A Nod for Niecy

Actress/comedienne Niecy Nash was honored with the 2007 Chairman's Award at the 9th Annual Educating Young Minds (EYM) Scholarship Awards Gala, held last week in Los Angeles, California. Niecy was recognized for her community service work, as a staunch supporter of programs that prevent school violence and advance children's self-esteem. Upon accepting her award, the radiant Ms. Nash told the audience that she lives by three words, "No Matter What," and that they too can achieve success against all odds. Celebrities attending and participating in the EYM event included Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., actress Taraji P. Henson, actor Morris Chestnut, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, and actress Golden Brooks, among others.

EYM (www.educatingyoungminds.org <http://www.educatingyoungminds.org/> ) is a Los Angeles-based non-profit tutorial program for at-risk inner-city youth, founded in 1987 by Angeles Echols.