Iconic musician Stevie Wonder was awarded the prestigious Bridge Builders Award by the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) at a welcome dinner on May 13th, 2024.
Dr. Erieka Bennett, founder and Head of Mission for DAF, alongside Co-founder Dr. Toni Luck, honored Stevie Wonder for his remarkable contributions to music and his efforts in fostering peace, unity, love, and cultural integration within the African Diaspora.
During the ceremony, Dr. Luck expressed the organization’s pride in presenting the award, stating, “We are very honored to present you this Bridge Builders Award. We are building a bridge between our cultures, between peace and unity.”
The Bridge Builders Award is a significant recognition given by DAF to individuals who have played pivotal roles in bridging the gap between Africa and the African Diaspora.
Born on May 13, 1950, Stevie Wonder is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer who has been blind since birth. His musical journey began at the age of 11 when he signed a record deal with Motown’s Tamla label, earning him the moniker “Little Stevie Wonder.” Notably, in 1963, his song “Fingertips” soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making him the youngest solo artist to achieve such a feat.
Throughout the 1970s, Wonder received widespread critical acclaim for albums like “Music of My Mind,” “Talking Book,” and “Songs in the Key to Life,” the latter two of which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. His innovative fusion of genres, including pop, R&B, jazz, soul, gospel, funk, and rock, reshaped modern R&B music.
The Diaspora African Forum has previously honored distinguished individuals such as H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia, among others.
Dr. Erieka Bennett expressed her pride in recognizing Stevie Wonder with the DAF prestigious Bridge Builders Award, citing his inspirational impact on African Diasporas and the global community.
SOURCE: DAF