The first annual Urban Spice Awards were held at Platinum Live on Sunday ... The first-ever event was organized by director Giana Taylor ... The awards were created to "celebrate outstanding achievement in Black, Latin and Asian porn" ... and last night the stars came out to celebrate and show their support ...
Sean Michaels: "It was a poignant night. This is something that needed to be done long ago. When I came into the industry in 1986-87, there was a big issue with racism ... and there still is an issue with racism. But there is definitely more promise in this industry's future for ethnic performers and white performers. We all want to be recognized and appreciated. Why exile a huge part of the adult industry when it comes to certain awards shows? It's just really rude and disrespectful. This is a launching pad for many future ethnic events. People need to recognize the relevance of tonight. This is a $13-14 billion dollar industry and the urban community is such a big part of that. It's really just time to recognize us the right way."
The awards show started with the induction of the Hall of Fame recipients ... Jeannie Pepper, Mr. Marcus, Julian St. Jox, Byron Long, Devlin Weed, and Sean Michaels took the stage ... Also inducted (but not at the actual ceremony) were Heather Hunter, Ray Victory, Vanessa Del Rio and Johnny Keyes ...
West Coast Productions received the Lifetime Achievement Award ... National sales manager Vernel along with Mr. Marcus, ManDingo, Alexander DeVoe and others gathered on stage to speak on the company's impact on porn ...
Alexander DeVoe: "Without West Coast there wouldn't be me. [Owner] James Alexander gave me creative rein to develop my stuff. I learned what worked and what didn't."
ManDingo: "If it weren't for West Coast a lot of us wouldn't be here."
Among those in attendance were ... Shorty Mac, Pinky, Marco Banderas, Cherokee, Jada Fire, Trina Michaels, Jessica Drake, Julia Ann, Trinity Post, Sophie Dee, Priya Ray, Karen Stagliano, Gianna, Jon Jon, Lee Bang, Tommy Gunn, Brad Armstrong, Ivan, Tony T, Juan Cuba, Grip Johnson and Sara Jay ...
Giana Taylor: "It was very hectic, but I feel we had a great turnout and I'm so glad everyone came out and supported the movement. I think next year it will be better. It was definitely a learning experience for me. I know I have to get a bigger venue and more staff! I just hope everybody enjoyed the show and come back next year. The first year is always the hardest."
Here is a complete list of the winners ...
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