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The tone was light and congenial as the Jackie Robinson Foundation recently celebrated its 35th anniversary with its annual awards dinner at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in Manhattan recently. The star-studded event, which was hosted by funnyman Bill Cosby, honored three individuals who personify Jackie Robinson’s humanitarian ideals.

This year’s honorees included award-winning film producer, director and screenwriter George Lucas; Clive Davis, music legend and BMG chairman; and Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, president emerita of Bennett and Spelman Colleges. Each honoree was saluted with a career-spanning montage detailing the accomplishments and humanitarian efforts each had achieved. “These individuals are extraordinary not only for their profound record of professional achievement but also for their significant commitments to advancing equal opportunity and improving the human condition,” explained the foundation’s president and CEO, Della Britton Baeza.

Guests at the black-tie dinner included director Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya, sportscaster Ahmad Rashad and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, who also performed for the night’s attendees.

Actor Jimmy Smits presented George Lucas with the ROBIE Achievement in Industry Award, while Dr. Camille O. Cosby presented Dr. Cole with her ROBIE Humanitarianism Award. Music icon Clive Davis rounded out the night’s honorees when he accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award from actress Julie White. In addition to celebrating the honorees, the evening also doubled as a fundraiser for the JRF foundation, which provides college scholarships and mentoring programs to high-achieving minority students across the country. Scholarship recipients Danielle McKinley, Sayan Ibrahim, Adriana Lee and Alex Kado were also on hand, serving as the night’s escorts and announcers. -ivory m. jones

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