W. Paul Coates Awarded the 2024 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community

The National Book Foundation, presenter of the National Book Awards, announced W. Paul Coates, publisher, community activist, and founder of Black Classic Press and BCP Digital Printing as the recipient of the 2024 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community, which will be presented at the 75th National Book Awards Ceremony & Benefit Dinner on Wednesday, November 20. Since 1978, Black Classic Press (BCP) has published remarkable, and often out of print, works by and about people of the Black diaspora. A lifelong advocate for celebrating the life of Black writers and bolstering their literary legacies, Coates will be presented with the Literarian Award by author and recipient of the 2020 DCAL Medal Walter Mosley.

Born in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1946, Coates enlisted in the US Army and served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. Upon his return, Coates moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he began volunteering with the Black Panther Party’s community breakfast program and additional community programs that provided access to healthcare, clothing, and housing assistance. After leading the local chapter for several years, he established the George Jackson Prison Movement—a prison literacy program to provide incarcerated readers access to progressive Afrocentric literature. The movement led to the opening of The Black Book bookstore in Coates’s basement, which evolved into the Black Classic Press and later inspired the development of BCP Digital Printing. As founder and publisher of Black Classic Press, Coates has published original works by Yosef Ben-Jochannan, John Henrik Clarke, John G. Jackson, Walter Mosley, and many others, in addition to reissuing titles by Amiri Baraka, Edward Blyden, Amy Jacques Garvey, Larry Neal, J. A. Rogers, Bobby Seale, Carter Woodson, and W. E. B. Du Bois, among many other notable works.

“As a librarian, publisher, and community activist, W. Paul Coates has been instrumental in preserving the legacy of remarkable writers and elevating works that have shaped our personal and collective understanding of the Black experience within the borders of the United States and around the globe,” said Ruth Dickey, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation. “Coates has demonstrated for more than 40 years the importance of reading the past and nourishing the creative imagination of present and future writers of the Black diaspora. We are honored to celebrate his extraordinary career with the 2024 Literarian Award.”

Coates earned his bachelor’s degree in Community Development and Education from the Homestead-Montebello Center of Antioch University, now known as Sojourner-Douglass College, in Baltimore, Maryland, and his master’s in Library Science from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. From 1980–1991, Coates served as the African American Studies manuscript and reference librarian at Howard University’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, where he oversaw the curation of out-of-print Black literature. A former member of the Black Panther Party, Coates was instrumental in the establishment of the Black Panther Archives at Howard University. He returned to Sojourner-Douglass College as an adjunct instructor of African American Studies, and co-edited Black Bibliophiles and Collectors: Preservers of Black History alongside Elinor Des Verney Sinnette. In 2018, he was the inaugural recipient of the Dorothy Porter Wesley Award from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and in 2020 he was presented with the Lord Nose Award by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses. Coates is a founding member and chair of the National Association of Black Book Publishers, and was a member of the National Book Foundation’s Board of Directors from 1997-2005.

Coates is the 20th recipient of the National Book Foundation’s Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community, which is given to an individual or organization for a lifetime of achievement in expanding the audience for books and reading. Past recipients include Dr. Maya Angelou, Terry Gross, Kyle Zimmer, the literary organization Cave Canem, Doron Weber, Oren J. Teicher, Carolyn Reidy, Nancy Pearl, Tracie D. Hall, and most recently, Paul Yamazaki. Nominations for the Literarian Award are made by former National Book Award Winners, Finalists, and judges, and other writers and literary professionals from around the country. Final selections are made by the National Book Foundation’s Board of Directors. Recipients of the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community receive $10,000 and a solid brass medal.

The 75th National Book Awards will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. The in-person Ceremony & Benefit Dinner, which will be broadcast live for readers everywhere, will include the presentation of the Foundation’s two lifetime achievement awards and the 2024 National Book Award Winners in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature. For more information about the 75th National Book Awards Ceremony & Benefit Dinner and to register for the broadcast, please visit nationalbook.org/awards.

US Magistrate Judge Embry Kidd Confirmed to 11th Circuit Court of Appeals

The U.S. Senate confirmed federal magistrate judge Embry Kidd to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on Monday.

Kidd was confirmed on a 49-45 vote and will be President Joe Biden’s second appointee to the federal appeals court that covers Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

Before becoming a U.S. magistrate judge in 2019, Kidd was a federal prosecutor in Florida and an associate at Williams & Connolly. After graduating from Yale Law School in 2008, Kidd clerked for Fourth Circuit Judge Roger Gregory.

[SOURCE: law.com]

House Democrats re-elect Hakeem Jeffries as House minority leader

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Tuesday was re-elected by House Democrats to lead the minority party amid a Republican sweep in both Senate and House chambers along with the White House.

Jeffries, D-N.Y. will serve as minority leader in the 119th Congress to start in January.

Leader Jeffries posted the following on social media:

Honored to be re-elected as House Democratic Leader for the upcoming Congress.

We will never give up the fight for the people.

— Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) November 19, 2024

Congressional Black Caucus Holds Ceremonial Swearing-in for U.S. Representative Erica Lee Carter

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued a statement following the ceremonial swearing-in of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's daughter Rep. Erica Lee Carter (TX-18):

“The CBC was proud to welcome U.S. Representative Erica Lee Carter to our ranks to continue the legacy of her mother, and our beloved friend and colleague, the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. An advocate for children and community empowerment, Rep. Lee Carter joins our caucus with extensive experience in federal, state, and local government, and the nonprofit sector. We are confident that Rep. Lee Carter will serve the people of Texas and our nation honorably for the remainder of the 118th Congress and beyond.”

ADCOLOR Announces Winners of the 18th Annual ADCOLOR Awards

ADCOLOR, the premier organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting diversity in the creative industries, unveiled the winners of its 18th Annual ADCOLOR Awards at its awards show held in Los Angeles, California at the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles LA Live. The prestigious event marked the culmination of ADCOLOR 2024, which also included the ADCOLOR Conference and the organization's two talent programs, ADCOLOR FUTURES and ADCOLOR LEADERS.

Winners for the 2024 awards spanned a variety of industries and professional levels, from newcomers to entrepreneurs to executives. The companies represented included Microsoft, Wieden+Kennedy New York, Landor and more. A full list of winners can be found below.

At this year's ceremony, Founder and Chairwoman of The Garcia Companies Dany Garcia was honored with the prestigious ADCOLOR | ADWEEK Beacon Award, which recognizes individuals who use their platform to break barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented communities in the creative industries. Dany was celebrated for her incredible work across entertainment, sports, fashion, and lifestyle and for her unwavering commitment to inclusion.

Other notable guests included the honorees of the organization's ADCOLOR in Music category, which recognizes those who champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the music industry. This year's ADCOLOR in Music | Corporate recipient was 88rising, accepted by the company's Chief Revenue Officer, Michael Chuthakieo. Actress, producer, artist and entrepreneur Queen Latifah received the first-ever ADCOLOR in Music | Icon award for her trailblazing career in music. GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Shaboozey was awarded with the fourth annual ADCOLOR in Music | Artist of the Year award, following previous honorees of H.E.R., Robert Glasper and D-Nice.

Other 2024 honorees represented a diverse array of prominent companies, including MAKERS, Parkwood Entertainment, Taco Bell, Translation and more.

"Those honored tonight exemplify our mission of 'Rise Up, Reach Back' by using their platforms to inspire, uplift, and create pathways for the next generation of changemakers," said ADCOLOR Founder and President Tiffany R. Warren. "They know what it means to be 'Off Mute' and to keep pushing for equity even when there is resistance. We're proud to give them the recognition they so richly earned through their efforts to speak up and speak out for the communities they represent."

Since 2007, the ADCOLOR Awards have celebrated the achievements of diverse communities across the creative industries. This year's winners were selected by a panel of more than 60 judges from a variety of industries, roles and backgrounds. Honorees in non-competitive categories were chosen by ADCOLOR's esteemed Board of Directors and respective partners.

The full list of 2024 ADCOLOR honorees and winners is below:

2024 ADCOLOR WINNERS

• CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR
  The Campaign of the Year pushes boundaries and promotes conversation by highlighting the lives and stories of historically excluded groups. The campaign of the year can run on any platform (linear, print, digital, social, etc.), in any format.
  WINNER: 
  Campaign: "Translators"
  Client: U.S Bank
  Agency: McCann Detroit
  
  
• ADCOLOR IN TECH
  The ADCOLOR in Tech Award recipient is a champion of diversity and inclusion in the tech industries, from digital platforms to programmers to educators to product innovators. By pushing boundaries and creating positive change, they set the stage for future generations to take the opportunities they develop even further.
  WINNER:  Nandita Gupta: Accessibility Product Manager, Microsoft Corporation
  
  
• ADCOLOR INFLUENCER
  The ADCOLOR Influencer builds community and creates change through their creative content on social media platforms. By promoting inclusivity and accessibility on their personal platform, they use innovative means of digital influence that leads to real-life change.
  WINNER: Gabby Beckford: Creator & Founder, Packs Light
  
  
• CHANGE AGENT
  The ADCOLOR Change Agent uses their skill and power to enhance corporate culture, and create a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone connected to it. They call attention to the talents and potential of others around them, putting plans into action that exceed the scope of their professional role.
  WINNER: Sonia Bisono: Broadcast Traffic Director, Wieden+Kennedy New York
  
  
• DEI EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
  The ADCOLOR DEI Executive of the Year not only inspires, facilitates and implements progressive change at their own company or organization, their innovation and determination influences the ways others integrate DEI into business models and corporate cultures.
  WINNER: Judith Harrison: Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Weber Shandwick
  
  
• INNOVATOR
  The ADCOLOR Innovator embodies progress and imagination. They stand out among their peers as a game changer when it comes to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. A pioneer in their goals and their strategies, they create breakthrough opportunities for people and organizations.
  WINNER: Lachi Music: Recording Artist and Founder/CEO, RAMPD
  
  
• MOST VALUABLE PARTNERSHIP (MVP)
  The ADCOLOR Most Valuable Partnership (MVP) occurs between people and companies that work together to provide exceptional, highly effective DE&I solutions that impact organizations and industries. The two partners can be agencies, marketers, entertainment and media companies, brands, individuals, non-profits or diverse suppliers with NMSDC or WBENC certification that team up for a short- or long-term project that furthers diversity and inclusion.
  WINNER: Canadian Down Syndrome Society &  FCB Canada
  
  
• RISING STAR
  The ADCOLOR Rising Star is an up-and-comer in the creative industries with less than seven years of experience who is under the age of 30. Their brilliance, determination and shining personality makes them stand out as a leader. In their short time of rising up, they are already reaching back.
  WINNER: Ivan Delgado: Designer, Landor
  
  
• ROCKSTAR
  The ADCOLOR Rockstar reveals their brilliance as a visionary leader, through their professional role or their efforts outside it. They have a track record filled with successes, and the potential to accomplish much more. Landing between the Rising Star and the Legend, this individual rocks their own singular path as they encourage others to shine.
  WINNER: Chloë Davies: Founder & CEO, It Takes A Village Collective (ITAV)

2024 ADCOLOR HONOREES

• ADCOLOR | ADWEEK BEACON
  The ADWEEK | ADCOLOR Beacon award celebrates an executive and/or media creative who is helping to transform and move the culture forward, specifically with regards to diversity and inclusivity, by rising up while reaching back.
  HONOREE: Dany Garcia: Founder and Chairwoman, The Garcia Companies
  
  
• ADCOLOR | ONE CLUB CREATIVES
  The ADCOLOR | One Club Creative Award is given to a professional in a creative field from a historically excluded community who has demonstrated extraordinary talent and achievement within the media, creative, digital and traditional advertising disciplines. This honor is presented by The One Club for Creativity.
  HONOREE: Ashley Henderson:  Founder and CEO, Legend Twenty Two
  HONOREE: Jason Campbell: Chief Creative Officer, Translation
  
  
• ADCOLOR IN MUSIC
  The ADCOLOR in Music Award recipient is an artist, creative, executive or technician who champions diversity, equity & inclusion in the music industry. Whether a bold-faced name or a player behind the scenes, they use their voice and power onstage and off to fight for change that reaches beyond the world of music.
  CORPORATE HONOREE: 88Rising
  - Accepted by Michael Chuthakieo: Chief Revenue Officer, 88Rising
  ICON HONOREE: Queen Latifah: Actress, Producer, Artist and Entrepreneur
  ARTIST OF THE YEAR HONOREE: Shaboozey: GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter
  
  
• ADVOCATE
  The ADCOLOR Advocate is an LGBTQ+ a professional in the creative industries who increases awareness of issues that affect members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Their efforts to create progress within the creative industries reverberate into the culture at large.
  HONOREE: Brian Anthony Moreland: President, B More Now Productions
  HONOREE: Geena Rocero: Author, Director, Founder, Street Pageant Productions
  HONOREE: Adrienne Hayes: VP of Global Marketing, Google
  
  
• CATALYST
  The ADCOLOR Catalyst uses their platform to serve as the voice of a cause or community, educating and inspiring current and future generations of advertising, marketing, media, PR and entertainment professionals.
  HONOREE: DIVE Studios
  - Accepted by Eric Nam: Co-Founder & Artist, DIVE Studios
  - Accepted by Brian Nam: Co-Founder / CEO, DIVE Studios
  HONOREE: MAKERS
  - Accepted by Alicin Williamson: Diversity and Culture Officer, Yahoo!; President, MAKERS
  - Accepted by Ja'Nay Hawkins: Chief Partnerships Officer, MAKERS
  HONOREE: Monica Ramirez: Founder & President, Justice for Migrant Women
  
  
• LEGEND
  The ADCOLOR Legend is a seasoned industry veteran, a trailblazer who has pushed boundaries leading to positive and long-lasting change. By opening doors for others – and showing them how to turn around and build their own entryways – they have developed a template for future change makers to elevate the opportunities they have created.
  HONOREE: Carla Serrano: Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis Groupe
  HONOREE: Sean Tresvant: Chief Executive Officer, Taco Bell
  HONOREE: Justina Omokhua: Senior Vice President, Parkwood Entertainment
  
  
• LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
  The ADCOLOR Lifetime Achievement Award goes to an industry icon whose longtime professional and personal successes exemplify ADCOLOR's mission of Rising Up and Reaching Back.
  HONOREE: Judy Jackson: President, JLC Ventures
  HONOREE: Sandra Sims-Williams: Chief Business Inclusion, Impact & Belonging Officer, Nielsen
  HONOREE: General Benjamin O. Davis Jr. & Sr.: America's First Two Black Generals
  - Accepted by Doug Melville: Author, "Invisible Generals"; CEO, JodieAI
  
  
• Mr. & Ms. ADCOLOR
  Mr./Ms./Mx. ADCOLOR are two individuals selected annually who not only carry out the ADCOLOR mission, but can stand in as ambassadors to the ADCOLOR organization. Through their service to the industry and to ADCOLOR, they demonstrate and showcase what it means to truly Rise Up and Reach Back.
  Mr. ADCOLOR: Sean Choi: Owner, The Culture Whisperer LLC; Adjunct Professor, Parsons University
  Ms. ADCOLOR: Mimi Minoz: Global Creative Producer, Wieden+Kennedy 

ABOUT ADCOLOR
ADCOLOR® is a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) organization whose mission is to celebrate and champion diversity in the creative industries. Our process is twofold. First, we help individuals and organizations RISE UP, letting their accomplishments and ideas shine. Then we teach these new leaders and would-be-mentors how to REACH BACK and find others who deserve to be noticed and promoted. Our goal is to create a community of diverse professionals who are here to support and uplift one another. Learn more by visiting www.adcolor.org.