Usher Raymond and his son, Naviyd, were two of many to attend the 2017 Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Gala in New York City earlier this week. The event was held at Cipriani 42nd Street and shed light on the diversity that is art.
Mavis Staples and Jon Batiste were honorees at the ceremony along with Congressman John Lewis and philanthropist Alexander Soros. “I never dreamed I would be honored for this award,” Mavis said prior to this year’s gala. “I’ve talked to Pops, and I’ve told him all about it,” the legendary singer added. “We’re relatives — the music and the arts. We’re cousins. First cousins. So it’s very important for me to support any parts of the arts.”
Usher is also about supporting the many ways in which artistry impacts the world. It was just a few days ago that the R&B singer messaged his support for the One Love Manchester concert held in honor of the 22 victims who died as the result of terrorism in Manchester, England a few weeks back.
“So happy to see that last night’s concert in Manchester proved that love always prevails,” Usher shared. The singer told Instagram followers that his absence from the concert was due to his son, Usher V, starting summer camp.
“It was my son’s first day at Camp Kudzu, one of the few summer camps for kids living with diabetes,” the singer explained. “This was an important day for him and for myself as a proud father.” Usher ended his note by encouraging UK citizens to “stay strong.”
Usher Raymond is the proud father of two kids. Naviyd is the singer’s youngest son who celebrates his ninth birthday in December. Learn more about the Gordon Parks Foundation here.
Photo: GordonParksFoundation.org
