Jaden Smith honored at King Center's Salute to Greatness Gala

On Saturday January 18th the actor, musician and philanthropist was honored at the 2020 Salute To Greatness Gala. Jaden was the recipient of the Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award, named after the late wife of Martin Luther King Jr. The award recognized his philanthropy, including the mobile water filtration system he brought to the people of Flint, Michigan. He accepted the award with his father, actor Will Smith and grandmother Caroline Bright by his side.

Bernice told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 'It was important to my mother, Coretta Scott King, founder of The King Center, to recognize the leadership of those who carried on the work of building a just, humane and peaceful world through their work and actions in the spirit of my father.

'We are a better world because of the individuals and corporations we choose to honor every year, and hope to hold them up as an inspiration to others.'

The gala, which this year observed the 91st birthday celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., raises funds to support free events throughout the year and assists with nonviolence work and training activities. Also honored Saturday night receiving was Urban One Inc founder and chairwoman Cathy Hughes, Kellogg CEO Steve Cahillane, Youth Service America president Steve Culbertson, and more.

Jaden being presented with his award by Bernice A King, King Center CEO and the youngest child of Martin and Coretta.

  

Images provided by Paras Griffin/ Getty and LaLa Spears