the eve of the Essence Festival Center on July 2nd. One of the day’s honorees will be Lt. General Russell Honore, who was instrumental in helping stranded New Orleans residents during Hurricane Katrina. Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete will be feted for their charitable contributions and for increasing autism awareness. Harvard professor Dr. Henry Louis Gates will be honored as well.
Previous honorees include NBA star Alonzo Mourning, CNN correspondent Soledad O’Brien and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Inspiration Celebration star Regina Belle is scheduled to perform.
