Categories: Audrey Bernard,
The nationally syndicated Café Mocha show proudly celebrated a monumental milestone, the 15th Anniversary of Café Mocha and the Salute THEM Awards at the legendary Howard Theatre in Washington, DC on November 12, 2025. The 5-time Gracie Award-winning broadcast known for bringing “radio from a woman’s perspective” to the airwaves, marked its Crystal Anniversary by honoring community and cultural excellence.
The Salute THEM Awards is an extension of the show’s award-winning Saluting Our Culture Tour, created to recognize both women and men who are moving the culture forward. Acclaimed writer, producer and director Ryan Coogler received the inaugural HBCU First LOOK “I Aspire” Global Impact Award presented in partnership with Howard University’s Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts. Receiving the “I Aspire” Award from the university that sparked his creative collaboration with the late Chadwick Boseman, an esteemed Howard University alumnus, held deep meaning for Coogler, which he expressed during his acceptance speech. Coogler and Boseman’s contributions to Black Panther set new industry standards for representation, while also becoming an emblem of cultural pride, ambition, and artistic excellence.
Actress and entrepreneur Marsai Martin (Bridging The Gap Award) , seminal award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield (Legend Award), Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) Champion For Change Award) , legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali (Business Legacy Award), AARP EVP Edna Kane Williams (Corporate Trailblazer Award), philanthropist Angel Gregorio (Community Activist Award) and R&B star Kenny Lattimore (SWAG Award) were among the distinguished list of honorees.
The sold-out evening of inspiration was hosted by hip hop icon Yo-Yo, TV producer Jawn Murray and Café Mocha TV host Laila Muhammad with tribute performances from the incomparable The String Queens, urban contemporary gospel’s Anthony Brown and award-winning actor and singer Keith D. Robinson. Produced by a team of proud HBCU alumni, the Salute THEM Awards also kicked off the 3rd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) at Howard University in Washington, DC November 7-8, 2025.
The Salute THEM Awards is an annual fundraiser for the Mocha Cares Foundation, which not only supports women and children impacted by domestic violence, but also creates mentorship programs for HBCU students. Thanks to sponsor partners AARP, OCTFME, ESPN, TV One/Cleotv, HBCYOU, Andscape HBCUgo.tv, iHeartMedia – Black Information Network, Howard University Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT) and Howard University Radio Network, SiriusXM Channel 141 & 142 for their continued support.
For more information, visit www.cafemocharadio.com, www.mochacaresfoundation.org and www.saluteTHEMAward.com. Social media channels, IG@cafemocharadio; YouTube, Cafemocharadio and www.facebook.com/cafemocharadio. (Photo Credit: Soul Brother Photography) (SOURCE: Café Mocha)
About Café Mocha Show and Salute THEM Awards
Café Mocha is the #1 nationally syndicated radio show reaching multicultural women weekly hosted by Emmy Award winner comedienne Loni Love, Grammy-nominated hip hop artist Yo-Yo, and veteran broadcaster Angelique Perrin. Over the past 15 years the Salute THEM Awards has honored over 250 awardees, from celebrities to everyday gamechangers who unselfishly serve their community and live by the mission of the Mocha Cares Foundation “when you are blessed, be a blessing to others.”
Past honorees include actors/actresses Pam Grier, Marla Gibbs, Lamman Rucker, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Cynthia Bailey, Kim Fields, Malinda Williams, Terri J. Vaughn and Vy Higginsen; television personalities Wendy Williams and Iyanla Vanzant; musical performers Pastor Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters, Doug E. Fresh, Patti LaBelle, Gloria Gaynor, Stephanie Mills, Fantasia Barrino Taylor, Syleena Johnson and Tamela Mann; journalists Fredricka Whitfield, Constance White, Luvvie Ajayi, Lola Ogunnaike, Jamie Foster Brown, Audrey J. Bernard; radio broadcaster Shirley Strawberry, fashion designer Barbara Bates, prima ballerina Misty Copeland, and activists Sybrina Fulton, Nupol Kiazolu, Dr. Bernice King, Deanna Brown Thomas, Ricki Fairley, Annette Nance- Holt, Wanda Durant, Michi Marshall and Ilyasah Shabazz. To learn more about Café Mocha radio www.Cafemocharadio.com
