Viola Davis Remembers Being Called the N-Word More Times Than Her Own Name as a Child While Accepting HollyRod Foundation Honor

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Viola Davis Remembers Being Called the N-Word More Times Than Her Own Name as a Child While Accepting HollyRod Foundation Honor

As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for heartfelt stories, I must say that Viola Davis’ acceptance speech at the HollyRod Foundation DesignCare 2024 Gala was nothing short of inspiring. Her journey from her six-year-old self to the powerhouse actress and philanthropist she is today resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own humble beginnings in the gaming world.

At the DesignCare 2024 Gala held in Los Angeles on a Saturday, Viola Davis was bestowed with the Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award. This honor comes from the HollyRod Foundation, an organization established by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband Rodney Peete back in 1997. The foundation offers assistance to families struggling with Parkinson’s disease and autism.

Before Davis received his award, Robinson Peete paid tribute to Jacqueline – the late wife of former music executive Clarence Avant, who tragically lost her life at the age of 81 in 2021. He explained that this particular award held a deep significance for him since Jacqueline was one of the original donors to establish the HollyRod Foundation. “If you had the pleasure of knowing her,” Robinson Peete added, “you would understand what it means to embody grace, joy, generosity, and an unwavering love for family. She cherished the arts and served as a beacon of inspiration for many.

Kelly Rowland addressed Davis, recognizing her as a person who has impacted lives deeply with her exceptional talents, unyielding strength, and compassionate spirit.

Rowland praised Viola Davis, stating that she embodies the essence of this honor, named after Jacqueline Avant – a personification of generosity, love, and philanthropy. Just like Jacqueline, Viola’s compassion and dedication to improving the world inspires us all about the impact we can make by lifting others up. Viola, we are immensely thankful for your courage, your talent, and your compassion.

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, I found myself deeply resonating with Davis’s words when she emphasized the significance of giving back to oneself – the most crucial individual we ever have the privilege of helping.

Davis started off by explaining that he takes to heart the idea that philanthropy is about improving the world, which aligns perfectly with his goals. He emphasized that the two individuals who deserve the most gratitude are his six-year-old self and his future 80-year-old self. Although he hasn’t met his 80-year-old self yet, he is well acquainted with his six-year-old self, as she continues to live on in his memories.

The star went on to say, “She harbored many dreams, yet had few expectations. She struggled with bedwetting, lived in extreme poverty and scarcity, and was likely subjected to racial slurs more often than being referred to as Viola – beauty. However, the circumstances of Viola’s life were such that she didn’t belong in this world. And if one truly grasps what it means to be a hero, they are always someone who doesn’t fit into their world.

As a passionate advocate for change, I find myself deeply rooted in my childhood experiences, which have led me to become an ambassador for Hunger Is – a movement dedicated to eradicating childhood hunger worldwide. Beyond this, I’ve lent my support to various charitable organizations that resonate with me personally. These include the Children’s Hunger Alliance, Soles4Souls, a non-profit providing clothing and shoes to those in need, and Friendly House, an organization that assists women battling addiction.

She expressed, “It’s a profound, timeless affection – one that goes far beyond mere sentiment. It encompasses every aspect of a person’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. This is the kind of love that can help people feel less isolated.

At the end of her talk, Davis expressed her dedication to ensuring that others avoid the hardships she encountered.

Davis expressed his hesitation but eventually shared, with a glint of unshed tears in his eyes. “For as long as the last person who knew you is alive,” he said, “you’ll never truly cease to exist, and I yearn for an eternal life. I wish to emulate little Viola, to be the hero she requires. I aspire to be that individual who emerged from the darkness and declared, ‘I see you.’ That’s why I dedicate myself to fighting hunger, promoting education, and combating domestic violence. I acknowledge your presence. And as long as I draw breath, I know my purpose in this race is to hand over the baton to the next exceptional runner who will carry it forward and inspire others, just like Ms. Avant. I honor her life. I appreciate her faith in me, bestowing this award upon me. While I’m still breathing, I vow to leave a legacy for people.

Approximately 500 guests attended HollyRod’s 26th annual gala, which was graced by the presence of Magic Johnson and Ted Sarandos. Beyond the awards presentation, the event included a fashion show, a fundraising auction for the organization, and an afterparty with a live performance by ’90s R&B sensation After 7.

New honorees were added to the list, such as artist Morgan Harper Nichols and multi-talented speaker Jason McElwain, who collected the HollyRod Hero Awards; neurologist and movement disorders specialist Dr. Chantale Branson, who was bestowed with the Muhammad Ali Trailblazer Award; Camille Proctor and Nadine Wright-Arbubakkr, co-founders of The Color of Autism and Nassan’s Place, who received the Karen E. Smith Angel on the Path Awards; EMT Eric Aquino, honored with the Matthew Robinson Jr. Award of Courage; and Dr. Julian Maha and Dr. Michele Kong, founders of KultureCity, who were given the HollyRod Corporate Champion Award.

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2024-09-29 21:25