Circle of Sisters 2017 Honors Acclaimed Actress Cicely Tyson

It’s not every day that you get to be in close proximity to a living legend. This past fall Circle of Sisters honored Cicely Tyson, an award-winning film, television and stage actress. My first memories of Ms. Tyson were when she played Miss Jane Pittman when I was still in grade school during the 1970s. For the African American community during this time and my entire life, Ms. Tyson has been an icon. As a photographer for Circle of Sisters event, I was fortunate to be on the far left side of the stage where Ms. Tyson appeared to say a few words before receiving the Circle of Sisters Living Legend Award.

Ms. Tyson’s credits include The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Sounder, Roots, and The Help. Tyson has won two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, among other honors, over the course of her acting career. She has been inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.

Circle of Sisters is the tri-state's largest expo for people of color hosted by WBLS 107.5 FM, 1190 WLIB AM, and WQHT HOT 97 FM. At the expo, guests were able to check out panel discussions on various topics including "Is It Just Me? Finding & Staying in Love" with entertainers like Love & Hip-Hop stars, Remy Ma and Papoose, gospel artist JJ Hairston and wife, Trina.

There was music, fashion and an entire lineup of celebrities, such as Bobby Brown, who was promoting his barbecue sauces and spices. Activist Rev. Al Sharpton spoke before a panel featuring veteran journalist Ed Gordon called “Stronger Together: Confronting the State of Black America in 2017.”

The Circle of Sisters Expo is held annually at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Article & photo by Yaw Asare Aboagye, with additional reporting by Leah Mullen.