The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival will officially kick off on Thursday, November 6th, with Café Mocha Radio’s 15th Anniversary Salute THEM Awards — a night of Soulidarity at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C.
This milestone Crystal Anniversary marks 15 years of Café Mocha Radio, the nationally syndicated show known as “radio from a woman’s perspective,” airing on SiriusXM and WHUR-FM (Washington, D.C.), with affiliates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and Nashville.
The 2025 Salute THEM Awards will honor an extraordinary group of changemakers, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, actress Lynn Whitfield, producer Marsai Martin, congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, R&B artist Kenny Lattimore, and entrepreneur Virginia Ali, among others. Hosted by Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker, Jawn Murray, and Laila Muhammad, with musical performance from Beyond The Gates Keith D. Robinson, the celebration recognizes trailblazers whose work continues to shape culture, creativity, and community.
About the Salute THEM Awards
Created by Café Mocha Radio, the Salute THEM Awards honors individuals making significant cultural and social impacts across film, music, politics, and business. Proceeds benefit the Mocha Cares Foundation, which supports women and children affected by domestic violence and funds mentorship programs for HBCU students. Past honorees have included Iyanla Vanzant, Wanda Durant, Earth, Wind & Fire, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Doug E. Fresh, among others.
Honoring the Visionaries
The 2025 honorees include:
- Ryan Coogler – recipient of the inaugural Global Impact Award recognizing his groundbreaking storytelling and creative legacy alongside the late Howard University alumnus Chadwick Boseman.
- Lynn Whitfield – recipient of the Legend Award honoring her lasting impact and excellence in television and film.
- Marsai Martin – serving as this year’s HBCU First LOOK Creative Ambassador and recipient of the Bridging the Gap Award, celebrating her trailblazing achievements and dedication to amplifying the festival’s theme, “Elevate Future Storytellers.”
- Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D–Texas) – Recipient of the Champion for Change Award for her fearless advocacy for justice, equity, and empowerment in government and beyond.
- Kenny Lattimore – Grammy-nominated R&B artist and D.C. native; recipient of the SWAG Award, honoring his artistry, humanitarian work, and commitment to inspiring through music.
- Virginia Ali – Co-founder of the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl; recipient of the Business Legacy Award for her decades-long commitment to community, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.
- Angel Gregorio – Philanthropist and entrepreneur; recipient of the Community Activist Award, celebrating her dedication to uplifting Black-owned businesses and creating spaces of empowerment.
- Edna Kane Williams – AARP Executive Vice President; recipient of the Corporate Trailblazer Award for her visionary leadership and efforts to drive inclusion, representation, and social impact through corporate advocacy.
A Celebration of Soulidarity
Presented in partnership with the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival, the Salute THEM Awards kicks off the festival’s annual celebration of Black excellence in film, television, and media.
Founded by Howard University alumna Sheila Eldridge, the festival builds a pipeline for emerging storytellers by connecting students and industry professionals while highlighting the influence of HBCUs on entertainment and culture.
For tickets and more information, click here.