On Tuesday night, National Action Network’s 2018 Triumph Awards were held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, NY. Hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the annual event honored high-profile figures who have used their platforms in order to speak out against social justice. The black-tie affair, where ESSENCE was a media sponsor, recognized Terrence Howard, rapper Meek Mill, Jeffrey Wright, Starbucks COO Rosalind Brewer, President of Combs Enterprises Dia Simms and Joe Tacopina, managing partner of the law firm Tacopina & Seigel. During his speech, Sharpton spoke about the purpose of the Triumph Awards and why NAN chose to celebrate those making a difference in their perspective areas. “The challenges are so great for the civil rights and social justice communities in the United States that we often fail to celebrate our successes as we move from fight to fight,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, NAN’s president and founder. “The Triumph Awards are a yearly opportunity to recognize and celebrate high-profile figures that are both successful leaders in their fields as well as staunch advocates for equality and justice. These are people who can be celebrated, lifted up, and ultimately emulated in their work.” Tanya Lombard, AT&T’s head of Multicultural Engagement and Strategic Alliances, and founder of the Humanity Connection; and Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications, both received the President’s Award for Leadership and Community Service. “This year’s nominees exemplify the kind of service and activism that should be expected from public figures and officials,” said Sharpton. “In a news cycle dominated by Donald Trump and his bigoted, anti-civil rights administration, we at NAN are committed to highlighting people making real change and those that can shape public opinion to make it happen.” To learn more about the National Action Network, click here.