Special Programs & Events
2003 NVLP Awards Gala
Phylicia Rashad greets NVLP Visionary
Joe Adams who accepted the award for his
long-time friend and client, Ray Charles.
Held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the inaugural NVLP gala honored Ray Charles, Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee, Dick Gregory, Jimmy Heath, Geoffrey Holder, and Odetta.
Phylicia Rashad hosted the celebration which included performances by younger protégés selected by the honorees, including Tracy Chapman, Mos Def, and Stephanie Mills. The entire event was videotaped and aired on public television.
The Gala evening ended with an elegant, celebratory dinner in the Kennedy Center’s beautiful atrium. We hope to establish the Gala as NVLP’s signature fundraising event to help continue the work of preserving and disseminating the wisdom of our elders to inspire new generations of young leaders.