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Photo by: Urban One

As we get ready to put on an unforgettable show for the culture, we want to take the time to appreciate what the 2023 Urban One Honors Honorees have done throughout their careers.

Looking at the amazing careers of Congresswoman Maxine Waters, David and Tamela Mann, LL Cool J, Bobby Brown, and Pharrell Williams, we applaud each of our incredible honorees for their talent, motivation, and contributions to our community.

Without further ado, let’s take a deeper dive into each of our 2023 Urban One Honors ‘Icons of the Culture’ honorees!

 

1. Lifetime Achievement Honoree: Congresswoman Maxine Waters

Congresswoman Maxine Waters is one of the most significant women in American politics.
In her more than 40 years of public service, she’s developed a reputation as a fierce supporter of women, kids, people of color, and the underprivileged.

We thank Maxine Waters for her service to the community!

2. Inspirational Impact Honoree: David Mann

When it comes to David Mann, the multi-faceted actor, comedian, and NAACP Image® Award winner, saying he is incredibly accomplished is an understatement. David Mann is and will continue to be a huge inspiration to us all!

3. Inspirational Impact Honoree: Tamela Mann

Tamela Mann is an actress, singer-songwriter, producer, and businesswoman who has won Grammy®, BET®, Billboard®, NAACP Image®, and Stellar® Awards for Gospel Music.

Throughout her amazing career, Tamela Mann has given us the strength to be great for our community, and we thank her for her inspiration!

4. The Phoenix Honoree: Bobby Brown

All hail the king of R&B!

Bobby Brown’s life has faced both professional and personal tragedies. Each time he has risen from the ashes stronger and with a renewed sense of purpose. This journey has taken him from R&B’s bad boy to a man-focused on family, creating new music, and sharing his love of food with his four-year-old company Bobby Brown Foods.com.

We are proud to present the Phoenix Award to the legend.

5. Entertainment Icon Honoree: LL Cool J

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a two-time Grammy® Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, a Kennedy Center Honoree, actor, author, and the winner of the NAACP Image Award, in addition to being the founder and CEO of Rock the Bells, LL COOL J has built one of the most diverse careers in the entertainment industry.

Urban One is proud to celebrate his long-lasting and influential career!

6. Music Innovation Honor: Pharrell Williams

The visionary producer, songwriter, recorder, philanthropist, fashion designer, and businessman Pharrell Williams deserves all of his flowers!

He has received 13 GRAMMY Awards, including three for Producer of the Year in 2004; 2014; and 2019; ASCAP’s renowned Golden Note Award; nominations for Golden Globe and Emmy; and two nominations for Academy Awards.

We can’t wait to honor this Icon of the culture!