Friday, March 15 is the last day to purchase tickets

Tupelo, Mississippi – Our Mississippi magazine publisher Wesley Wells has announced that Keith David will be the guest speaker for the 2019 Our Mississippi Honors Gala. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at the BancorpSouth Conference Center in Tupelo, MS.

Emmy Award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield was previously scheduled to appear but is unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

“Ms. Whitfield sends her regrets about not being able to attend because of things beyond her control,” Wells said. “But she stepped up like a true champion in helping us land Mr. David, who plays her TV husband (Bishop James Greenleaf) in the hit series, “Greenleaf.” We’re so excited to have Mr. David bring his talents to our area. He’s had a magnificent career and is still going strong. This is very exciting news. Ms. Whitfield will also have a nice video presentation for the audience. So, we’re expecting a great evening.”

David is a classically trained actor best known for his outstanding roles in the Academy Award-winning films, Crash, and Platoon and widely recognized for appearing in highly-acclaimed films The Thing, Men at Work, They Live, There’s Something About Mary, Requiem for a Dream, and Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. The renowned actor and lover of the arts has continuously worked towards his unparalleled career in all aspects of the industry, including film, television, theater, voiceovers, and narration. The three-time Emmy award-winning, six-time Emmy-nominated, and Tony-nominated actor has starred in hit television series, which include Future Man, Community, ER, Enlisted, and Mister Roger’s Neighborhood, to name a few, as well as starring on Broadway in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, Hot Feet, and Jelly’s Last Jam for which he garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.

In addition to his versatile acting and voiceover work, Keith is also a remarkable singer. He’s has been touring in two shows, “Too Marvelous for Words,” a tribute to the legendary singer Nat King Cole, and a tribute to Joe Williams, “Here’s to Life.”

“Mr. David will have a special treat for us,” Wells said. “He’s a very accomplished singer. I think our audience will be delighted with his performance. It’s going to be a great evening.”
The event honors Mississippi corporations for their diversity and inclusion practices. Wells said the event also recognizes individuals Mississippians for their contributions to the state.

“We’re in our sixth year and we continue to grow,” Wells said. “Diversity and inclusion is such an important issue and we take pride in recognizing those businesses that recognize and practice that.”

Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting the magazine website at www.ourmissmag.com or by calling (662) 844-2602.