Maxwell, Gamble and Huff, Hezekiah Walker and Rev. Al Sharpton Honorees at National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters Awards Gala

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — R & B artist Maxwell, legendary songwriters and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo Gamble and Huff and Grammy award winner Hezekiah Walker are among the honorees at the 26th National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters Annual Communications Awards Dinner. The dinner will be held on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.Maxwell, Grammy award winning R & B artist, will be honored and receive the 2010 Entertainer of the Year Award. Gamble and Huff, creators of the Philadelphia Sound, will receive the Pioneer in Music Award. Walker, a world-famous gospel singer and founder and Bishop of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle - The Kingdom Church, will receive the Pioneer in Gospel Music Award. Civil rights activist and founder of the National Action Network, Rev. Al Sharpton will receive the Mickey Leland Public Service Award."2009 was a significant year for Blacks in the broadcast industry and throughout the entertainment arena—we experienced some major successes, but we lost some true heroes," said Jim Winston, NABOB Executive Director. "NABOB is proud for this opportunity to celebrate our achievements as we come together to build a stronger future for people of color in our industry."This year's dinner will also feature a live all-star tribute to the late Teddy Pendergrass, featuring Peabo Bryson, Joe, and the Ray Chew Band; and a video tribute to Inner City Broadcasting founder, the late Percy Sutton.Each spring NABOB honors some of the most recognizable and celebrated names in entertainment, media and public service. 2009 honorees included U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, singer Chaka Khan, and actress and comedienne Mo'nique.NABOB is the first and largest trade organization representing the interests of African- American owners of radio and television stations across the country. The association was organized in 1976 by a small group of African-American broadcasters who desired to establish a voice and a viable presence in the industry and to address specific concerns facing African-American broadcasters. Since its inception, NABOB has grown into a major trade organization representing the interests of more than 245 Black-owned commercial radio stations and 13 commercial television outlets.For ticket or sponsorship information contact DeSane Associates at 201-342-0909.