We just discovered that comedian and actor Martin Lawrence will receive his first award next month courtesy of the new Centric Network via the The 2012 ‘Eye On Black®’ ceremony. We hear that Lawrence will be joined by Debbie Allen , Chris Robinson, and Haile Gerima and will be hosted by comedic actor Brandon T. Jackson. The event will take place Friday, February 24th, 2012.
Below is the official press release;
Los Angeles, CA – The highly anticipated 2012 ‘Eye On Black’ salute is announced with CENTRIC Network for the 84th Annual Academy Awards Weekend in Los Angeles, CA. The annual soiree serves as the largest salute to African American Directors, recognizing black filmmaker’s whose work has assisted in shaping the black experience on the silver screen. The 2012 ‘Eye On Black’ is presented by Anheuser Busch with additional support from BlackNLA.com, Brock Beauty and KJLH FM radio set for Friday, February 24th, 2012 at the historic Park Plaza Hotel. Creator of ‘Eye On Black’ The Kartel Company, have tapped creative planning firm Carpe Diem Special Events for all creative direction.
The evening salute will honor MARTIN LAWRENCE, CHRIS ROBINSON, AND HAILE GERIMA with host BRANDON T. JACKSON. Presenters and performers for the 2012 show will be announced in the coming weeks. CENTRIC Network partnering in the ‘Eye On Black’ salute for the second consecutive year, Paxton Baker EVP of CENTRIC Network recognizes the significance of the show;
“We are excited to return as the official media sponsor of ‘Eye on Black’: Salute To Directors,” stated Paxton Baker, CENTRIC’s General Manager and Executive Vice President. “This year’s honorees have played a vital role in shaping the cultural framework and musical tastes of CENTRIC’s 25- to 54- year old audience, and I look forward to honoring such great contributors to our heritage.”
Concluding the evening, legendary Choreographer, Producer, Director, Actress, and Philanthropist DEBBIE ALLEN will receive the 2012 Melvin Van Peebles Lifetime Achievement Award®. The salute is expected to boast an A-list celebrity guest-list as well as VIP donors and corporate partners. A night of fanfare, the salute will feature three separate events (pre-cocktail, dinner/salute, and after-party) under the theme of “Natural Talent” with an increased guest list of 375 VIPs. A portion of all proceeds will go toward the funding of the ‘Eye On Black Foundation” 501c non-profit creation, centered around funding community based projects for African Americans in the areas of art, education, and small business empowerment.
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