Houston media stars were honored last Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the historical Eldorado Ballroom in Third Ward for the Houston Association of Black Journalists Sneaker Ball Scholarship Gala.
"The night was about giving flowers to those who deserve it - those who are making things happen but don’t ask for pats on the back because they are just doing what they love," Nakia Cooper, HABJ president told mikemcguff.com. "We tapped into every genre and generation and danced the night away in fly footwear but the most important thing for us was honoring our dear (forever) mayor Sylvester Turner and thanking him for an outstanding eight years."
Mistresses of ceremonies Alexis "Fly" Jones and abc13 KTRK 10pm anchor Erica Simon celebrated special honorees Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, NABJ President Ken Lemon and KPRC 2 host/producer of "Houston Newsmakers, weekend morning meteorologist Khambrel Marshall.
That was followed by the "Legends" honorees including abc13 KTRK chief forecaster David Tillman, MAJIC 102 KMJQ 's Uncle Funky Larry Jones, 93.7 The Beat KQBT's Jerrel ‘Hardbody Kiotti’ Brown, FOX 26 sports analyst/reporter Nate Griffin, KTSU 90.9 Program Director Donna Franklin and "African American News & Issues" Publishers Shirley and Roy Malonson.
The "Trailblazer" honorees included Houston Astros Vice President of Communications Gene Dias, NAMI Greater Houston Executive Director Angelina Hudson, Sisters Network Inc. Founder/CEO Karen Jackson, WFAA 8 Dallas Traffic Reporter/Anchor Tashara Parker, Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing and Houston City Council member Tarsha Jackson.
"Rising Stars" included KHOU 11 Executive Producer Taylor Berry, KPRC 2+ Streaming Manager Raybin Dockery, Reality TV Producer and Director Nawara Blue and Kindred Stories Bookstore Founder Terri Hamm.
