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Honoree [[image - Louis Gossett, Jr.]] It seems incredible that a man who has won an "Oscar" and who has excelled in virtually every one of his stage, film and television roles should have entered acting accidentally, but that is the case with Lou Gossett, Jr. His 30-year career began at the age of 16 when an injury forced him to sit out the basketball season and he joined his high school drama group. Gossett's talent was so impressive that his drama coach suggested him for the lead in "Take a Giant Step", a role he won from 445 other contenders. Working with veteran actors Frederick O'Neal and Maxine Sullivan, Gossett was cited as Broadway's "Best Newcomer of the Year" with the 1953 Donaldson Award. And so it has been in the ensuing years. He is the first black to win an Academy Award in the category "Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role", as the drill instructor in the film "An Officer and A Gentlemen". Gossett gave an Emmy Award winning performance as "Fiddler" in the television drama "Roots" and gave a stunning portrayal of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat that garnered critical acclaim in the telefilm "Sadat". It has been through such roles that Gossett has established his reputation for performances that convey the humanness and dignity of blacks and has helped to push aside the color barrier in Hollywood. His accomplishments have been recognized in numerous awards like that of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Alumni Association whose "Humanitarian Award" (1978) cited Gossett for excellence and creating better understanding, respect and love among people. A New York City native from Brooklyn, Gossett's dedication to an acting career is phenomenal considering his original ambition was to be a brain surgeon attested to by his B.S. degree in premedical studies from New York University. Whether performing, teaching or more recently, directing, his commitment to his craft has been total and his dedication sure. 1984 Recipient of Seagram's Vanguard Society Award [[image - Caroline R. Jones]] Caroline Jones' 20-year career and her accomplishments in advertising have made her a fitting model for black women seeking entrance to the industry. Her ambition and talent have carried her far. She is currently the Executive Vice President and Creative Director of Mingo-Jones Advertising, Inc. Before she joined Mingo-Jones, she achieved the distinction of being elected the first black female vice president of a major advertising agency, as the Vice President and Creative Supervisor at Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn, Inc. Jones' creative work and abilities in special market problems and promotion have earned her the recognition of her peers. In 1982, Foremost Women in Communications (New York) gave her its "Matrix Award for Advertising". Her experience has made her popular as a speaker, lecturer and broadcast host. Today, she hosts "The Money Guide" a 30-minute program for PBS and formerly produced and moderated "Focus on The Black Woman", for WNYC radio. Jones first began as a Secretary-Copywriter Trainee at J. Walter Thompson, one of the nation's major advertising agencies where she rose rapidly within the ranks. Soon, she was promoted to Junior Writer after competing successfully for entrance to the agency's well-known Copy Class. the additional skills she acquired resulted in her serving as a writer of "100 Years of Advertising: The J. Walter Thompson Story", a special edition for "Advertising Age". Later, Jones was named as Supervisor of the agency's first consumer behavior and creative guidance department, the Consumer Research Group. Jones serves on the boards of several organizations including the Advertising Council, the National Academy of Television Arts and Science and the Advisory Board of the First Women's Bank. 512 2012.167.18
