AWARDS
1971 - Distinguished Service Award, The Brotherhood Crusade
(In Recognition Of Commitment To Addressing The Socio-Economic Needs And Concerns Of America’s Urban Communities)
1982 - Spirit of Life-”Man Of The Year”, City of Hope
(In Recognition Of Ongoing Support On Behalf Of Cancer Research)
1984 - American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate
(Inducted Into The Academy In Recognition Of Personal And Professional Accomplishments Which Established Him As a Role Model For America’s Youth)
1986 - Humanitarian of the Year, TJ Martell Foundation
(In Recognition Of Ongoing Support On Behalf Of Leukemia, Cancer And AIDS Research)
1986 - Norma Zarky Humanitarian Crystal Award, Women In Film
(In Recognition For Ongoing Charitable Contributions And Efforts To Improve The Human Condition)
1986 - Whitney Young, Jr. Award, National Urban League
(In Recognition For Commitment To Enabling African-Americans To Secure Economic Self Reliance,
Parity, Power And Civil Rights)
1991 - Angel Award, Center for Population Options
(In Recognition Of Commitment To Encouraging Normal, Positive And Healthy Attitudes Towards
Sexual Relationships Between Young Adults)
1992 - Spirit Of Liberty Award, People For The American Way
(In Recognition Of Work To Promote And Defend The Values Of The American Way Of Life:
Fairness, Equality, Tolerance, Opportunity And Individual Liberty)
1993 - Entertainment and Community Achievement Award, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
(In Recognition Of Commitment To Ensuring The Legal Civil Rights Of All Individuals)
1994 - Distinguished Service Award, Northside Center For Child Development
(In Recognition Of Commitment To Addressing The Socio-Economic Concerns Of Urban Families)
1994 - Equal Opportunity Award, National Urban League
(In Recognition For Commitment To Enabling African-Americans To Secure Economic Self Reliance And Equal Opportunity)
1995 - Horatio Alger Award, Horatio Alger Association
(In Recognition Of Accomplishments And Achievements Succeeded In The Face Of Adversity; And For Encouragement Of Young People To Pursue Their Dreams With Determination And Perseverance)
1995 -Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
(Awarded To An Individual In The Motion Picture Industry Who’s Humanitarian Efforts Have Brought Credit To The Industry. Award Presented By Oprah Winfrey During 67th Annual Academy Awards Telecast)
1996 - Time Warner Ambassador Of Goodwill, Time Warner Inc.
(Designated Ambassador Of Goodwill By Time Warner Chairman And CEO Gerald Levin)
1996 - International Committee Award, Intercambios Culturales
(In Recognition Of Work To Promote Arts Education In Third World Nations)
1996 - 1996 Honoree, Young Audiences of America
(In Recognition Of Being An Advocate Of Arts Education For All Children)
1996 - Humanitarian Award, The H.E.L.P Group
(In Recognition Of Commitment To Helping Young People Fulfill Their Potential
To Lead Positive, Productive And Rewarding Lives)
1996 - Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
(In Recognition Of Lifetime Career Achievements & Commitment To Ensuring The Legal Civil Rights Of All Individuals. Shared Award With Clarence Avant)
1996 - Pioneer in Black Achievement Lifetime Achievement Award, The Brotherhood Crusade
(In Recognition Of Lifetime Career Achievements & Commitment To Addressing The Socio-Economic Needs And Concerns Of America’s Urban Communities)
1998 - Spirit Award, Children’s Defense Fund
(In Recognition Of Commitment To Addressing The Needs And Concerns Of Children)
1999 - Ellis Island Medal of Honor, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations
(In Recognition Of Exemplifying Outstanding Qualities In Both Personal And Professional Life, While Continuing To Represent The Richness Of His Heritage)
1999 - Media Spotlight Award for Lifetime Achievement, Amnesty International
(In Recognition For Commitment To Promoting Human Rights And Social Consciousness Throughout The World)
1999 - Seasons of Hope Award, AMFAR
(In Recognition For Ongoing Commitment To AIDS Research. Award Presented By Clive Davis)
2000 - Lena Horne Legend Award, Citizens Committee for New York
(For Outstanding Career Achievement And Commitment To Improving The Quality Of Life In New York City And It’s Neighborhoods. Award Presented By Bill Cosby)
2002 - Building Hope Award, Habitat for Humanity
2002 - Frances E. Williams Award, Community Coalition
2004 - Uncommon Height Award, National Council of Negro Women
2005 - Spirit of Compassion Award, UNICEF
2006 - Spirit of Hope Award, Carousel of Hope