‘Let’s Hear It For the Boi’ | City of East Point honors hometown hero with Global Icon Award
Outkast's Antwan “Big Boi” Patton celebrated with city awards during inaugural ceremony for Black History Month
EAST POINT, Ga. — “East Point got ‘sumptin’ to say!”
As the City of East Point presented Grammy award-winning Hip-Hop superstar, Antwan "Big Boi" Patton with its inaugural 2021 Global Icon Award on Wednesday, February 10th, the phrase was starting to catch on like wildfire.
The virtual award ceremony was held in the city council chambers at East Point City Hall as a part of the city’s Black History Month Virtual Program.
Big Boi né Antwan Patton, attended the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Magnet Program at Tri-Cities High School in East Point along with classmate, Andre Benjamin, b.k.a. Andre 3000.
The two went on to form the iconic rap duo, Outkast, releasing six studio albums, and the motion-picture, Idlewild.
“Big Boi’s success is not only a representation of Black History but American History as well,” said Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham in a press release.
“His musical contributions have made a lasting impact around the world and put a spotlight on the City of East Point.”
During the ceremony, Mayor Holiday Ingraham and Big Boi were even presented with lavish bouquets in celebration of their respective birthdays. The fellow Aquarians birthdays being only a week apart.
Despite the restrictions presented by social-distancing, the mood inside of the room was festive. Friend and fellow Dungeon Family-member, CeeLo Green was also in attendance to support Patton.
The Global Icon Award event was the initiative and brainchild of Ward-A City Councilmember Lance Robertson to recognize the significant contributions of Black residents who have been instrumental to the legacy in the City of East Point.
“East Point is full of rich history,” affirms Robertson.
“Coming out of 2020, we felt it was important to recognize a history maker who has influenced the world through their musical contributions, which has an East Point origin and to inspire our youth of today to be their best.”
Big Boi was presented with Key to the City and a special self-portrait by local artist ArtzyBella founder, Ashley Daramola. The piece was titled ‘General Patton.’
The ultimate acknowledgment came in the form of the official city proclamation, cementing his place in history by officially declaring that furthermore February 10th will be known as Antwan ‘Big Boi’ Patton Day in the City of East Point.
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