The much-anticipated 6th Annual Pink Awards took center stage on October 12, 2024, solidifying its place as the highlight of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hosted by Carl Payne and Kenny Burns at the TheaterPlex at The House of Hope Atlanta, the star-studded event brought together an unforgettable lineup of performances, tributes, and honorees dedicated to the fight against breast cancer and advocating for Black women’s health.

The evening kicked off with Grammy-winning artist Rudy Currence, whose soul-stirring opening performance set the tone for an impactful night. The stage then lit up with a mesmerizing dance tribute from Jazze Pha’s dancers, honoring the legendary producer as he received the prestigious Vanguard Award. The night continued with powerful performances by Vott, Kaelyn Kastle, B. Chase & Shabach, Y’anna Crawley, Monica Lisa Stevenson, and Zebulon Ellis, each captivating the audience with their talent and passion.

In addition to these entertaining yet impactful moments, the Pink Awards also celebrated a remarkable lineup of honorees who are trailblazers in their respective fields. Queen Afua, honored as “The Visionary,” is a holistic health expert, wellness coach, and New York Times best-selling author, recognized for her tireless work in promoting health and wellness in the Black community. Her presentation tribute was made even more special with video tributes from Erykah Badu and Dougie Fresh, adding a heartfelt touch to her well-deserved recognition.

Terrence Lester, PhD, awarded “The Samaritan,” is a public scholar, community activist, and the founder of Love Beyond Walls, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless. The “Game Changer” award was presented to Devon Franklin, a Hollywood producer, motivational speaker, and best-selling author, for his profound impact on both the entertainment industry and his community. LaSonjia “LJ” Jack, Author, Speaker, and Sports Team Owner, received “The Warrior” award, recognizing her resilience and leadership. Rounding out the honorees was Bishop William Murphy III, celebrated as “The Trailblazer” for his contributions as lead pastor of The dReam Center Church of Atlanta and his Grammy and Dove Award-nominated gospel career.

A major highlight of the evening was the Pink Spotlights, honoring two exceptional breast cancer survivors and leaders in the movement: Ricki Fairley, a 13-year survivor and the Founder of Touch Black Breast Cancer Alliance, and Roxanne McIver, Community Planning & Development Director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Their emotional stories of survival and advocacy shined a bright light on the healthcare disparities and negligence Black women face when diagnosed with breast cancer. These women are leading the charge in raising awareness and fighting for better healthcare outcomes for Black women across the nation