Kelly Rowland presented Viola Davis with the Humanitarian Award at the HollyRod DesignCare Gala.
Viola Davis captivated the audience with a powerful speech at the HollyRod DesignCare Gala.
Kelly Rowland shared her pride in presenting Viola Davis with an award at the 2024 HollyRod DesignCare Gala on Saturday.
Celebrities came together to support Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete at the annual gala, which celebrates 26 years of HollyRod’s work in advocating for autism and Parkinson’s. EGOT winner Viola Davis was honored for her charitable efforts with an award named in memory of the late humanitarian Jacqueline Avant.
Viola Davis became the second recipient of the Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award, following Naomi Campbell, who was honored in 2023. Acknowledged for her work with initiatives to combat childhood hunger in the U.S. and her commitment to social justice causes, The Woman King star delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on her 6-year-old self.
“And if anyone understands the definition of a hero, they are always born into a world where they do not fit in,” Davis told the audience.
In her speech, the Fences star expressed her wish to leave a lasting legacy. Her powerful explanation of how that seemingly impossible goal could be achieved left the audience in awe.
“Until the last person who has a memory of you dies, then you will never be dead,” Davis said.
Viola Davis’ charitable work includes serving as an ambassador for Hunger Is, a campaign dedicated to ending childhood hunger, and supporting groups like Children’s Hunger Alliance, the clothing and shoe nonprofit Soles4Souls, and the women’s addiction recovery organization Friendly House. Reflecting on her efforts, Davis explained how her challenging childhood has fueled her passion for philanthropy.
“I want to be the hero she was at six. I want to be that person who came through the darkness and said, ‘I see you,’” Davis shared. “That’s why I work on issues like hunger, education, and domestic violence. I see you. And as long as I’m alive, my goal is to pass the baton to the next incredible woman who will share it with the world and help others feel less alone.”
“I thank her for her life,” Davis continued. “I thank her. Thank you for believing I’m deserving of this award, and as long as I’m alive, I will leave something meaningful in others.”
HollyRod, founded by actress Holly Robinson Peete and former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, is a nonprofit focused on raising awareness and offering support for families impacted by autism and Parkinson’s Disease.
The couple started the organization in honor of Holly Robinson Peete’s father, actor and producer Matthew T. Robinson Jr., who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 45. The nonprofit’s mission expanded after their son RJ was diagnosed with autism at age 3.
At the 2024 HollyRod DesignCare Gala, in addition to Viola Davis, honorees included Dr. Chantale Branson with the Muhammad Ali Trailblazer Award, Camille Proctor and Nadine Wright-Arbubakkr with the Karen E. Smith Angel on the Path Award, Jason McElwain and Morgan Harper Nichols with the HollyRod Hero Award, Eric Aquino with the Matthew Robinson Jr. Award of Courage, and Julian Maha and Michele Kong with the HollyRod Corporate Champion Award.
