Media maven and founder of Urban One Cathy Hughes has spent years cultivating her career in the industry and paving the way for other Black professionals. Recently, Hughes was honored by the House of Representatives for her work amplifying Black voices in media on the 40th anniversary of her corporation.
Hughes became the first African American
woman to chair a publicly held corporation and has since garnered numerous awards and honors, including the Essence Women Shaping the World Award in 2008 and the Ida B. Wells Living Legacy Award in 2011, Woman of the Year Award by 100 Black Men of America in 2018, as well as the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2019. The media titan also received the Women of Power Legacy Award at the 2013 BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit.“Hughes had her sights on success from day one. Throughout her career, her piercing optimism and resilience cut through obstacles of discrimination and discouragement, clearing a path to where she now stands as one of our country’s wealthiest self-made African American women,” said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) in a speech made to Congress about Hughes’ accomplishments and career.
“I relish this opportunity to recognize and honor the work of Cathy Hughes. Her resilience, optimism, and determination are true guiding lights through these difficult times. She has mentored countless
women, and her entrepreneurial energy has touched many, both in Washington D.C. and across the nation.”Earlier this month, Urban One, the largest Black-owned media company in the nation, launched ONE VIP, a VISA prepaid card that rewards consumers for supporting Black businesses. ONE VIP provides a digital debit account with a ONE VIP Rewards program.