The First Annual Celestial Awards was Ablaze with Stars

The 2017 Celestial Awards of Excellence was launched at the Alex Theatre with a plethora of talent as presenters to honor many from various fields. After reuniting with her long time friend Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young, Jayne Kennedy Overton presented the "Pride Award" to Olympian Bob Beamon for his 1968 gold in the Long Jump with a 29' 2 1/2" jump that destroyed the existing World and Olympic Record by 20 inches. It was a reunion of sorts. Jayne had profiled Bob as host of Greatest Sports Legends 35 years ago. Also receiving the Sportsman Trailblazer Award at the Celestial Awards was Olympian Dr. Edwin Moses, also interviewed by Jayne on GSL. Others presentations went to Annie Nelson (Helping Hands Award), U. N. Ambassador Andrew Young (Civil Rights Icon Award), Louis Gossett, Jr (Lifetime Achievement Award), Marla Gibbs (Visionary Award), Solange Warner (International Business Award), Myrlie Evers-Williams (Civil Rights Icon Award), Anita De Frantz (Angel Award), Art Evans (Mentor for Success Award), Dr. Willeam Charles Akins (Education Award), Dr. Tywaun Tillman (Caduceus Award), Conrad O. Johnson (Fine ARts Award), Bahati Foundation (Youth Service Award). Hosted by Obba Babatunde with performances by Howard Hewitt, Eloise Laws, Shanica Knowles and Norwood Young. Presenters included Jayne Kennedy, Glynn Turman, Roger Mosley, RaeVen Kelly, Kathleen Bradley Redd, Dawnn Lewis, and many more.