The Damn Newsletter: The 2013 Damn Awards

Greetings and Salutations,

Here it is. The product of the mentally exhausting, demanding newsletter of the year.  Why do I do it??? 
For you of course...let's get started!!!

Going Viral Award – The video that capture our attention the most and makes us watch it over and over and over again…

Winner: 

VMAS AWARDS 2013: MILEY CYRUS AND ROBIN THICKE

Rookie of the Year - For some of you, this year has turned out to be one of the best you've ever had. Why…Because you have met Jarratt "Damn" Butler this year. And if not knowing me is enough, you also have a chance to win this award.

Nominees: Shani Howard, Jamira Bryant Cheatham, Shan Jethrow Washington, Chimere Wells

 

Winner

Jamira Bryant Cheatham

G.O.O.D. Award - I feel there is nothing worse than having a dream and doing little to nothing in order to accomplish it. This award will go to a person that has made a difference in a charity, cause, or in people, they feel equally as passionate about. However you make a difference this is award appreciates you for helping others "Getting Out Our Dreams". (Sorry Kanye…I had to borrow that from you)

Nominees: Kimberly Estrich, Mercedes Ramcharan, Vinnie Chapple, Dr. Valerie Fields

Winner

Kimberly Estrich

Brrrr...What Happen to that Boy Award - Where have you been? This award is given to a person who is quite frankly the opposite of the Comeback Award. You have been gone a long time...come on back.

Nominees: Tinica Colbert, April Banks, Monique Sterling, Anissa Tucker

Winner

Monique Sterling

I Ain’t One of the Cosbys…I Didn’t go to Hillman Award – Your family may not be as perfect as the Huxtables but as the matriarch/patriarch of your family, you’re just as respected…all you’re missing is your half-hour show.

Nominees: Malinda Taylor, Shanerika Bonner, Kea Austin, Shakeya Bennett Rodgers

Winner

Erika Bonner

Tribute to Nelson Mandela

I wanted to give honor to this world leader and symbol of Human Rights.  So instead of giving a extensive history lesson (let's be honest most of you wouldn't read) I decided to post this tribute to Nelson Mandela created by Hip Hop Icon Rakim.  This song, Madiba, honors his memory as well as gives you a brief history lesson.  I encourage you all who aren't familiar with the movement this man led to do your research and don't just wait until the movie comes out...

Comeback of the Year - This year was filled with comebacks. Now for me a comeback constitutes you being off of the "Damn" radar for at least 6 months and have comeback harder than Chinese arithmetic. Now that's a comeback!!!

Nominees: Larry Butler, Ricky Smith, Natalie Dill, Kharis Anderson, April Frazier

Winner

Larry Butler

Can't Nobody Hold Me Down Award - Have you faced adversity? No, I am talking about REAL adversity this year? If you have walked through fire of hell and can laugh in Satan’s face then maybe can't nobody hold you down.

Nominees: Natalie Cole, Jade Davis, Angela Stokes, Tiyette Butler

Winner

Jade Davis

I Don’t Think You’re Beautiful…I Think You’re Beyond It Award – No stylist, no make-up artist, no Photoshop, no filter…just the most gifted natural beauty in the game today!!!

Nominees: Brettany Wallace, Takeia James, Dee Miles, Kristina Davis

Winner

Brettany Wallace

Autobots, Transform and Roll Out Award– This one goes out to the person who has made the biggest transformation. whether it be physical or mental, in the last 365 days. This positive change has turned you from heel to face, from Decepticon to Autobot…in other words, you started from the bottom now you’re here!!!

Nominees: Khadijah Yamini, Tashonda Gay, Tierra Taylor, Shanae J

Winner

Shanae J

Impact Player Award - This award is given to the person who has taken their dream and turned it into a goal that can be achieved. The character of the recipient can be described with the same adjective of an Alicia Keys' single...Unbreakable!!! This person may have not made it yet but because of all the hard work, the impact has been already felt.

Nominees: Sadie Jordan, Tiffany Walker, Carlos Davis, Arkeedah McCormick

Winner

Tiffany Walker

The Professional Award - This award, inspired by the DJ Clue mixtape series, is for the good grade getting, 9-5 working, respectable job having individual that does it better than anyone else…

Nominees: Danielle Richardson, TaWanna Bennett Winn, Erica Lambert, Stacey Walker

Winner

Danielle Richardson

No More Drama Award - Who doesn’t have any drama in their lives? If you don’t raise your hand…okay that’s what I thought. For the rare few who did raise their hands (And I mean RARE!!!) You have found some way to overcome it and you should be recognized (You are also my hero…lol.)

Nominees: Miz Rik, Toria Hall, Janie Charlot, Sharisse Brewster

Winner

Toria Hall

Can't Knock the Hustle Award - You all know my feelings for hustling. It is a part of life that separates the victims from the survivors. This includes everything from starting your own business to the sale of CDs just to pay rent. Hustling is an art and it is high time for an award to be presented because of it.

Nominees: Denise Seltzer, Mekisha Smith Creal, Kendrick Ray, Anita Jackson

Winner

Kendrick Ray

C’mon Man Award - We are all human. We all make mistakes. This award is given to…well the person who made the most monumental errors in judgment. Don’t sweat it…you’ll bounce back!!!

Winner: Porshia Stewart Confused by the Underground Railroad

Flyer than a Piece of Paper Bearing My Name Award – This is for the cool in you!  This honor is designated for the coolest person I know.  So cool I secretly try to take a bit of your style and adapt it into my own…oops, secret’s out!

Nominees: Lacy Durham, Angela Tademy, Lil D, Aaja Butler

Winner

Angie Tademy

Disappointment of the Year - 

The United States government for allowing a Government Shutdown

Backbone Award - So you know how everyone has a backbone. It lends support to the entire body. This award is given to the person that has supported me the most over the past year. Support does not necessarily mean money or time but has been there ready to go to war for me.

Nominees: Maya Carroll, Gina Hall Torino, Kimberly Godard, Vanessa LeDay

Winner

Gina Hall Torino

The Lee Donnie Wright Legacy Award - This is the Lifetime Achievement award of this show. This person has made such an influence on my life that they have become a part of me. Becoming permanent part of people's life is a definition of legacy. This recipient will be my definition.

Due to my "hacking", I am going to forego the video presentation of this award. This year's recipient deserves this and so much more.  She helped shape my life as well as dozens of others.  What's strange to me is that she my parental grandmother receiving an award name after my maternal grandmother.  Now both of them rest in heaven watching over my family and probably discussing how stubborn I am.  I hope to make you both proud of me.  This year's Lee Donnie Wright Legacy Award goes out to

Lela Mae Butler

Shout Out of the Year - This award is simply the most coveted award of the year.  It is quite frankly the person I have to get the highest form of props for entire year. It's the Grand Daddy of them all...

Nominees: Jordan Washington, Winnette Richards, Stan Young, Kyndall Godard

Winner

Winnette Richards



I would personally like to thank not only the winners and nominees of the 2013 Damn Awards but all of you.  It is all of your support, well wishes, and love that allows me to do this and so much more.  I plan to capitalize on the successes of 2013 and make 2014 a launching pad to success in my endeavors.