Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has another accolade to add to his illustrious career in sports as he was one of seven honorees Monday night at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. during the 10th anniversary of the Multicultural Media and Correspondents Association dinner.
The Multicultural Media and Correspondents Association (MMCA) honors BIPOC media excellence. The evening was hosted by comedian and Emmy winner Loni Love, welcoming some of the biggest names to D.C. The stars were out in full effect to celebrate another year of advancing diversity across the media industry and giving the flowers to those whose work made this progress happen.
“This milestone was more than a celebration — it was a recommitment to the work ahead. From champions to grassroots storytellers, your support fuels our mission to ensure multicultural media can start, sustain, and scale their enterprises,” said David Morgan, MMCA Co-Founder and President.
Fox Sports Radio’s Kelsey Nicole Nelson was in attendance at the milestone event, as the past immediate vice president and membership chair of the Washington Association of Black Journalists.
“What a powerful room gathered at the National Press Club, where so many powerful individuals gathered to uphold and protect ethical journalism as we honored some of the best in the business. Thank you MMCA for continuing to help lead the charge for journalist principles and for celebrating the beautiful diversity within the industry,” said Nelson.
The rest of the honorees from the Correspondents Dinner included CEO and Co-Founder of Gold House Bing Chen; PBS Anchor and Managing Editor Amna Nawaz; The 19th News Editor Errin Haines, who also serves as the current President of the National Association of Black Journalists; Founder and CEO of LWC Studios Juleyka Lantigua; and host of More to the Story and We Got Time Today podcast, Rocsi Diaz.
Diaz, who was awarded for her work as a media personality, recollected on her path of making to where she’s at today by acknowledging the radio station that gave her the chance to shine.
“Before there was 106 & Park for me, there was radio station Power 92 in Chicago, where Dr. Ben Chavis told me and taught me how to fight and have your voice heard.” said Diaz during her acceptance speech.
Chavis played a huge role in Rosci Diaz development, even introducing her to then Chicago senator at the time, Barack Obama. This helped to established the importance of the voice a young Diaz had. Diaz would then flourish being a co-host of BET’s signature show 106 & Park, as her voice would be the guiding force behind the hottest music in the 2000s.
Newton was awarded in the New Media category as the 11-year pro has garnered newfound success in sports journalism since hanging up the cleats in 2021. From being an on-air analyst for ESPN’s First Take sports debate show to hosting alongside Ashley Nicole Moss on BET original series 106 & Sports.
The 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player is building a strong foundation in media, reinvigorating sports debates by being candid about his experiences while displaying exuberant confidence seen from his days on the field.
“For years the Carolina Panthers uniform was my suit of armor. The NFL was my stage but even then I always believed that life was about being undeniably, unapologetically authentic. That commitment to being real is exactly what I carried from the football field and straight into the world of content creation.” Newton stated proudly during his acceptance speech.
Cam Newton wasn’t the only figure in sports media awarded as longtime CBS broadcaster and host of “The NFL Today,” James Brown was given the prestigious Media Icon award.
The five-time Emmy Award winner was the man of the hour, as the Washington D.C. native was accompanied by his daughter and two grandchildren. Brown was holding back heavy emotions during his acceptance speech. Brown also gave a nod to Cam Newton in the audience, as everyone in attendance was able to witness a pioneer of the business give light on one of the faces of the new age.
James Brown was nominated for the Media Icon award by longtime friend and Dean of the School of Global Journalism & Communication at Morgan State University, Jacqueline “Jackie” Jones. A nomination that confused Brown but he learned shortly after the two conversed the reason why he was selected.
“I called Dean Jones and asked her as I was struggling to come up with words to say, ‘Why did you nominate me for this?’ and she said one of the most impactful quotes that she stayed mindful of in her own career is that of the acclaimed writer James Baldwin. Which he quoted “Can’t believe what you say because I see what you do.,” said Brown.
The MMCA was able to showcase all five pillars of their association mission statement Monday night, creating the perfect environment to honor and inspire.
