By Von Donald, CEO & Publisher, Iconique Magazine

On the evening of October 18, 2025, I stepped onto the red carpet of the 8th Annual UMA’s Worldwide Music Awards in Hapeville, Georgia, with a feeling that is still difficult to describe. It was more than an awards ceremony. It was more than a night of celebration. For me, it was a moment of recognition — not simply for myself, but for the community, the culture, and the legacy of work that has helped shape the world of arts, business, entertainment, and empowerment.

The theme of this year’s ceremony was “Where Legends Are Honored and Awarded.” And as I looked around the legendary Ford Hall — located in the historic community of Hapeville — I saw exactly that. Legends. Innovators. Trailblazers. Individuals whose names not only echo through their fields but whose contributions ripple into the future.

To be counted among them was an honor that touched me deeply.

As CEO of Iconique Magazine, I have spent my career shining light on creatives, leaders, and culture shifters. I am known for building platforms that empower voices, celebrate excellence, and inspire the next generation of legends in the making. But this night — this was the moment I stood on the other side. I was not the observer, not the interviewer, not the publisher behind the publication. I was an honoree.

And that is something I will never forget.

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The Curator Who Brought It All to Life: Bernard “B-Mo” Moore

Before I share the depth of the evening, it is essential to honor the visionary behind it all — Bernard Moore, affectionately known as B-Mo. B-Mo is the curator, founder, and driving force behind the UMA’s Worldwide Music Awards. For eight remarkable years, he has built this platform as a stage of recognition for those who have impacted culture through creativity, leadership, music, entrepreneurship, and legacy.

What I admire most about B-Mo is the intention behind the event. It is not about popularity. It is not about who has the biggest platform or the loudest influence. The UMA’s is about impact. It is about contribution. It is about honoring those who have uplifted communities and shaped the world not only through talent, but through purpose.

And this year, with grace, style, and an unmatched ability to bring together the extraordinary, B-Mo created a night where every honoree and every attendee felt valued.

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A Red Carpet Full of Reflection and Celebration

The evening began at 5:00 PM as guests arrived to a beautifully staged red carpet — cameras flashing, warm greetings filling the air, and the unmistakable feeling of being part of something meaningful. The fashion was high, the energy was elevated, and the love was undeniable.

As I walked the carpet, I was reminded of how far I’ve come. From the early days of conceptualizing Iconique Magazine, to launching platforms, events, and creative partnerships, to becoming a recognized voice in media and cultural storytelling — my journey has always been rooted in purpose, resilience, and authenticity.

Standing there, I felt seen — not just for the success, but for the work.

Accompanied by 3 amazing ladies; Deb DOR, Roxanne D, Kwana K.

Team Secure Ent

Honoring the Esteemed Legends of the Night

The honorees in attendance represented history, culture, legacy, and artistry. Each name carried weight. Each story carried depth. And each presence reminded us that greatness is not accidental — it is chosen, cultivated, and lived.

William Henry Duke Jr. — Acclaimed Actor, Director, and Producer

William Henry Duke Jr. is a figure whose contributions to film and media continue to educate and inspire. Known for his powerful acting roles, groundbreaking leadership in directing, and significant influence in storytelling, he represents excellence on and off screen. His work has opened doors for countless creatives, particularly Black artists who have long needed space to tell their stories authentically. His legacy is not only cinematic — it is generational.

Mack Wilburn — Visionary Entrepreneur, Community Leader, Philanthropist

Few individuals embody leadership like Mack Wilburn. His success as an entrepreneur is only part of his story. It is his lasting influence in community development, his dedication to empowering local business owners, and his commitment to shaping opportunities for others that define him. Mack is a force — strategic, compassionate, and rooted in service. Receiving recognition in the same room as him was a profound honor.

Dottie Peoples — Renowned Gospel Singer and Inspirational Voice

The legendary Dottie Peoples is a voice of inspiration. Known around the world for her soul-stirring gospel music, she has touched lives for decades. Her presence at the UMA’s carried a spiritual weight — a reminder of the healing, unity, and power that music brings. To hear her speak was to feel uplifted. To see her honored was to witness history being acknowledged with reverence.

George Clinton — Iconic Singer, Songwriter, and Funk Pioneer

There are legends, and then there are George Clinton — a pioneer of funk music and a cultural architect. His influence has shaped entire genres, inspired countless artists, and changed the trajectory of music forever. To share space with someone whose contributions helped define the soundtracks of generations was surreal. His legacy is not only unforgettable — it is foundational.

The Sequence — First All-Female Group to Record and Release a Rap Record

Before many of the household names we know today, there was The Sequence — a trailblazing, groundbreaking, culturally defining group that forever changed rap and hip-hop. These women broke down barriers in a male-dominated industry and did so with power, style, and unshakable presence. Their recognition reminded us that women’s contributions to hip-hop were not only significant — they were historic.

Von Donald — Media Mogul and Social Influencer

Hearing my name among these legends was humbling.

To be acknowledged as a media mogul and social influencer — not as someone seeking attention, but as someone actively building platforms that elevate others — was deeply affirming. My work with Iconique Magazine has always been bigger than publication. It is legacy work. It is cultural documentation. It is empowerment.

This honor reminded me that the world sees the seeds I’ve planted — and the harvest that is growing.

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The Moment I Accepted My Honor

When my name was called, the applause was warm — genuine. I felt the eyes of leaders, pioneers, and culture shapers on me. I walked to the stage slowly, not for show, but because I was absorbing the moment fully.

I spoke from my heart — about purpose, about honoring those who came before us, about using platforms to uplift, about the responsibility that comes with influence.

I spoke about love, culture, and legacy. Because that is what Iconique represents and that is what this honor meant to me.

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A Night That Lives Beyond the Night

Some events entertain you. Some events impress you. But some events stay with you — forever. The UMA’s Worldwide Music Awards is one of those events. It is a celebration, yes. But it is also a reminder of the responsibility we carry as leaders in culture. The responsibility to build, To uplift, To leave something behind that those who come next may stand on. I left that evening affirmed, inspired, and more committed than ever to the work. Because being honored among legends is meaningful. But living a life worthy of honor — that is purpose.

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In Closing

To B-Mo — thank you for seeing us. To each honoree — thank you for leading. To every supporter — thank you for believing. To the future — we are ready. This was not the climax. This was not the finish line. This was a continuation of the legacy already in motion.

And the best is still unfolding.

— Von Donald – CEO & Publisher, Iconique Magazine