Willie Jolley, a radio personality, novelist, and public speaker, was the first Black man to receive the National Speakers Association’s Cavett Award, the highest and most sought accolade.
The Cavett Award is named after Cavett Robert, the NSA’s founder. According to PRLog, the award is given yearly to an organization member whose achievements have demonstrated exceptional credit, respect, honor, and admiration in the National Speakers Association and the speaking profession over the years, and whose conduct most closely resembles Cavett Robert’s illustrious career.
Dr. Nido Quebin, president of High Point University; Jim and Naomi Rhode, developers of Smart Practice; and Mark Sanborn, best-selling author of “The Fred Factor,” are just a few of the former Cavett Award winners.
Les Brown, a well-known motivational speaker who was in attendance at the NSA Awards ceremony, expressed his delight at Jolley’s selection.
“When I heard Willie’s name called, I was so overwhelmed,” Brown said. “I was in tears because he is one of the best in the world and truly deserves this award.”
Jolley made history as the first Black person to lead the NSA chapter in Washington, D.C. before being elected to the National Board. He was also the first African American head of the Speaker Hall of Fame Leadership Committee.
Despite his humble beginnings, Dr. Willie Jolley has risen to tremendous heights in life, according to his website. while his father died while he was a teenager, he supported himself through college by performing in nightclubs and creating jingles for radio and television commercials.
He later became well-known as a nightclub performer and WAMMIE (Washington Area Music Association) award winner. However, in the midst of America’s karaoke mania, he was fired at the peak of his nightclub career and replaced by a machine. Choosing to remain focused, he never gave up and continued to refine himself to be among the finest in his industry.
Today, Dr. Willie Jolley pursues his mission through his platform, empowering and encouraging folks to overcome adversity and reach their God-given potential.