SHEEN Magazine Celebrates 20 Years of Black Excellence in Atlanta

By :Sienna Atlantis SHEEN Magazine celebrated its 20th anniversary in a major way, bringing two days of celebrities, comedy, music and Black excellence to Atlanta. The celebration kicked off at Cirque Daiquiri Bar & Grill with a sold-out cover reveal party for comedian and actress Luenell, also known as the “Original Bad Girl of Comedy.” Guests enjoyed a night of networking, entertainment and celebration while getting a preview of what SHEEN had planned for its anniversary weekend. The main event took place on September 17 at the historic Buckhead Theatre.Celebrities, honorees, influencers, fans and entertainment professionals came together to celebrate SHEEN Magazine’s past while looking forward to its future. Yung Joc, Luenell and Lavell Crawford hosted the awards, and the three definitely kept the crowd entertained.Between the comedy, live performances and special moments, the energy stayed high throughout the night. Celebrating This Year’s Honorees SHEEN Magazine honored several people who have made a real impact across entertainment, media, comedy and business. Radio and television pioneer Cathy Hughes received the Icon in Radio & Television Award, recognizing her legendary career and influence as one of the most powerful Black women in media. Another major highlight was watching Debra “Deb” Antney receive the Hip-Hop Manager of the Decade Award. Deb is a queen, a mogul and a true force in the entertainment industry. I like to call her one of the godmothers of hip-hop—and rightfully so. Long before Atlanta became the center of the music world, Deb was behind the scenes recognizing raw talent, building careers and helping shape the sound and culture of Southern hip\-hop. From managing some of the genre’s biggest names to mentoring the next generation, Deb has created a legacy that reaches far beyond music. She is a mother, manager, entrepreneur, philanthropist and powerhouse who has opened doors for countless artists and executives. Seeing her celebrated alongside her family made the moment even more special.If anyone deserves to be called the Hip-Hop Manager of the Decade, it is Deb Antney. The other honorees included: - Darren Fleet — Rising Star of the Year in Comedy - Drea Nicole and Lex P of *Pour Minds* — Podcasters of the Year - Dyon “Mojo” Brooks — Comedian of the Year - Michael E. Williams — Icon in Comedy - Millionaire Kev of The Tax Plug — Entrepreneur of the Year - Ray Daniels — Entertainment Executive of the Year in Music - Shaun Milli — Breakout Artist of the Year - Trey Haley — Visionary in Cinema & Television Production Each honoree represented what the SHEEN Magazine Awards are all about: giving people their flowers and recognizing the work they have put into their industries. A Night Filled With Music Yung Joc pulled double duty as both a host and performer Q.Parker and Jai Vaughn brought their R&B and gospel/influenced sound to the stage, while Christian hip-hop artist Jor’Dan gave the audience a high-energy performance. Breakout R&B artist Shaun Milli also performed, along with Canton Jones, a three-time Stellar Award winner and Grammy-nominated gospel artist known for his Billboard-charting hits. The performances brought a great mix of hip/hop, R&B and gospel to the show and helped make the anniversary feel like a true celebration. #Presenters and Celebrity Guests The evening’s presenters included music executive Louis Essex, comedians Antoine Scott and Kelly Kellz, actress and singer Demetria McKinney, and media executive James DuBose. Members of Deb Antney’s family also participated, including her sons Wooh Da Kid and Tyquam Alexander, her brother James “Bimmy” Antney and her nephew Bradon Barnes. Several familiar faces were spotted in the building, including singer and songwriter Damion Hall, producer Deneise Howard, reality television couple Jaylan Banks and Falynn Pena, Lamont and Marie Sanders, Leslie “Big Lez” Segar, actress Shaquita Smith, Route Runner, comedian SkinBone, Daysha Taylor, Deija James and Cocoa Brown. Of course, the red carpet was another major part of the night. Guests showed up in statement looks that brought together fashion, beauty and individual style—three things SHEEN Magazine has highlighted throughout its 20-year run. More Than an Awards Show The SHEEN Magazine Awards are not only about entertainment. A portion of the proceeds supports local charities that assist HBCU students facing financial challenges. The event also makes a point of celebrating people whose work and contributions are sometimes overlooked. That mission was clear throughout the night, from the honorees onstage to the HBCU student interns, ambassadors and volunteers working behind the scenes. The two-day celebration was supported by sponsors including Nairobi Professional, Congo Professional, Kerafena, Parde Mode, Sheen Media Group, SHEEN Soundstage, KMC Love Potion and Genie Juice. Platinum sponsors included Bask & Lather and The Tax Plug. Top Flight Atlanta served as the official ground transportation company, while D & D Catering provided food for the anniversary events.Glam services were provided by Olympia Kent of the Gwinnis Mosby Makeup Artist Training Center and Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta. For 20 years, SHEEN Magazine has covered beauty, fashion, hair, entertainment and culture while creating a space that encourages women to recognize their value.Its anniversary celebration honored that history while showing that the magazine still has plenty more to come. SHEEN Magazine’s 20th anniversary did not disappoint. It was a night filled with laughter, powerful recognition, great performances and Black excellence on full display. For more coverage and photos, visit [SHEEN Magazine](https://www.sheenmagazine.com) and follow @sheenmagazine on Instagram. Be sure to also follow @thisizatlfor more Atlanta entertainment, culture and exclusive event coverage