DALLAS — With 80% of Americans saying the nation is “greatly divided” on core values and only one in four believing that unity can be achieved, moments that signal hope and bridge-building matter more than ever. Toward this end, renowned pastor, author and visionary business leader T.D. Jakes will receive the 2025 ADCOLOR Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition that transcends industries, on Nov. 14 in Orlando, Florida. At a time when faith is regaining influence in public life, ADCOLOR, the premier organization building community in the creative industries, is honoring Jakes for nearly five decades as a faith-driven storyteller, cultural icon, and advocate for human progress.
ADCOLOR’s mission of “Rise Up, Reach Back” resonates deeply right now. Many communities feel abandoned or unseen. Honoring a leader who has consistently “reached back” to uplift others is a model worth amplifying. For someone like Jakes, whose work spans media, faith, storytelling, culture, business, and social impact, this is deeply fitting. The award is symbolic and honors a life built on bridging domains, elevating others, and using influence for public good. Jakes’ career is rooted in advancing initiatives that strengthen communities and uplift millions globally. He has historically and continues to operate as a bridge-builder, weaving together faith, business, media and culture so that more people can rise and thrive.
“ADCOLOR has long championed the very work that has defined my life, breaking barriers, elevating voices, and expanding opportunity, so to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award is profoundly meaningful,” said Jakes. “My journey has always been about more than platforms; it has been about building bridges between faith, business, media, and culture so that more people can rise and thrive. At my core, I am a storyteller who believes that narratives can heal, empower, and open doors for those too often overlooked. This honor affirms the power of that mission while reminding us all that true success is measured not only by what we build, but by how we reach back to lift others. As I step into this next chapter of media, philanthropy and enterprise, my commitment remains the same: to tell stories that restore dignity, create opportunity, and leave an indelible mark on generations to come.”
After handing over the day-to-day reins of The Potter’s House church to serve as spiritual overseer earlier this year, Jakes is now using his global influence to speak to the world like never before, as a trusted and true voice stepping into the ring of cultural upheaval to help turn the page to the next chapter.
About T.D. Jakes
T.D. Jakes is a global thought leader, visionary entrepreneur, and one of the most influential voices of our time. For nearly five decades, he has inspired millions around the globe through faith, media, entertainment, and transformative leadership. A New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, entrepreneur, spiritual advisor to U.S. Presidents and cultural commentator, he leads the T.D. Jakes Group and T.D. Jakes Enterprises, as chairman and CEO advancing work that spans business, entertainment, global philanthropy, real estate, and social impact. His commitment to equity, innovation, and purpose has shaped movements, built communities, and transformed lives worldwide cementing his legacy as a bridge-builder who turns vision into lasting impact.
