Ebony honors distinguished women in marketing & communications at 6th annual luncheon

EBONY Magazine recently honored 12 exceptional women who have distinguished themselves in the fields of marketing and communications during the sixth annual Outstanding Women In Marketing & Communications Awards Luncheon in New York City.

The awards festivities, held at the New York Hilton & Towers, were sponsored by McDonald's, Bermuda Tour ism and title sponsor, Verizon.

Linda Johnson Rice, president and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of EBONY and JET Magazines, welcomed the award recipients and guests.

The luncheon pays tribute to successful women in marketing and communications. "Their intelligence, drive, talent and professionalism are inspirational," said Mrs. Rice. "They are shining examples of what it means to rise above the status quo, defy the ordinary and exceed the extraordinary in their industries."

Shon Gables, co-anchor of "CBS 2 News This Morning," served as mistress of ceremonies. Minister Vy Higginsen, CEO of the Mama Foundation for the Arts in Harlem and producer of the musical series Mama, I Want To Sing, delivered the invocation.

James Earl Jones, star of the Broadway hit On Golden Pond, was among the celebrities who lent support at the annual awards luncheon.

Recipients of the Advertising Agency Award were Jacqueline D. McCauley, senior vice president/director of client services, E. Morris Communications, Inc., and Fay Ferguson, co-owner and managing partner, Burrell Communications Group. Brenda Blackmon, co-anchor, UPN 9, "News At 10" presented the awards.

Corporate Marketing Award recipients were Jeanine M. White, multicultural marketing communications manager, Lincoln Mercury, A Division of Ford Motor Co.; Vicky L. Free, director of U.S. Marketing, McDonald's USA, and Jerri DeVard, senior vice president brand management & marketing communications, Verizon. Cherie-lynn A. Whitter, director of tourism, Bermuda Department of Tourism, presented the awards.

Journalism Award honorees were Gayle King, editor-at-large, O, The Oprah Magazine; Fredricka Whitfield, news anchor, CNN; and Rene Syler, anchor, CBS' "The Early Show." The awards were presented by Dr. Jannette L. Dates, dean, John H. Johnson School of Communications, Howard University.

Entertainment Marketing Awards went to Dedra N. Tate, president and general manager, Flavor Unit Entertainment; Christina Norman, president, VH1; and Jonelle Procope, president & CEO, Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. The awards were presented by EBONY Magazine Associate Publisher Jeff Burns, Jr.

Mrs. Rice presented the Madam C. J. Walker Award to Debra L. Lee, president & COO, Black Entertainment Television.

Entertainment was provided by the Sherry Winston Band. Veteran soul-gospel singer Cissy Houston performed the national Black anthem Lift Every Voice And Sing with the McDonald's Gospel Choir.