The Ettaro Fine Arts Foundation presented its second annual Bravo Awards Nov. 1, at the Great Hall Event Center in Germantown, honoring actor Williard Pugh and longtime Memphis music minister Dr. Leo Davis.
The audience turned out to celebrate the two artists whose careers reflect and elevate Memphis’ cultural and spiritual life. Pugh, best known for his role as Harpo in “The Color Purple,” and Davis, the esteemed former minister of music at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, were honored with tributes, music and proclamations from Memphis City Councilwoman Pearl Eva Walker and TN Rep. G.A. Hardaway.
A special recorded message from Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery, who portrayed Shug Avery opposite Pugh in “The Color Purple,” drew warm applause. Former Mississippi Boulevard pastor Frank Thomas also delivered a video message on behalf of Davis.
“You are deeply deserving, and I stand with all the people that you have helped, you have cared for, you have loved to say you are worthy,” Thomas said.
During his remarks, Pugh offered a heartfelt tribute to his late father.
“He was my biggest fan,” he said. Pugh also acknowledged another special fan, a 92-year-old former neighbor living with dementia and Alzheimer’s he visited while in town for the awards. “I spent the day with her, and she remembered everything,” he said, adding that he is grateful for the love and support he has always felt from his hometown.
Ettaro founder Florence Roach recalled her longstanding respect for Pugh strengthened when he responded to her request to visit drama students at Treadwell High School. She did not expect him to show up.
“Most Hollywood types would have said they were too busy,” she said. When she was called out of the program and saw him there, she said he earned her “highest respect.”
Roach also reflected on her creative partnership with Davis, recalling their work on the long-running “Umoja” production, a cultural extravaganza held annually at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.
“He challenged me to do some stuff I didn’t know how to do,” Roach said. “He stretched me. That was in a good way. Leo Davis and I did some fabulous work together.”
Davis, now organist at Second Presbyterian Church, expressed gratitude for his artistic journey and saluted one of his mentees, musician and vocalist Rod Vester, who performed in his honor.
“To one of my most gifted mentees, watching your ascent has been an honor,” he said. “Thank you for your tireless labor and devotion to the work that leads to moments like this.”
The Bravo Awards are presented by Ettaro, founded by Roach to provide acting training and performance opportunities for youth and seniors. The program celebrates Memphis artists across theater, dance, music and acting, and works to nurture homegrown talent while honoring those who have shaped the city’s creative legacy.
