‘Xernona Clayton Way’

So when you lived around him and worked around him and observed him, it really rubs off and becomes a real part of you, but I already kind of had that spirit because my father kind of started in me at an early age, but he kind of magnified it and confirmed, and re-affirmed that spirit. I think he would be very pleased of this day to now have me in the heart of Atlanta,  because he knows that that’s where my heart is. That my heart is in the right place because I want to take what I have and make it work for others. I mean that so sincerely,” said Clayton.

Clayton made history in 1967 when she became the host of her own television show, “The Xernona Clayton Show,” which was one of the most popular shows in the South and a first by any African American. Ted Turner, founder of Turner Broadcasting System, for whom Clayton worked for 30 years, gave Clayton the opportunity. “Ted Turner just believed in me and gave me assignments that I would have never chosen,” said Clayton.

As the founder and CEO of the Trumpet Awards, which pays tribute to African-American achievement, Clayton touts her greatest achievement as being “able to see the beauty in people and appreciate the joys of their lives and learn from the lessons of their blessings.”

Clayton will celebrate the Trumpet Awards’ 20th anniversary in January and admits she’s going to “add a little spice to it” as well as bring back past award recipients.  She said the awards have inspired others to follow in the footsteps of those she has honored.

Clayton hopes to continue giving back and reaching out to the community through her one-woman show about her life’s experiences, which she plans to resume in the near future. Thus far, she’s performed the show seven times, including shows in Kansas City, New York and the Bahamas.

If her history-making street naming and park dedication are any indications, Clayton’s legacy will be one long remembered for many generations to come.

About Post Author

Comments

From the Web

Skip to content
Verified by MonsterInsights