LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 23: Host Steve Harvey speaks during the 2016 Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc)
Las Vegas was the perfect backdrop for Steve Harvey’s 2016 State Farm Neighborhood Awards, formerly The Hoodie Awards. Hosted at the luxurious Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino July 22nd – 24th by Emmy Award winning TV and radio star Steve Harvey, The State Farm Neighborhood Awards weekend served up a dose of inspiration, a slice encouragement and some of the best entertainment in the business to honor everyday community stars. The event celebrated these positive, often unsung community heroes from across the nation who uplift their neighborhoods through purposeful contributions via education, religion, community activism and more.
Performances at the three-day star studded sold out event included R and B stars Maxwell and Eryka Badu and . Produced for the fourteen year by EMMY-winning television/film/radio producer Rushion McDonald, the event also included celebrity appearances by Toni Braxton, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sheryl Underwood, Terrence J, Bern Nadette Stanis, Lavell Crawford, Yolanda Adams, Lalah Hathaway, Earthquake, Sommore, Benjamin Crump, Ed Gordon, Shirley Strawberry, Nephew Tommy, Carla Ferrell, Junior, and State Farm’s Duane Farrington.
The fun-filled weekend played host to other events, including The State Farm Color Full Lives Art Gallery experience, The Farm Sing Your Way Contest and Freedom Friday Concert featuring performances from Charlie Wilson and Keith Sweat, The Freedom Friday Party featuring Doug E. Fresh, the Neighborhood Awards VIP After-Party, and Jill Scott headlining the Neighborhood Awards Beach Party.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 23: Singer/songwriter Maxwell performs during the 2016 Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc)
The State Farm Neighborhood Awards also gave back to the community with special presentations. Checks were presented by Cracker Barrel to the Best School Teacher Award winner. State Farm presented a check to the Good Neighbor Award winner.
The State Farm Awards was created by Steve Harvey and Rushion McDonald. The winners and nominees are chosen by the public.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 22: Recording artist Charlie Wilson (C) performs during the Freedom Friday Concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 23: Comedian Sheryl Underwood speaks during the 2016 Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc) *** Local Caption *** Sheryl Underwood
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 23: Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis (L) and singer/songwriter Toni Braxton pose backstage during the 2016 Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 23: Singer/songwriter Erykah Badu performs during the 2016 Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 23: Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson speaks during the 2016 Neighborhood Awards hosted by Steve Harvey at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 22: Recording artist Keith Sweat performs in the audience during the Freedom Friday Concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 22, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Nu-Opp, Inc)