BACON MAGAZINE
Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith Honor 15 Domestic Violence Survivors at the 2nd Annual Courageous Awards

Presented by Karlie Redd’s Big Heart Foundation, the Atlanta ceremony celebrated 15 survivors and closed with surprise proclamations honoring Redd and Yandy Smith.

Karlie Redd filled Atlanta Central Library with recognition and grace on October 28, when her nonprofit, Big Heart Foundation, presented the 2nd Annual Courageous Awards. Held during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the evening honored 15 domestic violence survivors and brought survivors, community leaders, entertainment personalities and philanthropic partners together to celebrate stories of resilience, healing and hope.

Redd, the actress, television personality, entrepreneur and humanitarian known for MTV’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, shared the stage with fellow Love & Hip Hop star and philanthropist Yandy Smith, transformational speaker and author Kie Fair, and former Georgia State Representative The Honorable Erica Thomas Adeyemi. Together, the four presented custom award plaques to each honoree, recognizing journeys of survival, perseverance and transformation, before the night delivered a moment two of the hosts never saw coming.

A Day in the Name of Karlie Redd

In the evening’s surprise highlight, City of South Fulton District 7 Councilwoman Linda Pritchett presented Redd and Smith with official proclamations honoring their philanthropy, leadership and community impact. October 28 was proclaimed Karlie Redd Lewis Appreciation Day, and Smith received her own recognition with Yandy Smith Appreciation Day, a tribute to how both women have grown beyond entertainment to use their platforms in service of others.

“God has a beautiful way of turning pain into purpose,” Redd says. “Having October 28 recognized as Karlie Redd Lewis Appreciation Day is an honor I’ll cherish forever. Sharing it with courageous survivors reminds me that our past does not define us, and God can use our pain to uplift others.”

A Mission Written From Experience

For Redd, a domestic violence survivor herself, the Courageous Awards carry a deeply personal weight. “I know firsthand that finding the courage to walk away and rebuild your life is not easy,” she shares. “The Courageous Awards is my way of reminding survivors that their pain does not define them, their voices matter, and there is hope and healing on the other side of survival.”

Their pain does not define them, their voices matter, and there is hope and healing on the other side of survival.

Karlie Redd

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when Redd presented a tribute to the family of a young woman she had personally taken under her wing, whose life was taken by her abuser. The recognition honored her memory and spoke to the importance of transforming grief into advocacy and lasting change.

Four Voices, One Room, One Message

Returning for a second consecutive year, Smith, the entertainment executive and founder of YELLE Skincare who also co-founded Everything Girls Love and Partners Uplifting Our Daughters and Sons, continued her partnership with Redd in the spirit of sisterhood and survivor empowerment. “When women come together with purpose, we have the power to change lives,” Smith shares. “I’m honored to stand with Karlie again to celebrate these courageous survivors and remind them they are seen, supported, and never alone.”

When women come together with purpose, we have the power to change lives.

Yandy Smith

Fair, founder of TAI Nation and author of Undefined Evidence, brought an essential male perspective to the evening, calling on men to challenge harmful behavior and help break generational cycles of abuse. “Domestic violence is not just a women’s issue. It’s a community issue,” Fair says. “As men, we have a responsibility to help break destructive cycles, stand with survivors, and create a future where families can thrive without fear.”

Thomas Adeyemi, also a domestic violence survivor, reinforced the value of advocacy, education and access to resources that support long-term healing and independence. “As a survivor, I know the strength it takes to heal and reclaim your voice,” she says. “The Courageous Awards reminds us that every survivor deserves hope, support, and a brighter future.”

Lavender Arches and a Gospel Welcome

Bhorebly Events, an Atlanta-based event planning company, led the evening’s creative direction, logistics and guest experience, shaping a three-hour awards program that included a VIP reception, live saxophone and a meet and greet with Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith. The company also designed the event’s visual identity, a lavender architectural backdrop of sweeping, layered arches dressed in lush florals of teal, lavender, dusty blue, deep plum and burgundy.

Host Lakia Starks guided the ceremony, which opened with a prayer by Pastor Stephanie Jennings of The Harvest Tabernacle Church and a musical performance from gospel recording artist Isaac Carree. DJ Massive kept the atmosphere uplifting throughout the night.

The evening was supported by Crescent City Kitchen, SHEEN Magazine, Bhorebly Events, The Makeup Mobb, Mystique Brow by Jennylind, Paige Group Foundation, Happy Soles, Red Key Club ATL, EJay the DJ, Pop Out Magazine, Media Girls Network, Dayson Robinson and The Perfect Pour & More, among others.

Courage, Recognized

As honorees, distinguished guests and sponsors gathered for commemorative photographs at the close of the night, the 2nd Annual Courageous Awards stood as a testament to the power of faith, philanthropy, advocacy and community. Through Big Heart Foundation, Karlie Redd remains committed to amplifying survivors’ voices, promoting healing and creating opportunities for those rebuilding their lives, with the conviction that courage deserves recognition and resilience deserves celebration.

Photos by FreddyO