Griots originated from West Africa and served as storytellers, musicians, praise singers and oral historians of their
communities. They preserve the genealogies, historical narratives, oral traditions and culture of the people to keep
history and customs alive. Griot Honors aims to celebrate modern-day Griots and allies, who boldly continue this
timeless tradition. Hosted by the Senior Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church, Charles Daniel and Deidre DeJear, small
business owner and voting rights activist.
TICKETS ARE GENERAL ADMISSION AND AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR
Presented by ONE Cedar Valley and SHIPHT.
Honorees and categories are listed below:
Culture: David Goodson, Social Action Inc.
Justice: Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer-prize, NY Times bestselling Author
Sports: Robert Smith, Executive Director of UNI-Cue
Trailblazer: Mayor Quentin Hart, City of Waterloo
Music: Israel Houghton, Grammy award-winning American Christian music recording artist, songwriter, producer and
worship leader
Business: Rodney Anderson, Lance Dunn & Sherman Wise All-In Grocers
Champion: Blk & Bold Specialty Beverages (Rod Johnson & Pernell Cezar)
Future Icon: Nathan Anderson, UNI Student and Black Student Union
Faith & Spirituality: Pastor Marshaundus Robinson, Impact Church
Philanthropy & Allyship: R.J. McElroy Trust
Education: Audrey Wallican-Green, Waterloo Schools
Wellness: Dr. Nafissa Cisse Egbuonye, Vice President of Growth and Community Engagement - Molina Healthcare Former
Director of the Black Hawk County Health Department
Game Changer: Nyra Jordan and The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
Icon Lifetime Achievement Honoree: Dr. Wilfred “Mickye” Johnson
Friends of the Spirit of Griots:
Debra Hodges-Harmon- Executive Director Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center
TruStage
U.S. Bank
