PRESENTING
THE 2018
HONOREES
More to be announced
Desi Banks
Social Media Comic Influencer of the Year Honoree
With over one million followers on Instagram alone, Desi Banks has acquired a loyal following across the social media spectrum. Best known for his hilarious short video clips featuring unique characters, this Atlanta native now tours the comedy circuit and performs to sold out crowds across the country. Desi is also a talented actor whose made appearances on television and in films. He is, without a doubt, one to watch!
Cocoa Brown
The 2018 Moms Mabley Legacy Honoree
“I am not afraid to use my voice" - Cocoa Brown
When actress and comedian Cocoa Brown takes the stage, the world stands still. Brown is undeniably one of the most talented comics and performers of this generation. The Newport News, Virginia native, born Farah Brown, assails her craft with such passion and soul-searching veracity when she claims a stage the ensuing act is nothing short of a force of nature. Personally selected to receive this honor by the family of Mom's Mabley, this fiery performer, whose credits include Tyler Perry’s critically acclaimed comedy series “For Better or Worse” on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network and a national commercial spot for Progressive Insurance Company, has assembled an extensive body of work.
Nick Cannon
The Dick Gregory Voice of A Generation Honoree
NICK CANNON holds many titles: rapper, actor, comedian, director, screenwriter, film producer, entrepreneur, record producer, radio and television personality; and on November 1st, he will add yet another...
“The Dick Gregory Voice of A Generation” Honoree! Nick and the late, great Dick Gregory shared a close bond. Their love of comedy, as well as the use of their platforms to become activists for social issues, are just a few reasons why the honor is so special.
Deon Cole
The 2018 Rising Star Honoree
Actor, comedian, and comedy writer, Deon Cole's star has steadily been rising for quite some time. Originally based out of Chicago, many have come to know him as Charlie Telphy, from the hit ABC sitcom Black-ish. Cole was also a member of the writing staff for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and Conan.. In addition to acting and writing, he tours frequently, bringing laughter to many with his stand-up comedy. He first got into comedy when a friend bet him $50 that he would not get up on stage one night in Chicago. That was a bet well placed. He simply keeps rising to the top!
Melanie Comarcho
Comedy Female Road Warrior Honoree
When you're an actress, writer, and stand-up comedian, all while being a mother to 2 daughters, you've certainly earned a number of awesome titles. Add to that, being the only female comedian to have appeared on the most major tours across the country with the likes of Chris Tucker, Maxwell, Martin Lawrence, and Katt Williams, and Road Warrior certainly seems really befitting! Melanie Comarcho has appeared on television, in movies, and shows no signs of slowing down!
Earthquake
The Robin Harris Legend Honoree
With over two decades of shaking things up in comedy world, this comedian is best known as "Earthquake". In the early 1990s, Earthquake started off doing gigs in small clubs. By the late nineties, he got his national break when he was asked to join the Russell Simmons Def Comedy Jam Tour. His career continued to flourish from there, not only as a comedian, but also as an actor, voice artist, and radio show host; and he shows no signs of slowing down!
Marla Gibbs
Excellence in Television Comedy Honoree
Marla Gibbs is an American actress, comedian, singer, writer and producer, whose career spans five decades. Gibbs is known for her role as George Jefferson's maid, Florence Johnston, in the CBS sitcom, The Jeffersons, for which she received five nominations for Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She also starred in the show's spin-off Checking In, and the NBC sitcom, 227; Gibbs co-produced the latter series, played the lead role of Mary Jenkins, and sang the theme song. She has won a total of seven NAACP Image Awards.
Affectionately known as "The Godmother of Comedy", Tina Graham's contributions to the comedy world are too numerous to list here. With a career that spans over 20 years, she has been responsible for opening doors, providing opportunities, and launching successful careers for hundreds of comedians. In addition, as an executive, talent promoter, booking and casting agent, and consultant, Tina simply has the eye to spot natural talent. A behind-the-scenes powerhouse, Tina Graham is a star-maker!
Tina Graham
Creative Visionary Icon Honoree
We are thrilled to honor & celebrate the incredible journey of this one-of-a-kind, extra talented, very funny individual - Tracy Morgan! With a career that spans well over 20 years, there is so much that he has accomplished. From Stand Up Comedy & “Martin” to “Saturday Night Live” & “30 Rock”... and now, with his new hit TV series “The Last O.G.”, Tracy has proven time & time again, that hard work, perseverance, & faith moves mountains. Congratulations!
Tracy Morgan
The Triumph of Spirit Honoree
The NY Kings Comedy Tour
The 2018 Comedy King
Trailblazers Honorees
Talent. Capone, Rob Stapleton. Mark Viera
Every once in awhile there's an event that takes place that makes you shake you head and say that was truly AMAZING...well The NY Kings Comedy Tour is just that event. Consisting of Capone, Talent Harris, Rob Stapleton, and Mark Viera, you can expect the laughs to begin from the moment the first NY KING walks to the stage. Be assured, there are no ‘soft' or ‘weak' spots in the line up. From the top of the show, through the end, you will laugh like you’ve never laughed before. With credits that include HBO Def Comedy Jam, HBO's Bad Boys of Comedy, Jaime Fox’s Laffapoolza, Comedy Central Specials, BET Comicview, Showtime Specials, movies and tv pilots etc. The NY Kings of Comedy Tour officially beckons to be the hottest ticket around.
Donnell Rawlings
The 2018 Charlie Murphy Road Warrior Honoree
Donnell is an overnight success a decade in the making. He made a splash in the DC comedy clubs going from a heckler in the audience to HBO's Def Comedy Jam in a period of six months. You’ve seen him as 'Ashy Larry' on Comedy Central’s award winning and critically celebrated Chappelle’s Show, where he joined Dave Chappelle as both as a writer and performer. He was also featured in Queen Latifah's new movie Percentage. His 1-Hour Stand-Up “Ashy to Classy” premiered on Comedy Central in October of 2010. He is respected by his peers and loved by his fans. As a former cast mate and personal friend of the late Charlie Murphy, Donnell was personally selected by the family to receive this honor. Our Congratulations!
Sheryl Underwood
The Marsha Warfield
Comedy Queen Pioneer Honoree
Sheryl Underwood is a savvy businesswoman, philanthropist and a multifaceted, multi-media entrepreneur who is recognized as one of the most articulate, well-informed women of our time. Underwood is co-host of the Emmy award winning CBS television show THE TALK and co-host of the 2017 and 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards show. She is Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Pack Rat Productions, Inc. and is the 23rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; the only full-time entertainer to ever hold the sorority’s highest post. Her list of accomplishments span far and wide both within, and outside, of the comedy world. She is most deserving of this honor, in the name of someone she looked up to, Ms. Marsha Warfield. From one comedy queen to another...Congratulations!
Kym Whitley
The 2018 Renaissance Woman of Comedy Honoree
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Renaissance Woman: a person with many talents or areas of knowledge (Merriam Webster). Sounds like the description of our multi-talented honoree, Kym Whitley! This Renaissance Woman has shown that her talent doesn’t just begin & end with standup comedy. With a career that spans over two decades, Kym’s television acting credits include ABC’s “My Wife and Kids”, CBS’s “Two Broke Girls”, Disney’s “That’s So Raven”, TV Land’s “Soul Man” and HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” There was also her docu-series, “Raising Whitley” on the OWN network. Kym has appeared in over 2 dozen films, is an accomplished voice-over actress, radio host on the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show”, author (with the 2018 debut novel “The Delusion of Cinderella”), and public advocate, who created the “Don’t Feed Me” campaign to enlighten the public of food allergies for adults and children. All that, AND she’s a mom!
Demond Wilson
Special Achievement In Television Honoree
"Sanford & Son"
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Demond Wilson...actor, author, and pastor, will forever be part of television history. He is best known for playing the role of Lamont Sanford, the son of Fred Sanford (played by Redd Foxx), in the hugely popular 1970s NBC sitcom Sanford and Son. The series, which ran for six seasons, was known for its "edgy racial humor, running gags, and catchphrases." It was one of the top 10 highest-rated series on American television from its first season in 1972 through the 1977 season and In 2007, Time magazine included the show on its list of the "100 Best TV Shows of All Time". Wilson, for many years after the series ended, continued to act in several popular televison shows including "Baby...I'm Back" and "The New Odd Couple. He authored several Christian books and became an ordained minister in 1984.
Source/References: Many of the honorees provided bios, For others, we credit Wikipedia for the information included above.
