Jody Watley, an iconic singer-songwriter who dominated the Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B charts during the ’80s and ’90s, is being honored with her own day in the city of Atlanta.
According to Black News Scoop, the event will be held inside the Georgia State Capitol on June 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition, Watley will be “publicly recognized for her time, effort, and dedication to humanity” with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I am truly honored for this recognition from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris,” Dr. Jody Watley expressed in a statement. “I am also grateful to Representative Billy Mitchell and Dr. Jacqueline Mohair for nominating me for this prestigious award.”
“We are so excited to designate June 2 as Jody Watley Day in Atlanta, Georgia,” Georgia Assemblyman Billy Mitchell remarked. “She is truly the epitome of grace, excellence, class, and a gifted songstress and songwriter.”
Dr. Jacqueline Mohair, the founder of Trinity International University of Ambassadors, added, “There is not a more deserving recipient to receive this honor than Dr. Watley, who [has] paved the way for so many others.” At the same time, former representative and candidate for Georgia Secretary of State, Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haglier, expressed, “Dr. Watley is a music icon whose music has blessed and inspired millions.” “It is a joy to recognize her in the State of Georgia.”
Watley’s career began in 1987 with her self-titled single, marking her as the dance-pop queen of the ’80s. In 1989, her single “Friends,” featuring Eric B. and Rakim, became the first song to crossover to Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, and Dance on Billboards Top 10. Watley became a Grammy award-winner for Best New Artist; had six Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Singles; 13 No. 1 Dance Singles; 2 R&B No. 1 singles; 15 Top 40 Singles; and more.
The Chicago native was named as the first ambassador to the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville in 2021, The Black Wall Street Times reported. In March, the 63-year-old received an honorary doctorate in Philosophy at the TIUA School of Business.
