JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Ken Knight Awards is bringing a night of Black excellence and celebration for the Jacksonville media professionals making a difference in the community.
For the fifth year, the award ceremony, named after legendary broadcaster who broke radio and broadcasting barriers, Adrian Kenneth Knight, will take place on Thursday at WJCT Soundstage to honor the works of local journalists, producers, influencers and marketing professionals.
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This year’s award recipients include:
- Melanie Lawson (WJXT) — Recognized for decades of excellence in broadcast journalism and as one of Jacksonville’s most trusted voices in news.
- Troy “T-Roy” Hadley (93.3 The Beat) — Nationally recognized radio personality rooted in Jacksonville, engaging listeners and shaping culture across the airwaves.
- Chris Porter (First Coast News) — Honored for dynamic sports reporting as Sports Director for First Coast News, telling the stories that unite and energize the community.
- Nicky Sparrow (iHeartMedia) — Celebrated as Executive Vice President of Multicultural Sales for iHeartMedia, advancing innovation, equity, and representation in media leadership.
- Erik Avanier (WJXT) — Recognized for impactful storytelling and integrity in coverage of issues that matter most to Northeast Florida.
- Rahman Johnson (Jacksonville City Council) — Recipient of the Ken Knight Legacy in Action Award, honoring a lifelong dedication to media and ongoing service as a Jacksonville City Councilman using communication to inform and empower the community.
- Dana Michelle Maule (Filmmaker & Producer) — Recipient of the NABJ Jacksonville Award for Storytelling Excellence for her prior newsroom and PR experience and continued advocacy for local Black neighborhoods through “Moncrief Springs: The Movie” and the Northside Pride initiative.
Congratulations to all of the winners.
The event is also in partnership with the Northeast Florida chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.