A group made up of doctors, entrepreneurs, pastors; business pioneers, radio personalities and a model was honored Sunday, April 28, during the Pam Powell Empowers P-Factors Annual Living Legends Awards.

Living Legend honoree Larry G. Mills, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Orlando, with Host Pam Powell.

The awards show, in its second year, honors Central Florida stars – African Americans who have been successful in their careers and have given back to the local community. This year’s event was held at the Crown Plaza Universal hotel in Orlando.

The Living Legends awards went to: Dr. Ann Ashley-Gilbert, Dr. Phil St. Louis, Randolph & Lavon Bracy, Pastor Larry G. Mills, Orange County Commissioner Tiffany Moore, Von Thompson; JoJo O’neal, Lester & Lillian Seays, Maurice Starr, Gwen Bennett; Jack Williams Jr., Keesha Rivers, Gene Grace; Bridget Novell, Dr. Denise Mose, Jabari Jackson and Pastor Leroy Powell.

The honorees, dressed in their Hollywood best, strolled down the red carpet to scoop up their “Oscar” statues and returned to their seats to enjoy the live entertainment presented in their honor.

Living Legend honoree JoJo O’Neal of Star 94.5 with Co-host Ms. B and Host Pam Powell

Several of the honorees said they felt as though they were at the real “Oscars” in Hollywood. There were presenters, envelopes with the honorees’ names and even security personnel minding the statues. This event had a church feel: A preacher prayed at the top of the program and the host called for a moment of silence for the victims and family members affected by the explosions in Boston. Local gospel artists, along with inspirational singers and dancers, participated in the show as well.

The show was hosted by Pam Powell, known in the community as “The P-Factor” and “The Hope Doctor.” She is a community leader, a television and radio talk show host and a minister. Ms. B, of Star 94.5 radio, pitched in as co-host, providing some comedy and drama throughout the evening.

Orlando Community News was on hand for the event as a guest of Keesha Rivers, CEO of Fla’Vore Productions. She, so far, is the youngest of the Living Legends who has been honored.

“Never in a million years would I expect to receive recognition of being a living legend at my age,” Rivers said after the ceremony. “Not only that, to be honored among other great men and women – [doctors, pastors and a record producer such as Maurice Starr].

I would like to give thanks to God first, to my son and to my parents, who instilled in me the importance of giving….giving back to the community. That’s what I live by.”

Living Legend honoree Keesha Rivers with Co-Host Ms. B (left), Presenter Allie Braswell and Host Pam Powell.

Other honorees spoke of how good they felt to receive “flowers” while they are alive to enjoy them and even share them with their family and friends.

Living Legend honoree Lavon Bracy, community activist who gained national attention after CNN followed her in her efforts to register people to vote, in light of Florida’s election reform and the 2012 Presidential Election. She accepted her “Oscar” and one given to her husband retired Pastor Randolph Bracy. Bracy (center) said her husband is doing better and asked for continuous prayers for his health. Shown here with event host Pam Powell and presenter Leroy Rose III, pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church.

© Orlando Community News, 2013
All photos by: Trish Martin