Media mogul, and the founder and chairperson of Radio One, Inc., Cathy Hughes, celebrated in the company of friends, family and admirers last weekend on the campus of Howard University during several events that highlighted the renaming of Howard’s School of Communication to the Cathy Hughes School of Communication.
Hughes, following a private renaming ceremony, joined several hundred guests in a standing room only brunch last Sunday where those who knew her best shared their memories while musicians and vocalists serenaded her and her lifelong achievements. University officials also expressed their sincere gratitude for her huge financial gift that will benefit students for generations to come. And as always, she greeted her guests while maintaining her stance as the consummate professional and warmhearted woman that many of us have grown to know and respect.
Even more, Hughes let her hair down, hugging those she loves, saluting those who offered their congratulations and having the time of her life.
Hughes serves as an example of the American Dream come true – achieved through hard work, grit, determination, a connection with and obedience to her God and a belief in not only herself but those who have long been part of her team, her inner “family” and business colleagues.
Listening to her, she seems to always emphasize the importance of preparing others, including her son, to take over and assume the lead when the time comes for her to move on to other ventures – a tragic rarity for many Black business founders. She also shared how important others have been in her meteoric rise because they were willing to share their gifts to benefit the team while believing in the plans and goals of their leader.
Cathy Hughes received her flowers last weekend – no one could be more deserving.