The Whispers and Obba Babatunde’ honored at 6th Annual Small Business Awards Gala

Columnists, Kim's Kronicles — By on December 15, 2010 at 12:47 pm

 

2010 President’s Awardees The Whispers. Photo By Kim Webster.

 

The Whispers and Obba Babatunde’ honored at 6th Annual Small Business Awards Gala

By Kim Webster

 The Regional Black Chamber of Commerce honored Hall of Fame recording artists The Whispers, actor/producer/director Obba Babatunde’ and the business community. The Whispers received the 2010 President’s Award. From their first top ten R&B hit “Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong” in 1970 to their 2009 gospel CD “Thankful” The Whispers, members Walter & Wallace “Scotty” Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, and Leaveil Degree, continue to be ultra-entertainers. Put on one of their albums or CDs and you have everything from the up tempo dance grooves to the sit back and chill music and those ever sensual love songs! When they’re not performing, they are involved in numerous charities including the Police Athletic League Reading Program.

Obba Babatunde is one of the most talented actors to grace the screen and live stage. In 2009 he played Sammy Davis Jr. in the musical “Sammy: Once in a Lifetime.” He was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as C. C. White in the original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls” and an Emmy nomination for his performance in “Miss Ever’s Boys.” Mr. Babatunde’ and writer/producer Ruth Adkins Robinson have developed several TV projects including “TV in Black: The First 50 Years,” “Oscar’s Black Odyssey: From Hattie to Halle“ and “Dorothy Dandridge: An American Beauty.“ He is well deserving of the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hugh Fuller of KJLH Radio was MC for the evening joined by actress/singer/composer/ producer Dawnn Lewis and actor Shaun Baker. The Regional Black Chamber of Commerce San Fernando Valley presented the following awards to: Ernest Givins Rasscom USA Inc./2010 Small Business of the Year Honoree; 2010 Volunteers of the Year – William C Hutchinson, Hubert Scales, Cleo Hill-Jackson, Rebecca Flemings;　Luther-Burbank Savings – Encino/ 2010 Financial Institution of the Year; Office Depot/ 2010 Major Corporation of the Year; Los Angeles World Airport /2010 Government Agency of the Year. For more info, please visit:

www.regionalblackchambersfv.info

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