Ava DuVernay, Marvin Sapp and more honored at 12th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards

The 12th annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards took place on July 3rd at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The annual event was held during ESSENCE Festival weekend and recognized exceptional leaders who make positive contributions within the African-American community.

Marc Morial, who has been described as one of the few national leaders to possess “street smarts ,”and “boardroom savvy,” is the current president and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. He served as the highly successful and popular mayor of New Orleans as well as the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He previously was a Louisiana state senator and was a lawyer in New Orleans with an active, high profile practice.

Dr. Marvin L. Sapp is a nationally successful gospel recording artist and the principal founder of GREAAT Schools, Inc. with his late wife, Dr. MaLinda P. Sapp. Sapp is also the CEO of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, and is the principal organizer for Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts & Technology—the first performing arts and technology charter academy. Dr. Sapp’s leadership and vision has made him an award-wining producer with numerous awards in the area of recording and the performing arts and
community service.

For her work in Selma, DuVernay is the first African American female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award. With Selma, she is also the  first African-American female director to have a film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

As you could imagine it was hectic on the Golden Carpet but I was able to briefly speak with Yara Shahidi from Black-ish.  I asked her how she maintains her gorgeous curls and some of her go-to products. Check out her response below:

For the second year in a row, this year’s McDonald’s 365Black Awards was hosted by
actor/television correspondent Terrence J and actress Keke Palmer. The show featured musical performances from Sevyn Streeter, Amber Riley, B.o.B,
Shanice Wilson and more.

To find out more about the McDonald’s 365Black initiative, click here.

Photo Credit: Paras Griffin