The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus held its Annual Heritage Dinner and honored some of the state's top talent and civic leaders. The largest black legislative caucus in the country, with 61 members, the GLBC dinner was hosted by actor Chris Tucker and his fiance and television personality Cynne Simpson.

Will Packer and I at the GLBC Dinner.
Candace Walker
Held at the Georgia World Congress Center the event is a salute to men and women in the fields of arts and entertainment. Broadway legend Kenny Leon, famed producer Will Packer (Think Like a Man, No Good Deed, Ride Along), Steve Allen, Brenda Singletary, Andre Thompson, Gilbert Young, Millie Jackson, Gospel legend Dottie Peoples, R&B crooner Tony Terry and the SOS Band were among the honorees.

It is also a fundraiser for scholarships for the interns of the legislative caucus according to Karen Bennett, Representative for District 94. "This is such a special event because it is fundraising for those that are coming behind us. So for me that is the most important thing. It also allows us to highlight the works of others in the community." she added.

I caught up with Will Packer's fiance Heather Hayslett and asked her how she felt about the caucus bestowing this honor on Packer. "It is so wonderful and what a great honor," said Hayslett. We talked about all the wonderful things Packer is doing for Atlanta in general and how much he is admired here for his work in the community as well as his work on the screen. "He works really really hard and he is originally from Florida but Atlanta is home for us. I'm just very proud of him and very happy to be here tonight to support him." I asked her if they had set a date for their much anticipated wedding, "We haven't set a date yet but I will say it will be sometime in the summer," added Hayslett.

Late, legendary performers James Brown, Otis Redding and Ray Charles were also honored posthumously and Charles’ daughter Sheila Ray Charles performed in honor of her father. Mayor Kaseem Reid was in attendance and spoke about his time in the caucus.

The evening ended with closing remarks by Senator David Lucas and Represenative Dee Dwakins Haigler who is the Chair of the GLBC. It was truly a night to remember.