Mission

Community Voices provides health policy analysis and advocacy that focuses on populations underserved by the health care system and integrates the social determinants of health into solutions that improve individual health and strengthen families and communities.

Event Description

The Fourth Annual Freedom's Voice Awards Gala will recognize: Awardees that continue to demonstrate voices though service; Updates on the Community Voices program; Opportunity for the audience to examine and engage the voices and leaders within our nation that are sharing experiences and needs from our nations communities. Past award recipients are:

2011 - Chris Bridges, has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, since the release of his debut album, "Back for the 1st Time" in 2001.  In his burgeoning film career, he's won a Screen Actor Guild Award and a Critics' Choice Award for his performance in Crash and won rave reviews for his role on NBC's Law & Order: SVU. In addition, he is the CEO and founder of DTP Records, a joint venture with Def Jam/Universal. Moreover, his commitment to community service is exemplified through the Ludacris Foundation, a non-profit organization with the mission of showing young people they are builders of their future through the use of music and the arts.

2010 - Hill Harper, acclaimed actor and author, for his work and overall concern for the issues that affect our nation and our youth, along with his leadership and vision to empower and uplift. Kevin Liles, Founder and CEO of KWL Enterprises, former President/CEO of Def Jam Music Group, author, philanthropist, motivational speaker, and consultant to a myriad of entertainment and political boards, for his leadership and committed involvement in encouraging, diversifying and empowering communities and our nation.

2009 - Malaak Compton-Rock began her career in the public relations and special event fields. Her professional life started in the entertainment industry, working for many years at the Terrie Williams Agency, where she contributed to many successful movie and record release campaigns and projects for clients including Eddie Murphy, The Essence Awards, and HBO. Following a stint in the cosmetics industry, she found her true calling after accepting a position at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Fund). During her three years with the organization, she spearheaded and oversaw the Special Events and Celebrity Relations Department (a position created for her once the Agency saw the need to utilize celebrities). Compton-Rock designed and orchestrated numerous fundraising and advocacy events, geared towards increasing the organization's visibility and promoting private sector and corporate giving.

2008 - Soledad O’Brien, renowned for her determination to cover stories that might otherwise go untold, was the first recipient of the Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award. The award was created in her honor to recognize outstanding catalysts for social change by Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved of Morehouse School of Medicine, whose goal is to give a voice for the underserved communities in the national debate on disparities in this country.