WASHINGTON, DC (October 23, 2015) – With over 1,500 of the nation’s Who’s Who in attendance, Daymond John, Shark on ABC’s Emmy Award winning series, Shark Tank, Founder of FUBU and Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship will be honored with the Breaking Barriers Award at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) 27th Annual Awards Gala on November 16, 2015 in Washington, DC.
John is the CEO and Founder of FUBU, the iconic fashion brand that has netted over $6 billion in product sales, and, maintains the same position in Shark Branding where his marketing and brand strategies have made him a highly sought-after consultant and motivational speaker. He continues to be a staple in ABC’s Emmy Award winning series, Shark Tank which is now in its seventh season and is seen by millions of viewers on Friday nights. Earlier this year John was named a Presidential Ambassador of Global Entrepreneurship.
Alongside John, four other distinguished leaders will also be honored at TMCF’s premier black-tie event to include John O. Brennan, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Samuel R. Allen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Deere & Company; Dr. David Hall, President of the University of the Virgin Islands; and, Thomas A. Cole, Partner and Former Chair of the Executive Committee of Sidley Austin LLP. Brennan will receive the National Hero Award; Allen will receive the CEO of the Year Award; Hall will receive the Educational Leadership Award; and, Cole will receive the ‘inaugural’ Thurgood Marshall Legacy Award.
“This year’s Gala promises to be an amazing evening as we honor Mr. John and these great leaders,” said TMCF President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. “These are some of our country’s foremost visionaries who have used their status to support education and positively impact the lives of students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We are proud to celebrate their life span of accomplishments.”
Themed “Developing Minds … Delivering Dreams”, the annual Gala will attract thousands of philanthropists, elected officials, and socialites from around the country. Proceeds from the event enable TMCF to continue its programmatic and capacity building work for the nation’s HBCUs and the 300,000 students who attend these great institutions. Last year’s Gala raised over $4.1 million and this year’s Gala is expected to raise $5 million.
“Today, more and more HBCU students depend on TMCF to help them make their college dreams become a reality,” continued Taylor. “We rely on events like the Gala to raise the critical funds needed to continue meeting the needs of these students who are depending on us.”
NOTE: Members of the working press, who wish to cover this event, must obtain press credentials. To obtain credentials, contact Tangie Newborn at tangie.newborn@tmcf.org.
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ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND (TMCF)
TMCF is named for the U.S. Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice. Established in 1987, TMCF supports and represents nearly 300,000 students attending its 47 member-schools that include publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), medical schools and law schools. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow. For more information on TMCF, visit us at tmcf.org.
