The National Urban League celebrated the achievements of four distinguished Black women during the 30th Anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture.
The Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon recognized Faith Jenkins, Tracy Edmonds, Bevy Smith, and Lisa Price for their significant contributions to their communities and industries.
Faith Jenkins, an attorney and media personality known for presiding over the TV show “Divorce Court,” was one of the honorees. Tracy Edmonds, a TV producer and CEO of Edmonds Entertainment Group, was also celebrated for her influence in the entertainment industry.
Bevy Smith, a renowned radio and TV personality, author, and actress, along with Lisa Price, the founder of the hair care empire Carol’s Daughter, were honored for their outstanding work and impact.
Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League, highlighted the importance of showcasing the diverse accomplishments of Black women across various sectors.
“The National Urban League felt it was important to create an opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of Black women in politics, business, fashion, and more. ‘Women in Harmony’ reflects the diversity within our community, encompassing different ages, professions, and backgrounds,” Morial stated.
Rhonda Spears Bell, NUL’s chief marketing officer, commented on the significance of the recognition in fostering unity and empowerment.
“The idea behind ‘Women in Harmony’ is about coming together in unity, power, and purpose. When we unite, we achieve greater heights in our journey toward equity and justice. Women are the bedrock of everything we do, and we are thrilled to honor and celebrate them in such a momentous way. The Essence Festival serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration, as it is the mecca for Black women,” Bell explained.
In his opening remarks, Morial also stressed the importance of civic engagement in the upcoming presidential election and beyond.
“We must educate ourselves to vote an entire ballot,” he said, noting that a third of the seats in the U.S. Senate will be contested this fall.
The event underscored the National Urban League’s commitment to recognizing and amplifying the contributions of Black women, encouraging a united and empowered community.
