HONOREES
Emmy Award winning sports broadcaster, actress, & author
Jayne Kennedy Overton
Receiving the Legend Award
Jayne Kennedy Overton is a trailblazing television personality, Emmy Award-winning host, and cultural icon whose groundbreaking work in sports broadcasting helped reshape American television. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, she became one of the most influential women in sports media, breaking barriers and opening doors for future generations—especially women of color. Her presence, professionalism, and charisma redefined what was possible for women in a male-dominated industry.
In 1978, she made history by joining CBS Sports as a reporter and co-anchor on The NFL Today, one of the most-watched sports pregame shows of its time. Stepping into a highly visible role, she quickly earned respect and admiration for her intelligence and on-air presence. Her excellence was nationally recognized in 1982 when she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Hosting for her coverage of the Rose Bowl. That same year, she expanded her influence as host of Greatest Sports Legends, interviewing icons such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Johnny Unitas.
Beyond sports broadcasting, Kennedy built a multifaceted career as an award-winning actress, producer, and philanthropist. She received an NAACP Image Award for Best Actress for her role in Body and Soul and appeared in notable television series including The Six Million Dollar Man, Starsky & Hutch, Sanford and Son, and CHiPs. Through her groundbreaking achievements and lasting cultural impact, Jayne Kennedy Overton remains a true icon and legendary figure in media and entertainment.
Hip Hop Legend
"Kurtis Blow"
Receiving the
Soundtrack of the Game Award
(The first rapper ever signed to a major label)
Kurtis Blow created the iconic song “Basketball” after his girlfriend suggested he make a record about the sport, recognizing its cultural impact and the fact that no one had done it before. The song pays tribute to legendary players, with Julius “Dr. J” Erving mentioned first as one of Blow’s favorites. Written in a classic early hip hop style with rhymed couplets and featuring vocals by Alyson Williams, the track captured the energy of the game and helped connect hip hop with basketball culture.
“Basketball” opened major doors for Kurtis Blow, including a strong relationship with the NBA. As the song gained popularity, the NBA began playing it at games and flew Blow out to perform live following matchups, expanding his reach across sports and entertainment. The song has remained culturally relevant over the years, including being featured in the film Like Mike with a remake by Lil Bow Wow, and appearing in television shows such as The Goldbergs, American Dad, and Everybody Hates Chris.
The music video, directed by Michael Oblowitz, included appearances by The Fat Boys and Whodini and today has over 9 million views, continuing to introduce new audiences to the classic.
Honoring the Legendary Brand
Fubu
Receiving the
Legends of Fashion Award
What began as a “bunch of hats” made by Daymond John, Keith Perrin, J. Alexander and Carl Brown in Hollis, Queens have turned the partners of FUBU into leaders of one of the most successful lifestyle brands of all time and the creators of an entire category of marketing innovations that are now considered to be staples of industry.
The earliest collection consisted of a small line of tops and hats with the FUBU logo. By 1995, an extensive sportswear line was designed and produced by FUBU, using raw materials imported from around the world. With the success of the collection, distributors and investors came calling.
At its peak in 1998, FUBU grossed over $350 million in annual worldwide sales. Over the next two decades, FUBU has received several honors for their entrepreneurial achievements. These include two Congressional Awards, two NAACP Awards, the Pratt Institute Award, the Christopher Wallace Award, the Online Hip Hop Award and a Citation of Honor from the Queens Borough President.
To date, over 5,000 stores have carried the FUBU collection and more than $6 billion dollars in revenue.
Celebrity Designer/Stylist
Kenny Kas
Receiving the
Fashion Icon Award
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Kenny “Kas” Flanagan's extraordinary career includes dressing some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports, including Rihanna, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Sherri Shepherd, Nelly & Ashanti, Kevin Hart, Kobe Bryant, The Harlem Globetrotters, Maxwell, Angela Simmons and more.
His designs have graced red carpets, magazine covers, films, and television worldwide, cementing his reputation as both a trendsetter and cultural tastemaker.
His work has been recognized with the Career Achievement Award in Fashion, the America’s Prince of Fashion Award, and even a Proclamation from the State of Maryland honoring his impact.