These are enlightening and uplifting stories of individuals who have overcome incredible odds, then have gone on to blaze amazing paths, who filled the Twelve Hotel ballroom during the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s “Spirit of the League” Awards Luncheon that featured Soledad O’Brien.
The stories heard helped add an extra coating of resolution to the attendees. One woman’s single-handed war to keep her house during the Great Recession — a house she bought while in college — brought tears to people’s eyes. Another couple overcame cancer and an assortment of personal tragedies and obstacles to open up their own business. A two-time felon told of how he underwent a spiritual and mental metamorphosis who now has written several novels and is the personal trainer for several celebrities was given a rousing standing ovation.
The star of the luncheon was, of course, O’Brien, the highly-decorated and awarded television journalist who founded the engrossing documentaries “Black in America” and “Latino in America.” After her award-winning tenure at CNN came to an unceremonious conclusion earlier this year, opportunities arose for the indefatigable mother of four. She is now joining Bryant Gumbel’s Emmy-winning “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” and she founded her own production vehicle, Starfish Media Group, which will continue to produce “Black in America” and “Latino in America” and other projects.
O’Brien sat down with beloved local legend and TV news anchor, Monica Pearson to detail her amazing path from her New York roots to the top of the world news and documentary stages.
Take a look below at the 2013 Spirit of the League honorees.
