Meriden/Wallingford NAACP to Host First Image Awards

The Meriden Wallingford NAACP will host its first Image Awards which will honor community members who are excelling in the arts.

The ceremony will feature live performances from individuals who are black or Hispanic or who are contributing to the culture. Food will also be available as will work that will be auctioned.

Marissa Cardona and Dr. Benjamin Foster Jr. has already been chosen as winners. The rest will be decided by popular vote.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for youth 25-years-old and younger. Procees go to NAACP initiatives in the community. The award night is Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Y Arts Center at 14 West Main St. in Meriden.

OUTSTANDING SPANISH ARTIST

• Marissa Cardona - **WINNER**

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN LITERARY ARTS

• Dr. Benjamin Foster Jr, CT NAACP Education Chair & Author of: “When the People

Speak - Selected Words on Live in the African American Experience” - **WINNER**

NOMINEES & CATEGORIES

OUTSTANDING GOSPEL MUSICIAN

· Danny Lomba from Bibleway Church - Bishop Larry Elliot

· Melvin Riley from Bibleway Church - Bishop Larry Elliot

· Rose Boyd from Faith Center Church - Bishop Joseph Norfleet

· Robin Williams from Mt. Hebron - Rev. Willie Young

· Marcia “Vicki” Cooper from Mt. Hebron - Rev. Willie Young

OUTSTANDING GOSPEL GROUP

· Danny Lomba & Melvin Riley from Bibleway - Bishop Larry Elliot

· The Ambassadors of Praise from Faith Center Church - Bishop Joseph Norfleet

· Mt. Hebron Praise Team from Mt. Hebron - Rev. Willie Young

OUTSTANDING HIP-HOP ARTIST

· Steven “Jigz The Flyer” Reyes

· Deja “Scan” Durant

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN VISUAL ARTS

· Nora Rodriguez

· Heriberto Hernandez

· Karen Jaime

· Nydia Ferrer Dominguez

· Roberto F. Cardona

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN BUSINESS

· Edwin Rios - Cuatro Maker

· Navine Acevedo - Brosily Bath and Body

EMPOWERING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS

· Kaisha Cave - My City Kitchen (Culinary Arts)

· Rosie Agudo - Chrysalis (General Arts)

OUTSTANDING YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS - DANCE

· Daelyn Robinson

· Ricardo Hernandez

· Ryan Rivera