2017 Our Choice Awards
2017 Honorees
Lonnie G. Bunch III
Umbrella Award
Lonnie G. Bunch III is the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. As the museum’s director, Bunch has identified the museum’s mission and is developing exhibitions and public programs and coordinating the museum’s fundraising and budget development.
Joe Palmore
Services to Youth Award
Not just an artist, but also a fan of the art, Joe P is positioning himself to sit at the helm of an all-encompassing artistic hub for performers and lovers of the art form, whether he is on stage performing or behind the scenes with an eye for excellence.
The League of Women Voters
National Trends award
The League of Women Voters is a citizens’ organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our government and engage all citizens in the decisions that impact their lives.
A. Pearson, G. Geib, & G. Hanna
International Trends & Services AWARD
For Family Legacy - Bethel House
Friends Alexandra Pearson, Grace Geib and Gigi Hanna took on the task of raising funds to build a home in a children’s village in the needy city of Lusaka, Zambia. Together, they raised $150,000 to build the home, travel to Zambia and begin mission work with orphans throughout the city.
Dr. Tamika K. Cross, MD
Health & Human Services AWARD
Tamika K. Cross, MD is currently a PGY 4 Resident Physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston where she currently serves as an Administrative Chief Resident.
Past honorees
2015
Margot James Copeland / Dr. Nana Ekua Coleman / Bob Devlin / Kim Hansen / Selven O'Keef Jarmon / Major Jones / Cherie Singleton / Gerald B. Smith / Carol Watson / Neiman Marcus
2012
Crystal E. Ashby / Shauna Johnson Clarke / Cindy Clifford / Eileen J. Morris / Peggy B. Smith, Ph.D.
2009
The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee / Janiece Longoria / Constance White
2003
Charlotte Bryant / Gayla Gardner / Jewel McGowan / Latisha Plummer / Sterling Bank
1997
Judge Hanna Chow / Patricia Kane / Sharon Michael / Councilwoman Gracie Saenz / Genevieve Rousseve / Browning-Ferris Industries
1996
Larine Boyce / Sylvia Brooks / Laconia Cain / Janice Character / Deborah Grotfeldt / Nellye Joyce Punch / Anita Smith / Polly Turner / JASA House of Texas / Sisters Network
1995
Faye B. Bryant / Lois W. Bullock / Anita R. Bunkley / Audrey K. Gassama / Luellia W. Harrison* / Pamela M. Jackson / Delores D. Smith / Alvia J. Wardlaw / Carol L. Watson / Patricia R. Williams
1993
Elaine P. Adams / Michelle Barnes / Zinetta A. Burney / Judith Craven, MD / Lillie J. Fontenot / Vanessa D. Gilmore / Jerelyn Gooden / The Rev. Yolonda Herron-Palmore / Joann Horton / Audrey H. Lawson* / Sheila Jackson Lee / The Honorable Gabrielle K. McDonald / Lois Moore / Wanda Thornton Mott, MD / Sherea McKenzie Poston
*Deceased