John Legend, Tyrese Gibson, civil rights leader honoured at Triumph Awards in Atlanta

ATLANTA – John Legend and Tyrese Gibson were among several honoured for their positive impact on the community at the Triumph Awards.

Legend received the Presidential Award for service and humanitarian efforts at the taped show Saturday night in Atlanta. The Grammy-winning singer was not in attendance, but accepted his award in a pre-taped video sitting alongside Rev. Al Sharpton.

The show will air Oct. 3 on TV One.

The network collaborated with the National Action Network and Sharpton. The show recognized each individual for their positive impact on society by utilizing their talents and resources to help those within under-resourced communities.

Gibson was presented the entertainer of the year award by Martin Luther King III. After the singer was given the award, he took the stage to perform his single “Shame.”

Rev. Joseph E. Lowery received the Chairman’s Award for historic & transformative service as a civil rights leader. Comedian Wanda Sykes was given the Activism in the Arts honour for years of service to youth homelessness and engagement within the LGBT community.

Intel chief diversity officer Rosalind Hudnell was presented with the Corporate Executive of the Year.

Actress Tichina Arnold of the STARZ’s series “Survivor’s Remorse” hosted the show.

Rapper T.I. delivered a spoken word piece titled “United We Stand,” urging youth to not lose focus and the meaning behind the Black Lives Matter movement.

Along with Gibson, other performers included Tasha Cobbs, Ledisi, Jazmine Sullivan and Estelle. The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta unveiled “Put Your Guns Up,” a tribute recounting the victims of unfortunate deaths as a result of gun violence.

Grammy-winning jazz artist and producer Robert Glasper was the show’s musical director of the house band. Chante Moore and R&B singer Stokley Williams performed in a duet, singing a rendition of Donny Hathaway’s classic song “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”