All-in-all, a glorious, memorable evening of celebration for some of our finest authors and photographers. Hundreds showed up at Le Parker Meridien Hotel across from Central Park in New York City.
Unfortunately, Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50, didn’t win in the category of photography. Yeah, I went there. I really wanted Michael to win ’cause he’s a superb portrait photographer, and women should be screaming to be photographed by him.
Fortunately, many other very deserving people were recognized, including Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe in the photography category for her book Daufuskie Island. Moutoussamy-Ashe gracefully acknowledged the other photographers in this category. I’m very thankful that Essence decided to include the category and I hope it encourages more of us to document and capture African-American people and culture in photo books.
Here’s a list of the victors in all the categories.
First Annual Essence Literary Award Winners
Congratulations to each and every one of them. And hats off to Essence for beginning a wonderful tradition, especially to Essence Senior Editor Patrik Henry Bass for his hard work pulling off the event and to Hoda Kotb and Dr. Ian Smith for being so entertaining as hosts of the stellar evening.
And thanks to all the glittering stars who came out like T.D. Jakes, who received the President’s Award, and Terry McMillan, who got a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award. Then there was the Emmy-award winning actress Lynn Whitfield who presented the award for most inspirational book. Actress and author Victoria Rowell was nominated in the category of memoirs for her book, The Women Who Raised Me, and she also presented the award for best children’s book.
Just one complaint: It was way too crowded. The reception was packed and the room where the awards were presented was standing room only. Bass did promise that Essence would “have enough chairs” next year. Let’s hope they follow through on that for what promises to be a huge hit in the years to come.
Photo captions: Top–Hosts Hoda Kotb and Dr. Ian Smith; Middle–photographers and nominees Michael Cunningham and Carol Ross; Bottom–Connie Briscoe and AALBC Founder Troy Johnson
7 comments ↓
Sorry to hear that Michael’s book didn’t win…but it was good to see the caliber of folks represented in the various categories. I’m happy for my soror, LA Banks who won Best Storyteller of the Year! AWESOME…as her Vampire Huntress series ain’t nothing but the truth…and the research, details…are phenomenon…and just to think this started out as only a three book deal and exploded to 11/12 books in the series!
I would love to attend next year!
Yasmin, this year was invitation only. Not sure how they made their selections other than the nominees, or what will happen next year. What’s promising is that this first gala was a huge hit and it sounds like they’re planning to expand it next year. So keep your fingers crossed!
Thanks and keeping my fingers crossed…also going to follow up with Patrick to see how I can get on the invite list…hehe.
xoxo
Anytime there are too many folks for an event with the word “literary” in it, it’s a good thing. Kind of like the overflow crowds for Obama. What a problem to have!
Great point, Carleen. Good times!
Sounds like a wonderful evening. Unfortunately, folk tend not to RSVP in a timely manner and then you end up with “important” people who show up and you can’t turn them away.
Le Parker Meridien is my favorite hotel and I stay there whenever I visit NY (sigh) I miss NY.
The hotel was very nice. I love New York and visit often but unfortunately this time I was in and out too quickly.
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