Steve Harvey’s Ford Neighborhood Awards have, over the course of its 12 years of existence, gradually become one of the most sought after and heavily attended weekend getaways and awards shows in contemporary urban America.
The multilayered weekend of activities that include concert performances, comedy shows, inspirational seminars and workshops and, of course, an awards program that flips the script and have celebrities honor the everyday man and women in the community has struck a chord in urban America.
After seven years as the Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand casinos in Las Vegas, the awards and vacation extravaganza has migrated to the city of Atlanta for the inaugural Southern edition that will play out from August 7 to 10.
Among the long list of luminaries, dignitaries, performers and celebrity award presenters will be the Rev. Al Sharpton, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kandi Burruss, the O’Jays, KEM, Michael Ealy, John Legend, Shemar Moore, Anthony Hamilton, Robin Thicke, Johnny Gill, India.Arie, Tamela Mann, Bell Biv Devoe and many, many others.
Organizers said most of the events will take place at at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in downtown Atlanta with the Ford Neighborhood Awards red carpet and actual event will take place next door inside Philips Arena Saturday August 9.
Here are seven great reasons to attend the Ford Neighobrhood Awards in downtown Atlanta:
1. The Friday Freedom Party inside the GWCC: Sponsored by State Farm, this is one of the main events where urban sophisticates can come and show out. Seeing a nation of dark-skinned people cloaked in all-white marching toward the party center is a sight you will not soon forget.
2. Comedy shows: Nephew Tommywill host three comedy shows featuring comic Lavell Crawford, Tony Roberts and Prescott Gilliam with two shows Thursday night and one show Friday night.
4. Movie Screenings: McDonald said there will be four movie screenings during the Expo potion of the weekend. Also there will be a meet and greet with celebrities, a video game zone and 110 shopping booths. DJ Cupid will lead an aerobics class on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
5. The Ford Neighborhood Awards Blue Carpet: hosted by Sheryl Strawberry and Ed Gordon, it will feature some of the most awe-inspiring fashions from both celebrities and honorees alike. Trust.
6. The Ford Neighborhood Awards: On Saturday night at Philips Arena, honorees will include small businesses, religious and neighborhood leaders, churches and high schools from all over the country. Performers include Robin Thicke, Johnny Gill, India.Arie and Chrisette Michele.Presenters include Hill Harper, George Wallace, Holly Robinson Peete, Kirk Franklin, Michael Ealy, Sheryl Underwood, Roland Martin, Sommore and Tracee Ellis Ross.
7. The Official After Party: Bell Biv Devoe will perform and Frank Ski will DJ.
You can procure more information about the parties, expo, award show tickets and the official after party via www.neighborhoodawards.com.