ATL council honors Redd and Smith at domestic violence awards ceremony

Karlie Redd and Yandy Smith received official city proclamations at the second annual Courageous Awards in Atlanta on October 28.

The event, organized by Redd’s nonprofit Big Heart Foundation, honored 15 domestic violence survivors during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each recipient received a custom plaque recognizing their journey toward healing. The ceremony marked the second year of the annual event.

Redd, a survivor of domestic violence, stated the awards aim to show that pain does not define a person. “I know firsthand that finding the courage to walk away and rebuild your life is not easy,” Redd said. She added that the event reminds survivors their voices matter and that hope exists beyond survival. Redd also honored the family of a young woman she had mentored who was killed by her abuser. That moment drew particular attention during the evening.

Co-host Yandy Smith returned for the second consecutive year. “When women come together with purpose, we have the power to change lives,” Smith said. She expressed honor in standing with Redd to celebrate the honorees. The pair was joined by author Kie Fair and former Georgia State Representative Erica Thomas Adeyemi. Both speakers shared their own experiences as survivors and emphasized the need for community support.

Kie Fair, founder of TAI Nation and author of Undefined Evidence, argued that domestic violence is a community issue rather than solely a women’s issue. “As men, we have a responsibility to help break destructive cycles, stand with survivors, and create a future where families can thrive without fear,” Fair said. Erica Thomas Adeyemi stressed the importance of ensuring survivors have access to the support they need to reclaim their voices. “The Courageous Awards reminds us that every survivor deserves hope, support, and a brighter future,” she said.

Councilwoman Linda Pritchett of District 7 presented the surprise proclamations to Redd and Smith. The documents recognize their community leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to supporting survivors. October 28 was designated as both “Karlie Redd Lewis Appreciation Day” and “Yandy Smith Appreciation Day” by the city.

Redd accepted the honor for her full name. “God has a beautiful way of turning pain into purpose,” Redd said. She noted that sharing the day with courageous survivors reinforced that the past does not define a person. The event concluded with the recognition of the 15 honorees and the official city acknowledgments of the hosts.