Essence Music Festival wasn’t just about parties and concerts. The 2011 McDonald’s 365Black Awards, which attracted mutli-platinum recording artist Mary J. Blige; record producer Steve Stoute; Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett; legendary Broadway actress Ruby Dee; NAACP’s president and CEO Benjamin T. Jealous; civil rights “freedom rider” Hank Thomas, radio legend Tom Joyner; actors Lamman Rucker, Lance Gross and Hosea Chanchez; NFL star Isaac Keys; gospel singing sensation Hezekiah Walker; and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu recognized individuals who make significant contributions to the African American community year-round. –yvette caslin
