Awardee Professor Deleso Alford
By Stacy M. Brown,NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) once again took center stage during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, hosting its 2024 National Leadership Awards and Reception on September 12 at the Conrad Hilton in Washington. This year’s event proved to be an unmissable highlight, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 4,500 attendees.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this was more than just an awards ceremony. The Conrad Ballroom was packed to the rafters, with not an empty seat in sight. Even the area just outside the venue buzzed with energy as attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and the pulsating beats of a DJ that kept the festivities alive throughout the night. Unlike typical events where guests drift in and out, this crowd stayed until the end, soaking in every moment.
On the Red Carpet, the NNPA’s acclaimed news program, “Let It Be Known,” caught up with a slew of award recipients and special guests. Among them were Ms. Black America Ashley Myatt, Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, and Hip-Hop Museum Founder Rocky Bucano, both exuding excitement about the event’s impact and the work of the Black press.
Chairman Bobby R. Henry, Sr. (Photos credit: Mark Mahoney of Dream In Color Photography)
The evening’s honorees represented a spectrum of excellence and leadership. Democratic Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock was recognized for his unwavering dedication to civil rights and social justice. Walmart’s Vice President of Constituent Relations & Racial Equity, Tony Waller, received accolades for his efforts in advancing racial equity. HeroZona Foundation President & CEO Alan “AP” Powell, California U.S. Sen. LaPhonza Butler, and Southern University Law Center Professor Deleso Alford also took the stage, each celebrated for their significant contributions to their fields and communities.
The NNPA’s annual gathering was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a testament to the power and influence of the Black press, bringing together trailblazers and change-makers in a celebration of leadership, community, and the ongoing fight for equity and justice.
