Karlie Redd & Yandy Smith-Harris Host First Annual Courageous Awards Honoring Domestic Abuse Survivors

Karlie Redd Hosts The Inaugural Courageous Awards in Atlanta

(Atlanta, GA – October 24, 2025) – 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.

A Night of Unity and Empowerment at Atlanta City Hall

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, granddaughterand 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.

Stories of Courage, Healing, and Community Impact

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.

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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 byShenequa Scott in recognition of her resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to empowering others.

The Courageous Awards served not only as a celebration of survival but as a call to action encouraging continued advocacy, awareness, and support for those affected by domestic violence. Through shared stories and community unity, the evening underscored a powerful message. 

Standing Together to End Domestic Violence

“This event is deeply personal and critically important for our community,” said Karlie Redd. “By honoring these courageous individuals, we are not only celebrating their journey but also sending a powerful message that they are seen, heard, and supported. We hope to inspire others who may be in similar situations to seek help and find their own path to safety and healing.”

“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.”

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