The 12th Annual RICE Awards: Honoring Those Who Make a Difference in the Atlanta Community

by Desiree Sandlin

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The 12th Annual RICE Awards took place on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Atlanta’s City Hall. The RICE (The Rising in Community Excellence Awards) honors those who have who relentlessly endeavored to improve lives throughout greater Atlanta. The RICE Award is presented to citizens whose vision, executed by philanthropy through charitable donations, is committed to change and ratification within the community. Founded in 2010 by radio personality and relationship expert, C. Chandon Carter, the Chicago native started from humble beginnings starting his career in sales in Alabama. Desiring to see change for that would create a platform of recognition for those who worked hard for the betterment of others, The Carter Unlimited LLC was created, thus evolving into The RICE Awards. The foundation is an IRS certified non-profit organization whose mission is focused on recognizing individuals and their organizations who exemplify visionary excellence.  This year’s award show was sponsored by Nissan of Union Center, Atlanta Fibroid Center, and Georgia Injury Attorney Brian Poe & Associates. The RICE Awards is straightforward in its message; “We honor the unsung heroes of the community.”  
Nominees for the award consisted of a panel of professionals, community leaders and Atlantans who have used their stance to create opportunity, promise and change.

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Each category recognizes the insurmountable adversity that the nominee has encountered and defeated despite the hardship and affliction they faced.

Categories for the 2022 awards included:
• ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
• BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
• NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
• CIVIL SERVANT OF THE YEAR
• HEALTH AND WELLNESS
• OUTSTANDING IN MEDIA
• MUSIC, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
• SOCIAL IMPACT & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR
• THE FOUNDERS RISING STAR
• EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
• FOUNDATION OF THE YEAR
• YOUTH ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR

The prestigious TORCH Award is presented to community pioneers who have led the way in community change. They have taken on the role as intercessors, advocates and watch towers to ensure that the needs of the community were met. They have unselfishly given their time, resources, maintained their dedication and passion for equality, through perseverance conquering and overcoming all odds resulting in victory.  

This year’s TORCH Awards nominees are Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr., Lisa Nicole Cloud, Dr. Sharon J. Brown, Terry Clark and Drew Sewell.

The Nehemiah Award (Community Impact) recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding service often through volunteerism to local and grass-roots organizations. Derived from the Biblical book in the Bible, Nehemiah name means, “God comforts.” Nominees recognized for this award takes on the personification that through inspiration, a level of greatness is created and achieved.

This year’s Nehemiah Award nominees are Dr. C.H. Braddy, Dr. Jeremy Tuck, Quincy L. Carswell II, and Bishop J.C. Williams

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented for their outstanding career, leadership, mentorship, and dedication. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Monica Kauffman Pearson, Peachtree TV’s own television icon.

A little history for those nominated, recognized and awarded:

Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. is an attorney, entrepreneur, author, speaker, filmmaker, and community servant within the Atlanta community. Arrington Law Firm, 22 years in championing for advocacy serves Fulton County.

Lisa Nicole Cloud is a multifaceted business mogul in direct sales, author, coach, clothing designer and philanthropist. She is infamously known from the reality show, Married to Medicine.

Dr. Sharon J. Brown is an Ambassador of the State of Georgia, author and expert on human trafficking and survivor. She is a life coach and speaker.

Monica Kaufma is a dynamic and trailblazing news personality, Monica Kaufman is one of the most recognizable faces in Atlanta. She has been a journalist for over 40 years and is currently the President/CEO of Carter Unlimited PR & Marketing Group LLC. Monica has made it her mission throughout her career to give back to the community she loves dearly. She has served on various boards and committees, such as the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Board, Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Atlanta Board, and the Atlanta Press Club board. Kaufman was also inducted into the Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Southeast Chapter and received an honorary doctorate from Clark Atlanta University. In 2006, she was honored with a prestigious Peabody Award.  

In addition, the event honored journalist Marc Arum, U.S. Congress Rep. Nikema Williams, and many others for their outstanding advocacy in community services.

Marc Arum:

Marc Arum is an Emmy award-winning investigative reporter with 11Alive for over 20 years. He has broken numerous stories that have led to indictments, arrests, and even changes in state law. In 2015, he was part of a team awarded an Emmy for their coverage of the 2014 Ebola scare in Atlanta. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters and Southeast Emmy chapter have also honored his work. Outside of his career in journalism, Marc is heavily involved in various charities such as MUST Ministries, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity.

Nikema Williams:

Nikema Williams is a Democratic U.S. House of Representative member from Georgia's 5th congressional district. Before coming to Congress, Nikema served as Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia from 2017 to 2018. She also was State Senator from 2011 to 2017. During her time as State Senator, Nikema worked tirelessly to expand access to quality healthcare, voting rights for African Americans, and the protection of women’s reproductive rights. As Congresswoman Williams continues fighting for progressive values in Washington, DC, she remains committed to giving back to her community through charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots and Habitat for Humanity.

These individuals are just a few examples of those who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others in the Atlanta community. The RICE Awards were created to shine a light on selfless individuals and their organizations and bring awareness to all they do for our city. If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their charitable work or advocacy in Atlanta, be sure to nominate them for the RICE Award next year!

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