Hollywood Honors Trailblazing Actor-Director and Social Activist Ossie Davis--Star-Studded Gala Airs Saturday, May 28th On Starz In Black

The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) announces the first national broadcast of the NAMIC Vision Awards, highlighted by a tribute to the late screen legend Ossie Davis. The Vision Awards is the only entertainment industry event that honors Cable television networks and entities within the general entertainment community for their efforts to advance the development and production of original, multicultural television programming.

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) May 27, 2005 --- Legendary actor-director and social activist Ossie Davis was honored by NAMIC, Inc. (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) with the organizations North Star Award presented to entertainment entities demonstrating a longstanding commitment to advancing the cause of industry diversity. The posthumous tribute featuring entertainment veterans Glynn Turman, Mario Van Peebles and Ruby Dee, Davis life partner for nearly 60 years, airs at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT, Saturday, May 28th on Starz In Black.

Upon Davis passing in February, 2005, veteran actor Danny Glover reflected: He saw no separation between his social commitment and his artistic commitment."

Ruby Dees acceptance of the award on behalf of Ossie Davis is certainly one of the highlights in the 11-year history of the show," said Gregory Amerson, NAMIC Vision Awards producer.

Honoring outstanding achievements in Cable television diversity, the NAMIC Vision Awards are presented in nine programming categories, recognizing the best in multiethnic, original content. Co-hosted by Lisa Ling, Lisa Vidal and Chris Spencer, the show features appearances by Michael Clarke Duncan, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Benito Martinez, Judge Mablean Ephriam, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Georg Stanford Brown, Tim Reid, Kristoff St. John, BETs AJ and Free, singer-songwriter Brenda Russell and more.

Jeff Valdez, Chairman of SiTV, the newly launched English language network focusing on Latino themed programming and Sesame Street" and its production company Sesame Workshop were also honored for their achievements in industry diversity.

The 11th Annual NAMIC Vision Awards are presented in partnership with Time Warner Corporate, Warner Bros., Turner Entertainment Group and HBO. Johnathan Rodgers, CEO, TV One is the honorary chair.

Founded in 1980, NAMIC is currently celebrating 25-years of their mission of educating, advocating and empowering for the cause of advancing diversity in communications.

Starz Entertainment Group LLC is the largest provider of premium movie services in the United States with approximately 174 million pay units (www.starz.com). For more information on NAMIC visit www.namic.com.

11th Annual NAMIC Vision Award Winners:

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE

Dave Chappelle, Chappelles Show" (Comedy Central)

BEST COMEDY (Tie)

Fatherhood" (TV Land/Nick at Nite)

Chappelles Show" (Comedy Central)

BEST DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE

Mos Def, Something The Lord Made" (HBO/Cinemax)

BEST DRAMA

Something The Lord Made" (HBO/Cinemax)

BEST CHILDRENS

The Proud Family" (Disney Channel)

BEST DOCUMENTARY

CNN Presents: Horror & Hope: Rwanda, 10 Years Later" (CNN)

BEST MUSIC AND VARIETY (Tie)

BET Awards -- 2004" (BET)

Chris Rock: Never Scared" (HBO/Cinemax)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Premios Fox Sports 2003" Fox Sports Espanol

BEST NEWS/INFORMATIONAL

Nick News with Linda Ellerbee" (Episode: Keeping The Faith: Muslim Kids In America")

CONTACT:

Charmaine Chapman

(310) 285-9443

char@bbtbcommunications.com

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