"How do we move forward after standing on shoulders of our ancestors?" ~ Honoree Jonathan Wilson
On Thursday Feb. 16, fifty men were honored at this year's Made Man Awards & Tornado Relief Charity Drive. The event took place at Dooky Chase's Restaurant in Mid City kicking off NBA All Star Weekend. Ky Dele, the founder of the Made Man Awards, explained that the nominations were given to those whose impact left footprints to influence others on a road to their own paths of greatness.
The awards ceremony was presented by the Blueprint Global Group, 100 Black Men of America, Black Enterprise Magazine, National Urban League, Upscale Magazine, 100 Black Men New Orleans, and the New Orleans Morehouse Alumni Association. All entities involved work with corporate and community projects designed to showcase philanthropy and honor the extraordinary achievements of notable African American male celebrities and influencers from various walks of life.
Honorees included Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League, Jonathan Wilson who serves as the President of 100 Black Men New Orleans, actors Wendell Pierce and Anthony Mackie and an array of other local dignitaries who work to create change in the city.
Even though the night centered on the achievements of leadership, that leadership was also for a cause. In addition to obtaining school supplies for those affected by the recent tornadoes, attendees of the celebratory event donated suits to the Made Man's signature project 1000 Suits Empowerment Drive.
Motivational speaker and honoree Dr. Calvin Mackie said, "Wealth is not always about how much you gain monetarily, but the wealth of your characters as in how you treat others. " Those words alone echo the mission for the Made Man organization whose philanthropy showcases the quality of their character. For more information about the organization and how you can get involved, visit www.theMadeMan.org.
Check out just some of the highlights below courtesy of Angela Young and Bo Talley:
Founder of the Made Man Awards Ky Dele and Lifestyle Influencer Bo Talley
Honoree and President of the National Urban League Marc Morial (third from left) and other honorees
Honorees for Thursday's ceremony
Honoree and President of 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Jonathan Wilson
