Karlie Redd & Yandy Smith-Harris Host First Annual Courageous Awards Honoring Domestic Abuse Survivors During Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Amanda Powell
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Actress and TV Personality, Karlie Redd hosted The Inaugural Courageous Awards, a powerful ceremony dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and courage of domestic abuse survivors within the community. Karlie Redd partnered with her fellow MTV Love & Hip Hop Atlanta co-star and Serial Entrepreneur and TV personality Yandy Smith-Harris, and Councilmember Andrea Boone to shine a light on the ongoing fight against domestic violence and to uplift every individual on the journey toward healing and peace.
Held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the historic Atlanta City Hall located at: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, the event brought together survivors, advocates, and supporters for an evening of empowerment, unity, and hope. Well over 100 women came together to stand in solidarity, hear powerful survivor stories, and honor women who have transformed their pain into purpose emerging as true pillars of strength and inspiration.
City Hall was elegantly adorned in shades of purple, the symbolic color of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, beautifully designed by Ladonna Thomas of Kali Soul Events. The evening was presented by Karlie Redd’s Big Heart Foundation, in partnership with TLJ Agency, and sponsored by Tierra’s Butterflies 501c3 Non-Profit, Think About It Inc., and Yelle Skin Care, with Sheen Magazine, and Victoria Attmore serving as the official media sponsor.
Celebrity guests in attendance included Mendeecees (Love & Hip Hop Atlanta), TV Personality, Mike Jackson, Barkue Tubman-Zawolo (Chief Community Officer of Essence Ventures), Restaurateur, Ebony Austin, Karlie Redd's daughter, Jasmine Ellis, granddaughter and more. Guests were welcomed with opening remarks from Pastor and TV Personality Aventer Gray, Councilwoman Andrea Boone, and Georgia State Representative, Doreen Carter, setting the stage for an evening of inspiration and empowerment. The audience was captivated by stirring performances from violinist Jayna Burton, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Travis Malloy, and a soulful choir that filled the room with emotion and hope.
The program featured heartfelt testimonials from Karlie Redd and courageous survivors, alongside appearances from notable community leaders dedicated to advocacy and change. Several organizations were honored with official proclamations recognizing their outstanding work in domestic violence awareness and prevention, including Tamiko Lowry (The Still Standing Alliance), Romeo Bartley Jr. (Becoming the Change, Inc.), Erica Jones (The Vivian Neily Project), Kie Fair (Think About It Inc.), Dr. Corrine Foster Bristow (CEO, International Queendom, Inc.), Alma G. Davis (Alma Domestic Violence Foundation), Martine Desmolieres (Going Out Divine, Inc.), and The Honorable Erica Thomas Adeyemi.
The evening concluded with a powerful tribute to survivor honorees who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in overcoming domestic violence, including Schenika Quattlebaum, Sheena Myers, Grace Hamilton, Rhonda Sheree, Angel Terron, June Jones, Katrina Fuller, Robin Copeland, Jelisa Raquel, Kayla G, Maxine Mitchell, and Karlie Lewis.
Among the honorees, Maxine Mitchell received a $10,000 scholarship from Tiara’s Butterflies Scholarship Foundation founded by Shenequa Scott in recognition of her resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to empowering others.
"The fight to end domestic violence requires all of us elected officials, community leaders, and residents to stand together," said Yandy Smith-Harris. "Hosting this ceremony at City Hall symbolizes our unwavering commitment to addressing this issue head-on and providing resources and support to those in need. I am so proud of what Councilmember Boone, Karlie Redd, Shenequa Scott, and I accomplished tonight in honoring these brave survivors."
"The fight to end domestic violence requires all of us elected officials, community leaders, and residents to stand together," said Yandy Smith-Harris. "Hosting this ceremony at City Hall symbolizes our unwavering commitment to addressing this issue head-on and providing resources and support to those in need. I am so proud of what Councilmember Boone, Karlie Redd, Shenequa Scott, and I accomplished tonight in honoring these brave survivors."
About Karlie Redd Karlie Redd is an actress, TV personality, recording artist, and serial entrepreneur best known for her long-standing role on MTV’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. Beyond reality TV, Karlie has appeared in hit shows like Saints & Sinners and Top Five while building a diverse business empire spanning restaurants, fashion, fitness, and beauty. A proud Caribbean-American, Karlie is co-owner of Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles and the new Red Room Bistro in Atlanta. Her hit single, "Werk," featuring Spice and Capella Grey, landed her a #1 spot on iTunes Reggae chart. She is also a passionate humanitarian, founding organizations to support women, children, and underserved communities. Now embracing life as a new grandmother (“Glamma”), Karlie continues to evolve as a multifaceted entertainer and advocate, using her platform to inspire resilience, reinvention, and empowerment.
About Yandy Smith-Harris
Yandy Smith-Harris, honored as the NAACP's most influential personality of 2020, stands as a contemporary Renaissance woman and a highly sought-after multi-talented public figure in the entertainment industry. Her professional journey began as a music business executive at the multimedia giant Violator Management. Starting as an assistant to the renowned Mona Scott-Young, she played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of artists like LL Cool J, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes, a testament to her influence and impact. Progressing swiftly, Yandy eventually ascended to the position of President at Monami Entertainment. Yandy's journey from music to television is a testament to her adaptability and courage. She created the popular Love & Hip-Hop franchise, making a notable impact. Initially a producer on the show's first season, she later became a cast member at the urging of her mentor, Mona Scott-Young. This shift from behind-the-scenes work to an on-screen presence not only catapulted her to fame but also inspired women and girls globally. Yandy boasts an impressive portfolio, having authored two books: an E-guide titled "The Beauty of Marketing in Business" and a children's book named "My Blended Family." Furthermore, she is the founder of the successful beauty brand YELLE Skincare Inc., a cofounder of the lifestyle brand EGL (Everything Girls Love) Inc., and a co-founder of the nonprofit organization PUDS (Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons) Inc. Additionally, she established a thriving restaurant, Dancin Crepes, in Atlanta. In the realm of filmmaking, she has proven her mettle as an Executive Producer on projects like "Life, Love, Soul" (2012), "Percy" (2020), "Nine Days" (2020), and The Deadly Getaway (2024). Despite these achievements, she considers her marriage to her partner Mendeecees Harris and their lovingly blended family of five children-Omere and Skylar (Yandy's biological children), Mendeesees Jr. and Assim Harris (Yandy's bonus children), and Infinity Gillard (Yandy's Foster Daughter)-her most significant accomplishment.
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