Shown l-r: Dr. Sybril Brown, Rhori Johnston, Tuwanda Coleman, Yolanda and Lelan Statom

By Victoria Green 

NASHVILLE, TN — Headliners and Heroes Awards was a night to remember. The purpose of the event was to raise funds to support scholarships for students majoring in journalism and communications, at area colleges and universities. 

The Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, family and friends gathered at the elegant Lighthouse on the Lake. Vicki Yates, retired NewsChannel 5 anchor and Kenny Smoov VP Urban Formats for Cumulus Media, presented awards in multiple categories with entertainment provided by DJ Victor Chatman. 

Justin McFarland, NABJ Recipient Outstanding Journalist Award
Jason Luntz, president, Nashville Chapter of NABJ
Shown l-r: NABJ Recipient, Ernie Allen Trailblazer Award, Atty. Stephanie Williams, and Yolanda Beech, producer and on-air host at Cumulus Media
Shown l-r: Victoria Green, Rhea Kinnard, Atty. Stephanie Williams, Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Yolanda Beech, Dr. Jewel Winn, Dr. Phyllis Qualls, Dr. June, and Karen Johnson
Ladies of Les Gemmes l-r: Rhea Kinnard, Yolanda Beech, Victoria Green, Atty. Stephanie Williams, Dr. Phyllis Qualls, Dr. Jewel Winn, Dr. June, and Karen Johnson

The Nashville Chapter of NABJ honored seven recipients that have made a significant impact in the community. To everyone that was honored we say “Thank You.”

 • Trailblazer Award

Ernie Allen, news director and talk show Host of Let’s Talk Radio Show, WQQK 92.1 FM

• Media Excellence Award

 Tuwanda Coleman, Talk of the Town producer and on-air personality, WTVF-TV, News Channel 5 

• Community Service Award

 Rhea Kinnard, president/CEO Kinnard & Associates 

• Outstanding Journalist Award 

Justin McFarland, morning news reporter, WZTV-TV Fox 17 News

• President’s Award

Presented posthumously to Getahn Ward, former business reporter, The Tennessean, former Parliamentarian, and Scholarship Chair NABJ Nashville  

• Lifetime Achievement Award

Vicki Yates, retired anchor, WTVF-TV NewsChannel 5 

• Impact Award

Dr. Sybril Brown, professor of Journalism, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Belmont University

“Headliners and Heroes’ was more than just an event; it was a celebration of excellence, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a commitment to empowering the next generation of communicators. 

“We came together to honor outstanding achievements and contributions to journalism and our community, and I’m immensely proud of what we achieved. This event showcased the incredible talent and dedication within our Nashville NABJ family, and I’m grateful to everyone who made it possible. Together, we’re shaping the future of media and communication.” said Jason Luntz, president, Nashville Chapter NABJ.