Tanisha LaVerne Grant covers Paley Center 's Tribute to African-Americans in Media

It's our turn.... In star studded fashion The Paley Center for Media paid tribute Wednesday night to African-Americans in all facets of film, television, comedy, and journalism. The gala which took place at an exclusive Cipriani event space on Wall St. in New York City was the perfect place to celebrate 70 years of African-Americans in media. In an industry where obstacles have been plenty for African-Americans, it is a great gesture from The Paley Center in Media to acknowledge the countless contributions African-Americans have made and continue to make in media as innovators and disruptors.

"Television more than other media, has paved the way for social change, and this monumentous African-American tribute is a great expression of the Paley Center's mission to highlight the critical role of media within society", said Mareen J. Reidy, president and CEO of the Paley Center for Media in a press release.

Black Hollywood elites like Oprah Winfrey who was the host of the event and actress Kerry Washington of  ABC's hit television show "Scandal" honored the legendary actress Cicely Tyson whose acting career spans 60 years, with early roles in "A Man Called Adam", "I Spy" , "Sounder",  "Roots", "The Autobiography of Jane Pittman", to today, guest starring on shows like "How To Get Away With Murder. She has starred in "The Help" , and won a Tony Award in 2013 for her role in the Broadway production of a "Trip to Bountiful".

The Paley Center's Tribute to African-Americans also took note of the 35th Anniversary of  BET (Black Entertainment Television), the CEO of BET Debra L. Lee who has been at the helm of this groundbreaking television network for 30 years was also in attendance. In an interview with Tanisha LaVerne Grant a Cheyney University of Pennsylvania alum and entertainment correspondent, Debra Lee talks about the early days of African-Americans in media and the first time she saw one of our cultural icons Diana Ross on television. Ross who was the lead singer in the 1960's pop group "The Supremes"  went on to make her own mark in film when she starred in the 1975 cult classic "Mahogany" which celebrates it's 40th anniversary this year.

Other notable attendees included Lee Daniels, Gabrielle Union, Omari Hardwick, Tracee Ellis Ross, Julius Erving, Alicia Quarles, Uzo Adobo, and more. Take a look at our photo gallery to view images of this wonderful tribute.

For more information about The Paley Center for Media contact :

Brittany Forgione
The Paley Center for Media
bforgione@paleycenter.org
(212) 621-6697

Jodie Thomas
Rubenstein Public Relations
JThomas@Rubensteinpr.com
(212) 843-9241

Words by: Tanisha LaVerne Grant
Photos by: Kemuel Charles