Owning the Game: The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Dinner Honors Trailblazers and Legacy Builders

Under the dazzling lights of Washington, D.C., the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) rolled out the red carpet for one of the most inspiring nights in modern media, the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Dinner, hosted by the ever-charismatic Loni Love. This year’s theme, “Owning the Game,” wasn’t just a slogan, it was a declaration. A celebration of those who’ve rewritten the rules, reclaimed narratives, and redefined what it means to have a voice in media today.

The evening paid tribute to an all-star lineup of honorees whose influence continues to shape culture and conversation: James Brown, a broadcasting icon whose presence in sports journalism remains unmatched; Bing Chen, visionary entrepreneur and advocate for creative equity; Amna Nawaz, trailblazing journalist and co-anchor of PBS NewsHour; Errin Haines, founding mother of The 19th and a leading voice for women and democracy; Rocsi Diaz, beloved host from 106 & Park whose charisma helped define a generation of pop culture; Cam Newton, NFL superstar and style innovator bringing authenticity to every platform; and Juleyka Lantigua, the powerhouse producer and storyteller reshaping audio narratives with purpose and heart.

At the center of it all is David Morgan, Founder and CEO of MMCA, whose unwavering vision continues to fuel the organization’s mission: to honor the past while cultivating the future. Morgan’s leadership stands as a bridge between generations, preserving the legacy of media trailblazers while empowering a new league of diverse storytellers to take the mic, own their narratives, and command the spotlight.

From heartfelt speeches to moments of laughter, the night captured what the MMCA stands for, representation, recognition, and renaissance. As the cameras flashed and the applause echoed, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just an awards dinner. It was a movement. A reminder that in a world still learning to see every shade of excellence, the voices of the multicultural media community are not just participating, they’re owning the game.