TV One Partners With Top Brands To Celebrate “Women Leading The Change” At The ‘URBAN ONE HONORS’ on Sunday, May 16 at 9 P.M. ET/8C

TV One is partnering with an illustrious group of sponsors to support the URBAN ONE HONORS tribute special, which heralds the accomplishments of African American women. The special will air on TV One on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 9 p.m. ET/8C and simulcast for the first time on its sister network CLEO TV. Sponsors include Amazon, McDonald’s, PNC Bank, Toyota, Verizon and Ford Motor Company.

“We are thrilled to partner with an incredible group of marketers, who understand the importance of celebrating the accomplishments of African-Americans and that invest in uplifting both individuals and organizations that are vital to the Black community,” said Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay, TV One EVP of Ad Sales and Marketing

As previously announced, this year’s theme, ‘Women Leading the Change,’ will commemorate the myriad achievements of women leaders who are blazing trails and creating new pathways for others in their respective areas of expertise. Honorees include Stacey Abrams who will be heralded as the Voting Rights Champion, an award dedicated to a fearless leader whose efforts help to build political infrastructure by turning out voters and protecting their votes. Robin Rue Simmons will also be named Reparations Ambassador for her work to break down systemic racism and barriers that have held African Americans back.

Additionally, McDonald’s and its Black and Positively Golden Movement will sponsor the Investigative Journalism Crusader award which will be bestowed upon Nikole Hannah-Jones, a media maven who is reframing the national conversation by covering the impediments and contributions made by Black Americans.

Ford Motor Company will present the Backstage Pass, which will feature in-show segments offering exclusive interviews with today’s top performers, entertainers and guests throughout the evening.

To continue the ‘Women Leading the Change’ theme, Verizon will sponsor the “Hometown Sheroes” initiative, honoring women of distinction in Radio One markets across the country who are making a difference to enhance the lives of those in their communities.  Radio One listeners are encouraged to nominate local “Hometown Sheroes” by submitting their entries on local market websites. The winners will be featured in custom vignettes on the radio stations in their communities and recognized as “Hometown Sheroes,” touted for the important work they do for the community. Two “Hometown Sheroes” will each be profiled. Verizon will also give a special salute to the “Hometown Sheroes” via a thoughtful content piece. The three content pieces will be shared during the Urban One Honors telecast as well as on www.NewsOne.com.

The URBAN ONE HONORS fan zone sponsored by PNC Bank will deliver an exhilarating experience tailored to the loyal fans at home. The virtual activation will elevate the audience’s engagement to bring them closer to the entertainment and music by appearing on-screen during the award show. Attendees will be offered an exclusive moment to celebrate change-makers, essential workers, industry leaders, tastemakers, and Black cultural icons. The Virtual Fan Zone will comprise female students from some of the most esteemed Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). URBAN ONE HONORS will spotlight the pre-selected fan zone attendees during branded show bumpers providing exclusive on-screen moments throughout one of the biggest nights in Black entertainment and culture.

Amazon will sponsor the iOne Digital categories that will provide additional profiles of Dr. Ala Stanford, who answered the call to eliminate institutional barriers preventing healthcare to those in her community, and Kim Ford, a resilient provider of direct service and resources to individuals in crisis within the community she serves.

iOne Digital will also offer partners exclusive coverage and editorial content surrounding this year’s hybrid activation and honorees. From virtual experiences with celebrity guests to exclusive tributes and photo galleries celebrating the honorees, digital content will be curated and presented through engaging video and editorial features. iOne Digital will create up to ten (10) sponsor-able categories across its most relevant brand sites to align with the URBAN ONE HONORS during the live broadcast.

The inspiring night of excellence will also feature a salute to some of our cities most prolific mayors and the sororities from the historically Black Greek Letter Organizations. The night will feature a celebration of several prominent women leading our nation’s cities and the work they are doing to inspire impactful change within the Black communities that they serve. The mayors include Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Additionally, “Sisters in Sororities” will feature the work of the four sororities of the Divine Nine led by President Glenda Baskin Glover (Alpha Kappa Alpha), President Beverly E. Smith (Delta Sigma Theta), President Valerie Hollingsworth Baker (Zeta Phi Beta) and President Rasheeda S. Liberty (Sigma Gamma Rho) and showcases the importance of sisterhood. It will also highlight how they are working together to support African American college students who are looking for community as they pursue their education.

Now in its third year, URBAN ONE HONORS was created to acknowledge and pay homage to individuals and organizations whose work significantly impacts society and culture. Grammy-Award-winning gospel artist

Erica Campbell and award-winning journalist and author Roland Martin will host the event.

URBAN ONE HONORS is executive produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas and Robert Boyd of Swirl Films and produced by Jazz Smollett. Susan Henry serves as Executive Producer in Charge Producer for TV One. Kashon Powell is Vice President of Programming for Radio One, and Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent and Casting. Robyn Greene Arrington is Vice President of Original Programming and Production.

For more information, please visit www.UrbanOneHonors.com to check out exclusive behind-the-scenes content for Urban One Honors. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #URBANONEHONORS.