ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Young actors and a Grammy-winning hip-hop artist shared the stage at the InnaStar Trailblazers Awards on Saturday at Miller Symphony Hall.
The star-studded ceremony, founded by Jacinth Headlam and now in its third year, focuses on celebrating creativity and excellence in arts, entertainment and leadership.
The audience stood on its feet, danced and cheered as honorees of this year's ceremony belted out some of their biggest hits.
Performing live sets were rapper and Grammy winner Mr. Cheeks, house music vocalist Lady Alma ("Let it Fall"), R&B crooner Sammie ("Kiss Me Through the Phone") and Colombian singer Engell Melody.
" I appreciate the love and support through all the years. New music [is] on the way," Mr. Cheeks, a former member of the hip-hop group Lost Boyz, said before performing the group's 1996 hit "Renee."
"I love making music and I appreciate you still listening to my music. 90's is in the building."
Also honored were local Black and Latino leaders, including Dr. Philip Davis, pastor of the Greater Shiloh Church; and Dr. Cereta Johnson, founder of Luvs and Hugs and Children of Joy Christian Academy.
Also, Isa Pereyra, owner of the Spanish-language newspaper La Razon and founder of Latino Espectacular; and gospel singer, Nah-Tarsha Cherry.
Adorable acceptance speech
Headlam, an actress and film producer, founded InnaStar in 2022 in part to empower youth, specifically those in marginalized communities.
On Saturday, five young actors and models received InnaStar Trailblazer awards.
The tiniest of the bunch, Lathan Ava, brought laughter and smiles to the stage as she adorably accepted the award.
"Without God this wouldn't be possible," Lathan, 6, gleefully said. "I thank my parents for supporting me, I thank my manager and agents and I thank my acting coach for working with me."
Also honored were Janetliz Burgos, who is Miss Puerto Rico Teen for the Leadership Coordination in the Lehigh Valley; Yexiell Ramos; Madison Brielle Holley; and Madison Anderson.
— Micaela Hood (@micaelahood) October 13, 2024
'Best version of myself'
The aspiring thespians weren't the only big winners that night.
Allentown-based artist Tyree Scott took home the best actor "People's Choice" award. He thanked his fiancee, Sierra, before asking her to join him on the stage.
The romantic gesture was met with roaring applause.
"It wasn't until I got into my relationship and had our children — that's really what inspired me to just be a better man," Scott said.
"I just want to give thanks to you for being a woman that you are and constantly just driving me and pushing me to be the best version of myself I thank you so much for just being beautiful as you are."
InnaStar Awards opening number @atownsymphony pic.twitter.com/B97BMoEjbc
— Micaela Hood (@micaelahood) October 12, 2024
Other local creatives who took home Trailblazer "People's Choice" awards were DJ Static and DJ Menace (a tie for best DJ); dancer and choreographer Dominick Boyd, founder of Born Into the Arts; and artist Emily Strong, an arts educator at Baum School of Art.
