Radio host, author, and public speaker – Willie Jolley, recently won the National Speakers Association’s Cavett Award, the highest and most coveted honor; being the first Black man to do so.
The Cavett Award is named in honor of Cavett Robert, who founded the NSA. The honor is given yearly to a member of the organization whose achievements have demonstrated exceptional credit, respect, honor, and admiration in the National Speakers Association and the speaking profession over the years, and whose conduct most closely resembles Cavett Robert’s illustrious career, according to PRLog.
President of High Point University, Dr. Nido Quebin; creators of Smart Practice, Jim and Naomi Rhode; and Mark Sanborn, best-selling author of “The Fred Factor,” are just a few of the previous Cavett Award winners.
Renowned motivational speaker, Les Brown, who was present at the NSA Awards presentation, expressed his satisfaction with Jolley winning the honor.
“When I heard Willie’s name called, I was so overwhelmed,” Brown said. “I was in tears because he is one of the best in the world and truly deserves this award.”
Before being elected to the National Board, Jolley made history as the first Black person to lead the NSA chapter in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he was the first African American to serve as chairman of the Speaker Hall of Fame Leadership Committee.
According to his website, Dr. Willie Jolley has reached great heights in life, despite starting life in poverty. He supported himself through college – performing in nightclubs and making jingles for radio and television ads when his father passed away while he was a teenager.
He later rose to fame as a nightclub performer and multiple WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) award winner. However, amid the karaoke craze that swept America, he was sacked at the height of his nightclub career and replaced by a machine. Choosing to stay focused, he never gave up and kept refining himself to be one of the best in his field.
Today, Dr. Willie Jolley continues to pursue his purpose through his platform – enabling and inspiring individuals to overcome their situations and realize their God-given potential.
