Created in 2015 by Carol “Butterfli Tia” Dunkley for as she wrote in her own words :
“I created Unlabelled Awards because I came to a realization that there are so many hard working people behind the scenes, in all fields, who work tirelessly to contribute to the success of people who are in the front. We tend to always recognize the power players in the spotlight, but rarely award the key players in the back. It is my passion to specifically give recognition to those undeserved.”
-Carol ‘ Butterfli Tia’ Dunkley – Founder & President of The Unlabelled Awards
A great way to start fashion week in New York City and to see those individuals who are so deserving of an award and to simply be recognized and thanked in the public forum.
Held at the beautiful and historic Church of the Holy Apostles at 296 9th Avenue in New York City, there were refreshments ( wine, soda, water ) and comfort food served making the evening perfect! This year’s honorees were:
Lifetime Achievement Award :
“J. Alexander Martin is a prominent entrepreneur and fashion visionary, best known as the co-founder of FUBU (For Us, By Us) and the ForUsByUs Network. With his keen business acumen and passion for empowering the urban community, Martin has made a significant impact in the fashion industry and beyond. ”
Courage to Care Award
“Sergeant Khalia M. Carter started her Law Enforcement career in May 2009 with the New York State Office of Mental Health where she served as a Special Police Officer. She started her career as a Police Officer with the City of Peekskill Police Department in July of 2012 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in November 2019. Sgt. Carter is currently the Commanding Officer of the Community Policing Unit. She focuses heavily on community affairs and special initiatives with the goal of fostering a transparent relationship between the members of the Police Department and the members of the Peekskill community, building strong ties, and developing community-based programs that will provide community members with well-needed resources.”
Conquest Award
The Conquest Award was awarded to Sushana Cole who professes to be the following:
“I am a serial entrepreneur, Mom, Author, OVERCOMER, and an e-commerce coach. I’ve been in the entrepreneurial space for over a decade. I started out in the beauty industry and then took my talents to different areas. I now share my knowledge of the business world with queens all over the world.”
I teach them about having a healthy mindset and How important personal development is in order to win in life and business. “
Circle of Excellence Award
Awarded this year to Shontel Greene. As written on the site ” Shontel currently owns two businesses. The first, More Than Just Friends Adult Medical Day Center, serves as a wholesome space to host patients throughout the day with medication therapy, as well as activities and events meant to keep them mentally and physically strong. The second, Nursez R Us, is a residential service agency providing adult dependent care to qualifying citizens in the state of Maryland.”
Entrepreneurship Award
Awarded this year to Antwoin “Chef Fresh” Gutierrez. ” Since finding his passion, Chef Fresh has groomed his talents in establishments such as The Gramercy Park Hotel, Upland, Bouchon Bakery, Pain D’Avignon, and Zaro’s Bake Shop. In 2017 he launched his own “Online Bakery” called Fresh Taste Bakery and since then, he has made a name for himself in NYC being featured by outlets like The NY Post, GMA, and Black Enterprise for his Carrot Cake Cookies and Alcohol Infused Desserts. #KeepinItFresh,(as he likes to say) with the likes of DJ Khaled, Larenez Tate, Fivio Foreign, The Real Housewives of NJ, as well as companies like Viacom, Spotify, Time, Complex, Black Enterprise, and more!”
Humanitarian Award
“Farzana Niemann is a passionate and accomplished veteran of the Healthcare Service Industry who, for the first fifteen years of her career, worked as a senior registered nurse at some of the most prestigious hospitals in the city of Hamburg, Germany, where her family settled after fleeing the ravages of war in her birth country of Afghanistan. Her initial experiences with complex surgery, focusing on managing the internal wellness of an individual, provided an invaluable foundation for her to then focus on the external wellness of the individual through attention to Skincare.
Farzana came to the U.S. from Hamburg in 2011, where she shifted her focus from medicine to becoming a full-time Skincare Specialist (NY licensed aesthetician) and celebrity makeup artist.
Additionally, as a consequence of her own experience with domestic violence, she has become an advocate for women’s empowerment, which reinforced her existing sensitivity to the plight of women in Afghanistan. She has been an outspoken public speaker on this topic with the goal of providing women with a greater sense of unification and cohesiveness. This has included presentations to The Miss Immigrant Contest, Unlabelled Award, and The United Nations an organization dedicated to the furtherance of Women’s Empowerment.
As an adjunct to this activity of providing care for people, Farzana became impassioned with the recent unfortunate events for those in her native country of Afghanistan. An entire lifetime of providing care and wellness to people naturally translated into her desire to aid those who have become victims of these circumstances. She is determined to ensure that the proud people of Afghanistan receive the proper treatment and basic necessities that we are all entitled to.”
Capture the Moment Award
This Year this prestigious awarded was awarded to Ronnie Wright. “Ronnie Wright, otherwise known as “Photographer to the Stars” has proven himself as one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets. With over 40 years of documenting key moments and tastemakers in Hip Hop, Ronnie Wright’s portfolio exceeds many of his predecessors.
During the course of his career, Ronnie has documented big names like Usher, Beyonce, Nelly, and Michael Jackson just to name a few. As a notable photographer, Ronnie landed a gig that lasted 14 years, working with BET Networks as the head photographer on popular shows like Rap City, 106 & Park, and BET Special events.”
Community Service Award
This year it was awarded to Craig Jacobs Jr. Per Craig : “One of my major goals is to become a division 1 football coach. Coaching is my way of giving back to my community! Football is more than a game! It’s a tool for teaching the youth life skills through the game of football! I’m an assistant coach for our Peekskill High School Varsity Football team. “
Community Ambassador Award
“Malaka Garrett has been a long-time resident born and raised in the City of Peekskill. She currently serves her community by being a public servant working for the City of Peekskill in their Department of Public Works, and she is the Ambassador of the City, a role given to her by the City Manager Matt Alexander. In the Ambassador’s role, Malaka has become the liaison between different non-profit organizations and the City to show support for their community initiatives. One of her most productive accomplishments was helping the non-profit organization Narcotics Anonymous negotiate their rent and locker fees with the City of Peekskill. They were concerned about losing a place they felt was safe for their organization to meet and support the community’s needs. Malaka took the lead on this matter and ensured to keep their meeting place within reasonable costs and definite measures.”
Public Relations Award
Awarded this year to Gen Johnson who is the Owner and CEO of SL Next Level Entertainment and Management Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Johnson founded the first accredited public relations school located in Atlanta, GA that helps individuals learn and get first-hand experience in the entertainment industry. While running a successful Entertainment and Management company, Gen is a wife and a mother of two amazing children.
Congratulations Gen!
It was a wonderful evening and I felt privileged to be there amongst so many well deserving honorees!
A special thank you to http://www.unlabelledawards.com I printed the information above from the event. (I cold not have written it any better!).
Westchester is great!
