Actress and Singer Demetria McKinney to Perform at Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala "Celebrating Our Brothers"

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Determined to honor their commitment to produce an intergenerational affair, The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (The National Coalition) has tapped award-winning actress, singer and songwriter, Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry's House of Payne), to perform at the 15th annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala on Thursday May 17, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. Hosted this year by actress Vivica A. Fox (Set It Off, Independence Day), the group will honor emerging leaders Jonathan McDaniel, actor, recording artist and technology advocate, and Joshua DuBois, executive director of The White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. 

"We want to make sure to honor some of the young people that are doing the work in addition to recognizing the stellar individuals and organizations that work to mentor and train our men. Jonathan and Joshua are young leaders in technology and public service," said Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of The National Coalition.

"Demetria is a rising star in music and film. She is known for her acting talent, but she is also an accomplished vocalist and does positive work with youth. I'm looking forward to her electrifying performance," said Jessica Brown, national field coordinator, Black Youth Vote, The National Coalition's youth civic engagement initiative.

Best known for her role as "Janine Payne" on the NAACP award-winning sitcom "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," McKinney started out in the stage play, "Meet the Browns" and went on to star in several other Tyler Perry plays including  "Why Did I Get Married." She also held lead roles in "Church Girl" and portrayed Mrs. Coretta Scott King in the musical, "I Dream." McKinney's hit single "Take Away" is available on iTunes and her debut CD is due out later this year.

Spirit Award honorees are: Gerald Hudson, executive vice president, Service Employees International Union; Michael Baisden, nationally syndicated radio personality, author, and activist;  Al Dotson, chairman of the board, 100 Black Men of America; Shawn Dove, campaign manager, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Open Society Foundations; and David Honig, founder and president, Minority Media and Telecommunications Council.

The Spirit of Democracy Awards are sponsored by AT&T and Verizon, among others. Individual ticket prices are $175. For more information call 202 659-4929/[email protected] or visit www.ncbcp.org to purchase online.

CONTACT: Edrea Davis [email protected]
PHONE: 770.961.6200/818.613.9521

SOURCE National Coalition on Black Civic Participation