The Ken Knight Awards, named after well known journalist and media pioneer Ken Knight, was held honoring black journalists, podcasters, anchors, reporters, on-air personalities, influencers, sales/marketing and media professionals. The event featured conversations to advance black history knowledge in the media, reverence local trailblazers, support current and future leaders. Curated by Obi Umunna, Esq., Managing Partner of Umunna Legal Group, this event recognized the men and women that fight for the truth, transparency, and leadership. “Black media and black journalists are an integral part to telling black stories correctly,” said Umunna. The award namesake is credited with starting a movement in which African Americans asked for more of their music and announcements to be aired on local TV and radio stations. Mr. Knight initiated training programs to prepare other African Americans for careers in broadcasting and originated the Ken Knight Show which was the first African American television show in Jacksonville. This year’s event was hosted by news anchor Dawn Lopez and featured a tribute to Northside Coalition of Jacksonville (NCOJ) founder Ben Frazier and newly elected officials Mayor Donna Deegan and Councilman Rahman Johnson. Guests enjoyed a catered dinner, cocktails and networking inside WJCT studios. This year’s award recipients are: Deborah Maiden Owner WCGL radio FM94.7/AM1360; Eugene Ford Co-Founder Black Films Matter; Shaunee Jones Radio Personality IHeartMedia; Jenese Harris Anchor/Meteorologist WJXT; Keitha Nelson Anchor First Coast News; John Reid Florida Times Union; Lifetime Achievement Award to Ben Frazier (Posthumously).
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