Determined to
Educate, Inc. |
2018 Awards
Fundraising
Gala

November 1, 2018 - 6:00pm-9:30pm

Bettering Ourselves, Bettering Our Communities

Every year we host an electrifying event honoring those who have dedicated their lives to uplifting communities worldwide. Why should this year be any different?

It's the year of 'The Pioneer'!

Thank you to all of our Board Members, Sponsors and Donors for making 2017 such a magical year!
It's time for 2018!!!

Get Tickets Now!

And This Year's Honorees Are...

Geoffrey Canada

Geoffrey Canada

PRESIDENT OF HARLEM CHILDREN'S ZONE

Susan Taylor

Susan L. Taylor

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS OF ESSENCE MAGAZINE AND FOUNDER, NATIONAL CARES MENTORING MOVEMENT

Michael Bivins

Michael Bivins

MEMBER OF THE LEGENDARY GROUP 'NEW EDITION', MUSIC INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE

Lynne Holden and Andrew Morrison

Lynne Holden, MD / Andrew Morrison

PRESIDENT / CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

More Honorees to be Announced...

DTE Save the Date - Gala 2018

Hosted by

James Talent Harris

James "Talent" Harris

Comedian, Actor

They often say that you can tell a lot about a person from their name. In this case,TALENT embodies the definition with full force. TALENT's comedic style is firmly grounded within his innate ability to combine impromptu humor and an instinctive timely delivery. Often referred to as comedy's " King of New York "; with his natural ability to bring laughter into households and venues has headlined his own comedy shows and tours as well as making special appearances on such reputable programming as; BET 's Comic View, HBO's Snaps & Def Comedy Jam and earn the position as host of New York ' s 98.7 KISS FM's Morning Show.

TALENT 's capacity for achievement and success is an ever evolving journey.

TALENT has been cast alongside such celebrated actors as, Danny Devito,Marisa Tomei, Rosie Perez , John Leguizamo, Vanessa Williams and more. His growing theatrical resume includes appearances in movies, "Sunset Park", " Full Court Press", "A Brother's Kiss", "Fulgazi", "My Brother" and "With or Without You". Destined to become an icon and one of the most successful talent 's in the entertainment world, TALENT 's comedic gift stretches far beyond the stand-up circuit. He has loaned his voice to national commercials,music album collabora­tions with such celebrities as, producer-rap superstar, Missy Elliott. The multi-dimensional TALENT has extended his range with an interlude as a contributing writer for The Source Mag­ azine, one of the largest urban/hip hop magazines. TALENT ' s column, "Joker's Wild" offered frank commentaries with an impressive list of " acclaimed" comedians.

While he continues to headline at every premier comedy club in the United States and abroad such as Caroline's on Broadway, Showtime at The Apollo and many others, the comedian who has put a trademark on finding humor in the dynamics of life by entertain­ingly reminding us not take all this too serious, because..." IT'S JUST COMEDY!" is one of the most sought after comedians in the business.

The seasoned comedian who currently resides in New York City has dedicated over 20 years to his profession. Although this era may seem like a lifetime to some, the past 20 years have merely laid the foundation of a greater, wiser and stronger rise of successes yet as TALENT says " To this day, he is just getting started".TALENT 's tireless efforts continue through acting, endorsements, development deals, television scripts and entertainment venues.

As they say laughter is the best medicine and humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded while keeping in mind ...IT ' S JUST COMEDY!!