Hero Media continues to create space for diversity at the largest gathering in the creative marketing community.
On June 18th, 2024, Hero Media hosted an unforgettable evening at the Carlton Cannes to celebrate its second annual Heroes of Media Awards Dinner. In partnership with our generous sponsors Shipt, Omnicom PR Group (OPRG), and P&G, this prestigious event honored innovators who have fearlessly advanced media ventures that prioritize diversity.
This year, we spotlighted industry giants Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, and Alfred Liggins III, visionary CEO of Urban One, receiving the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for their trailblazing work in urban media. Tariq Hassan, SVP, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA, was awarded the “Brand Champion Award” for his efforts in championing diversity through branding. Shannon Sharpe, 3X Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer, received the “Impact Award” for his influential role in media and entertainment. Honored with the “Vanguard Award” was Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, acclaimed DJ, artist, and activist, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to music and activism.
The evening began with a welcome cocktail reception, where guests mingled and celebrated the accomplishments of the honorees. The awards ceremony featured powerful speeches and heartfelt tributes, highlighting the significant impact each honoree has made in the media industry. Shannon Sharpe’s words resonated deeply as he spoke to what inspires his drive:
“I believe in order to be great you must possess two things above all others: consistency and obsession. My obsession is success. Success will allow me to do things for my community and family that I could only have dreamed of.” – Shannon Sharpe
D-Nice, inspired with his life’s story of using music as a force for social change, spoke about the power of media and music to reach and connect:
“This recognition given to me for my contributions to the world of music is truly humbling. It’s always been a powerful force capable of transcending boundaries and touching the souls of people from all walks of life.” – DJ D-Nice
The celebration continued with a highly anticipated afterparty at Yahoo Beach, sponsored by our supportive partner Yahoo. Featuring global sounds and an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie, diverse attendees danced under the stars with fellow industry leaders, all while celebrating the spirit of innovation and diversity that defines Hero Media.
Heroes of Media Awards Dinner is more than just an awards ceremony; it is an industry-leading celebration of the changemakers, trailblazers, disrupters, and luminaries who are redefining the narrative around inclusive content and diverse media investments. The 2023 inaugural class of honorees set a high standard, including Eden Bridegman-Sklenar of Ebony and Jet, Eric Austin of P&G, and Halle Berry, Academy Award-winning actor and founder of Re-Spin. This year’s honorees continued to build on that legacy, inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of media and technology.
With a wrap on Cannes Lions 2024, Hero Media has once again succeeded in shining a spotlight on those who are making a lasting impact in the media landscape. With a commitment to celebrating diversity and innovation, we continue the important work of helping pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future in media.