- Fifteen survivors received recognition and custom award plaques for their courage and personal healing journeys.
- Community leaders emphasized that preventing domestic violence requires accountability and action from both men and women.
- Redd and Smith received official proclamations from the city recognizing their philanthropic work supporting survivors.
Reality stars, entrepreneurs, and state reps recently converged in ATL to empower domestic violence survivors who’ve turned pain into purpose.
On October 28, Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith hosted the second annual Courageous Awards, honoring domestic violence survivors in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Presented by Redd’s nonprofit, the Big Heart Foundation, it honored 15 survivors for their courage, perseverance, and personal journeys toward healing.
The Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars were joined by author and entrepreneur Kie Fair and former Georgia State Representative Erica Thomas Adeyemi for an evening of emotional tributes, live entertainment, and community advocacy. The celebration also included a special surprise for Redd and Smith, who received official proclamations recognizing their philanthropic work.
According to Karlie Redd, who is a domestic violence survivor herself, the annual ceremony is about much more than handing out awards.
“I know firsthand that finding the courage to walk away and rebuild your life is not easy,” Redd said in a statement. “The Courageous Awards is my way of reminding survivors that their pain does not define them, their voices matter, and there is hope and healing on the other side of survival.”
The Courageous Awards Celebrated 15 Survivors With Emotional Tributes
During the evening, 15 honorees whose experiences with domestic violence and journeys toward healing were recognized with custom award plaques.
According to a press release, Redd, Smith, Fair, and Adeyemi emphasized the importance of supporting domestic violence survivors as they rebuild their lives, with one particularly emotional moment coming when Redd honored the family of a young woman she had personally mentored who was tragically killed by her abuser.
One of the ceremony’s most emotional moments came when Redd honored the family of a young woman she had personally mentored whose life was tragically taken by her abuser.
Kei Fair, founder of TAI Nation and author of Undefined Evidence, used the occasion to emphasize that preventing domestic violence requires accountability and action from men as well as women.
“Domestic violence is not just a women’s issue. It’s a community issue,” Fair said. “As men, we have a responsibility to help break destructive cycles, stand with survivors, and create a future where families can thrive without fear.”
Similarly, House Rep Erica Thomas Adeyemi, who has also shared her experience as a domestic violence survivor, spoke about the importance of ensuring survivors have access to the support they need.
“As a survivor, I know the strength it takes to heal and reclaim your voice,” she said. “The Courageous Awards reminds us that every survivor deserves hope, support, and a brighter future.”
Karlie Redd And Yandy Smith Receive Surprise Proclamations
While the evening was dedicated to celebrating survivors, Karlie and Yandy found themselves on the receiving end of an unexpected honor.
Councilwoman Linda Pritchett of District 7 surprised the reality stars with official proclamations recognizing their community leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to supporting survivors.
Oct. 28 was proclaimed “Karlie Redd Lewis Appreciation Day,” while Smith was similarly honored with “Yandy Smith Appreciation Day.”
“God has a beautiful way of turning pain into purpose,” Redd said. “Having October 28 recognized as Karlie Redd Lewis Appreciation Day is an honor I’ll cherish forever. Sharing it with courageous survivors reminds me that our past does not define us, and God can use our pain to uplift others.”
Smith, who returned to support the awards for the second consecutive year, celebrated the opportunity to stand alongside Redd and the women being honored.
“When women come together with purpose, we have the power to change lives,” Smith said. “I’m honored to stand with Karlie again to celebrate these courageous survivors and remind them they are seen, supported, and never alone.”
Now in its second year, the Courageous Awards continue Karlie Redd’s mission of bringing attention to domestic violence while celebrating those who have survived it.
Check out more photos from the inspiring evening below.
