(New York, NY) Last Saturday afternoon, local radio station WBLS hosted its first ever “Café Mocha Brunch” at the historic Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center in Harlem. Themed “Celebrating Women,” the brunch was the cultimating event of a two-month initiative that paid tribute to Women’s History Month. With the mission to be a ‘voice’ and unify New York City women, the private gathering of 100 WBLS listeners, tastemakers and media was a heartfelt celebration and empowering experience for event guests.

“Women – especially women of color – are so vital to the fabric of our communities,” said Sheila Eldridge, Café Mocha Creator and Executive Producer. “It brings us great pleasure to honor three outstanding women for their tireless work to serve their community and inspire others.”

2011 honorees and awards included: Debi Jackson, WBLS radio jock Hal Jackson (Community Activist Award), Marty Gillis, McDonald’s (Powerhouse Award) and Vy Higginsen, Mama Foundation for the Arts (“Children’s Champion” Award).

Café Mocha brings a fresh perspective and airs weekends on WBLS  and over 17 markets nationally. The radio show is co-hosted by two-time Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist MC Lyte (pictured above), actress/comedienne Loni Love (E! Entertainment’s “Chelsea Lately”) and broadcast veteran Angelique Perrin.  This high-energy, two-hour show features the latest in urban music, lively chats from an unabashedly women’s perspective, no-holds barred advice and exclusive interviews with top performers, celebrities, politicians and civic leaders.

Dr. Bob Lee ( Director of Community Affairs, WBLS/WLIB); Café Mocha Community Activist Award Winner Debi Jackson, WBLS;  Café Mocha Co-Host, MC Lyte

Café Mocha Radio Show Creator and Executive Producer Sheila Eldridge;  Café Mocha Co-Host Loni Love;  Café Mocha Children’s Champion Award Winner Vy Higgensen;  Café Mocha Powerhouse Award Winner Marty Gillis; Café Mocha Community Activist Award Winner Debi Jackson; EOne Entertainment Singer Noel Gourdin;  Café Mocha Co Host Angelique Perrin; Café Mocha Co-Host, MC Lyte;  Alisa Joseph, VP of Diversity Segments, Wells Fargo

For more information visit www.cafemocharadio.com; on Twitter @cafemocharadio; and on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/cafemocharadio.

TAGS: Angelique Perrin, Cafe Mocha, Debi Jackson, Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center, Hal Jackson, Harlem, Loni Love, Mama Foundation for the Arts, Marty Gillis, MC Lyte, Renae Bluitt, Sheila Eldridge, Vy Higginsen, WBLS, Wells Fargo