Steve Harvey’s Neighborhood Awards never ceases to amaze and mesmerize thousands year after year. Folks traveled from all over to Atlanta, to arrive at Philips Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center where the State Farm Expo and activities took place. Throughout the years Steve Harvey has entertained millions of people via his stand-up comedy,his book (Think Like a Man) turned movie, game show (“Family Feud”), daytime talk show (“Steve Harvey Show”); but I do not think any of that trumps the present State Farms Insurance-sponsored Neighborhood Awards. The annual event sold out this year at Philips Arena, and Tamela Mann set it off from the audience as she sang “Take Me to the King” and blew the roof off the building.
This event highlights the entrepreneurs of the community and their efforts on a national level. This award recognition show was far from your ordinary award show. Where else can can you receive an award in an arena that holds over 15,000 people with Steve Harvey hosting the show; (creating a new set of rules for award recipients after each acceptance); celebrities presenting your awards and musical performances from artists like Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Tyrese and Usher rocking the house? It was an incredible night full of surprises.
Philips Arena was filled with unity, tears, laughter, and people from communities across the country who are committed to giving back to make their neighborhoods a better place.
Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmonds shocked the crowd as he ran through the aisles of the audience ripping his shirt off, leaving his fans in awe. Tyrese brought back that old-school R&B with a new flavor and took us down memory lane with some classic cuts we all were familiar with. Lastly, he introduced the audience to music from his new independent album, Black Rose. Tamar Braxton was stunning in blue just like her mom, Evelyn Braxton, who looked amazing as well.
Tyrese asked everyone who was 45 years old and older to raise their hand, and then serenaded the audience with tunes you definitely had to be over 40 to appreciate. The show ended with Usher shutting down the house. He really gave the people what they wanted.
We spotted Roland Martin sporting his yellow jacket and matching ascot; Nephew Tommy getting Mayor Kasim Reed to rep his fraternity in a step-off on stage; Steve Harvey and his fabulous foot wear; Sheryl Underwood and her sarcastic, educated humor; we even saw a pregnant Kandi Burruss with her hubby Todd and Momma Joyce in tow.
But hearts dropped when we saw the trailer of Sanaa Lathan with her Perfect Guy co-star, the sexy Michael Ealy. We weren’t surprised to see a very consistently classy MC Lyte, who’s always down to support philanthropic events; and TV/film content creator Bentley Kyle Evans was there with Omar Gooding, Angell Conwell and veteran actor Dorien Wilson (who looked amazing by the way); accompanying the cast from Bounce TV’s new show “In the Cut” and “Family Time.”. These two shows will debut in August on the Bounce TV Network.
Winners received Neighborhood Awards for the following categories:
Best High School Coach: Kenneth Lockett
Best Nail Salon: Salon Couture
Best Teacher: Melanie Griffin-Hamlin
Car Wash: Goodson’s Auto Detailing
Best Choir: St. Mark 4B Mass Choir
Soul Food: Dusties Buffet
Check out the photo gallery after the cut.
