Plot Synopsis

Each year since 2003 (except in 2006), the McDonald's 365BLACK AWARDS have honored and recognized outstanding individuals who, through outstanding community service, make significant contributions that strengthen, influence and inspire the African-American community. Created to celebrate the pride, heritage and achievements of African Americans yearlong, the 365BLACK AWARDS were originally held as a separate event, but have been celebrated as part of the annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans since 2007. Past award recipients have included:
2003: Herman Petty, Tom Joyner, and Susan L. Taylor
2004: Reggie Webb, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., and Thomas J. Burrell
2005: Frances R. Jones, Ingrid Saunders-Jones, and Maxine Waters
2007: Michelle Ebanks, Marian Wright Edelman, and Linda Dunham
2008: Johnnetta B. Cole, Roland S. Martin, Bill Lamar, and Ernie Adair
2009: Earl G. Graves Sr., Soledad O'Brien, Alonzo Mourning, James E. Clyburn, and Frank E. Mason
2010: Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore US Army (Ret), Rodney Peete & Holly Robinson Peete, and Rita Mack
2011: Mary J. Blige, Ruby Dee, Cathy Hughes, Benjamin Jealous, and Henry 'Hank' Thomas
2012: Chaka Khan, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Tamia & Grant Hill, Tony Hansberry II, Mary-Pat Hector, and Tina & Harold Lewis
2013: Gladys Knight, Beverly Johnson, Dr. Steve Perry, Kenny Williams, Roland Parrish, Leanna Archer, and Charles Orgbon III
2014: Rev. Al Sharpton, Will Packer, Kevin Liles, Iyanla Vanzant, Dhani Jones, and Henry Coaxum
2015: Ava DuVernay, Pastor Marvin Sapp, Marc Morial, Jeff Johnson, and Carolyn Hunter
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The 13th annual 365BLACK AWARDS, hosted by actor/photographer Lance Gross alongside actress/singer Amber P. Riley, was broadcast by BET on Thursday, Septembrer 1, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT, featuring performances by R&B singer Kelly Price; The Braxton Sisters, who paid tribute to Lifetime Achievement honoree, Toni Braxton; Kenny Lattimore, V. Bozeman and Eric Benet in honor of Toni; Anthony Hamilton and The Hamiltones; Chrisette Michele; Ro James; and Canton Jones. This year's honorees include: Grammy Award-winning artist Toni Braxton; football cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman; award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson; educator and historian Lonnie Bunch; and McDonald's owner/operator Larry Tripplett. Additionally, teen philanthropist Lauren Seroyer and teen social-entrepreneur Donovan Smith were recognized alongside this lineup with the third McDonald's 365Black Community Choice Youth Award.