The South-South Awards By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos: South-South Website
On Monday, September 19th, 2011, there was a very special event taking place at the elegant Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
The 2011 South-South Awards were held as an annual event which this year recognized efforts in progress in digital health for digital development. The ceremony was broadcast live worldwide.
The unified purpose is to honor governments, the United Nations, the private sector and the civil society. Organized by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuba, the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the South-South News, it has been publicized that the main purpose of the function is to bridge the digital divide.
Sponsoring the awards are two of the world’s most respected companies. Polaris Aviation Solutions is a premier jet aircraft company based in the United States but committed to global development initiatives. With their use of communication technology, they strive to achieve the Millennium Development goals.
Cool Cartoon Communications Co. Ltd. is a company specializing in digital animation design and production, CG visual effects, digital animation technology development, educational programs, film and TV production and services and integrated media communication services.
The Master of Ceremony for the evening was the lovely and talented Patricia Velasquez. In addition to modeling and acting, Patricia also takes part in charity work. She was the first Latina supermodel to walk the runway for Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana and more. She is a UNESCO Artist for Peace, has received the Women Together Award at the United Nations in 2009 and received the Solidarity Award in November 2010. She has launched her own hair care line known as Taya Beauty.
Walking the Red Carpet were heads of state, ministers, ambassadors, leading private sector stakeholders and key figures from the media and entertainment world.
The lineup of performers and entertainers read like a ‘Who’s Who’ and attendees were given a royal treat. Performing were:
Robin DiMaggio – World’s premiere drummer and percussionist as well as songwriter, composer just to name a few of his many talents. He is also the Music Director of the South-South Awards.
Kenny G. – Smooth jazz saxophonist who has released more than 75 million albums throughout his career
Roberta Flack – Grammy winner who tells her stories through her music. Humanitarian and mentor providing innovative and inspiring music educations program to underprivileged students free of charge.
David Paich – musician and main composer of the rock and pop band, Toto and inducted into the Musician’s Hall of Fame with the other members of Toto. He also composed the theme for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Oumou Sangare – Musician and Ambassador of Wassoulou, advocate for women’s rights and opposes child marriage and polygamy.
Miri Ben-Ari – Hailing from Israel, this Grammy Award winning violinist has done all kinds of music and performed with Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Donna Summer and more. She is co-founder of ‘Godenk’ (‘Remember’), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness among young people about Holocaust. She was invited by Michelle Obama to perform during Women’s History Month.
Michael Bearden – Well-known for performing at President Obama’s star-studded inaugural concert at Lincoln Memorial.
Other great performers include Don Felder, Keaton Simons, Bakithi Kumalo, Lenny Castro and Larry Saltzman.
The evening was immensely memorable in so many ways. To learn more about the South-South Awards and programs, go to:
THE SOUTH-SOUTH AWARDS
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