The Houston Rising Star Awards is a black history initiative honoring African Americans in TV, film and radio. Jaye Valentine opened the show with footage on lynching in America and how "Strange Fruit", originally sang by Billie Holiday, turned the horror into a symbol of hope. Jaye sang the powerful tune, but in true Jaye fashion, ended on a high note with "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. Award recipients included Rudy Rush (Chapelle Show, Comedy Central) and Amir Diamond (93.7 The Beat Houston).
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