Film Mon May 31 2010

The Truth Awards: Honoring Chicago's Film and Television Community

By LaShawn Williams

Chicago is home to a rich and diverse entertainment culture, and Carl West, owner of Truth Media/MidWest Gap and creator of "The Truth Awards," knows this all to well.

The Truth Awards, originally established to honor Chicago's hip-hop community, was recently expanded to pay tribute to members of the city's television and film industry and to recognize them for their contributions to both the big and small screens.

Held recently at Red Kiva, "The Truth Awards: Honoring Legends and Pioneers in Television and Movies/Films," was a Chicago's "who's who" in entertainment.
"I wanted to pay honor to some hidden treasures in this city," said West. "It's time to give recognition to individuals who work hard to produce quality work."

For West, it was more about paying tribute to the talent and less about how well-known or established the people are. "Big name celebrities get honored all the time," he said. "It's important for us to always honor our own, especially the major talent that's in the city."

The evening focused on not only those in front of the camera but also those who work behind the scenes; from costume and production designers to make-up artists to publicists, The Truth Awards honored those who work in the background and on the sidelines of entertainment.

Among the honorees were Randy Crumpton, entertainment attorney and producer and casting director Sharon King. When asked about the honor, Crumpton noted, "I appreciate being acknowledged and being in the company of the other awardees." For King, the honor reflected an ideal of hopes, dreams and support for industry peers. "I started out as an intern at Harpo Studios," she said. "I was inspired by Oprah Winfrey. She was an inspiration to me to follow my passion." King expressed that passion for casting, added, "Making people's dreams come true means the world to me; everybody can't be a star, but everybody can be in movies."

Sergio Mims, screenwriter and noted film critic for Ebony and N'Digo, was also honored at the evening's festivities and expressed his passion for the motion picture industry. "I love movies--I can't keep away from them," said Mims. "Movies are my life."

The highlight of the evening came via Chicago native Eric Monte, the legendary television and film writer who wrote Cooley High and created 70s TV shows, "Good Times" and "What's Happening!!" Monte, who received a standing ovation, paid homage to his mother for his career. "If you're thanking me," said Monte, "you're thanking my mother." "She was the one who was funny."

Other honorees for the evening included Alvin Daniels ("Preachers Kids: the Untold Stories"), actor Simeon Henderson (Black Butterfly), filmmaker and director Mark Harris (Black Butterfly, I Used to Love Her), and Don and Alisa Starks (owners, ICE Theater).