The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) has named the late ESPN anchor, Stuart Scott, the recipient of the 2015 Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award.
Credit/Copyright: Rich Arden / ESPN Images
Scott will be honored posthumously at the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2015 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. CDT at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. The NAMIC Breakfast is held annually in conjunction with INTX: The Internet and Television Expo (formerly the Cable Show).
One of the most recognizable, quotable and popular sportscasters worldwide, Scott passed away on January 4, 2015 after a long, hard-fought battle with Cancer. In 1993, Scott joined ESPN2 beginning his highly successful 21-year run with the network. Known for his unique ability to blend hip-hop and catchphrases with the facts in sports reporting, Scott became a leading voice on ESPN’s SportsCenter, where he often anchored the 11 p.m. ET show. Through the years, Scott’s talent and work ethic led to many high-profile assignments such as the NBA Finals, Super Bowl, Major League Baseball playoffs and World Series, the NCAA Final Four, weekly on-site Monday Night Football hosting duties and more.
Scott not only interviewed most of the world’s top athletes, he interviewed top celebrities, newsmakers, and politicians. Stuart interviewed and played a televised game of one-on-one basketball with President Barack Obama, one of his two interviews with the President, and conducted numerous one-on-one interviews with the likes of Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Denzel Washington and President Clinton.
He was also featured in numerous high-profile commercial campaigns. He appeared on many TV shows, sitcoms, feature films and music videos and was parodied in a Saturday Night Live skit.
A personal and professional highlight came in 2004, when he was requested by U.S. soldiers to be a part of “ESPN’s SportsCenter: Salute the Troops” effort, in which he and fellow anchors hosted a week of programs originating in Kuwait.
Scott, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, became a passionate supporter of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, which was formed in 1993 by ESPN and the late North Carolina State men’s basketball coach, Jim Valvano. Through volunteerism and advocacy, Scott helped to raise funds and awareness for The V Foundation and in July 2014, he was recognized with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the ESPYs. Over the course of Scott’s advocacy of Cancer research, prevention and treatment, he helped raised funds and awareness for The V Foundation, LIVESTRONG and participated in Stand Up To Cancer campaigns as well as donated time to raise awareness and funds for numerous other charities. Scott was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007, and dealt with recurring bouts of the disease. He inspired many through his determination and spirit during his battle.
Over the years, Scott earned numerous other awards and honors. He was honored with the NABJ Award of Merit, received a Rammy Award which pays tribute to superlative performances in athletics, academics and sports from his beloved alma mater, UNC-Chapel Hill, and was a guest of honor at the 14th annual “An Evening with Heroes” celebration in Indianapolis, which benefits the Heroes Foundation. In 2011 he was honored by The V Foundation with “The Spirit of Jimmy V Award.”
“NAMIC is honored to pay tribute to Stuart Scott, one of our industry’s great leaders that fostered humanism and diversity in sportscasting and in his courageous fight against cancer,” said Eglon E. Simons, president and CEO of NAMIC. As NAMIC celebrates its 35th anniversary, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to continue our tradition of honoring Congressman Leland’s legacy by posthumously recognizing such a worthy honoree. On behalf of the entire NAMIC team, heartfelt thanks and appreciation is extended to ESPN and Mr. Scott’s family for allowing us to honor Stuart’s legacy."
“We appreciate NAMIC recognizing our wonderful friend and colleague in such a meaningful way. Stuart Scott’s inspirational spirit is a major part of his legacy and this honor helps capture his remarkable impact,” said John Skipper, ESPN president and co-chairman, Disney Media Networks.
Established in 1992 in memory of the late Congressman from Texas, the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award is NAMIC’s highest honor. In commemoration of Congressman Leland’s lifelong advocacy of social justice and equality, the award recognizes individuals and companies representing the media, entertainment and communications industry for their philanthropic achievements and commitment to advancing the concerns of people of color. The Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award has been presented to some of the industry’s renowned business leaders and communicators such as award-winning journalist and author, Charlayne Hunter-Gault; award-winning journalists and CNN anchors, Anderson Cooper, Soledad O'Brien and Dr. Sanjay Gupta; Christina Saralegui, host of the Galavision/Univision “Christina Show”; and TV personality, Ana Maria Polo.
For more information regarding the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award or other NAMIC programs and initiatives, click here.
Inquiries pertaining to sponsorship and ticket/table purchases for the NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast should be directed to Sandra Girado, senior director of Meetings and Events, NAMIC at 212-594-5985 or via e-mail at info@namic.com.
