Event host Bill Cosby presented Jackson with the George Carver Award on behalf of the event’s sponsor, Associated Black Charities.

She was recognized for her achievements in and contributions to the fields of government, science, and education.

Other individuals who were honored at the event are Dr. Ruth Simmons, recently appointed the first black president of Brown University and the first African American to head an Ivy League university, who received the Mary McLeod Bethune Award, and world-renowned pediatric surgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson of Johns Hopkins Hospital, who received the Dr. Charles Richard Drew Award.

Noting their achievements, Rayton Gerald, chairman of Associated Black Charities’ board of directors, said, "It is fitting that Associated Black Charities embark on this quest by celebrating Drs. Benjamin Carson, Shirley Ann Jackson, and Ruth Simmons, three outstanding African Americans, who have blazed new trails in the world of academia and medicine, and, indeed, left enduring imprints for American youth to emulate. Associated Black Charities is very proud to salute their achievements."

The creation of the William H. Cosby and Camille O. Cosby Philanthropic Award was also announced at the annual gala ceremonies.

The Philanthropic Award will be presented annually to the African American or, in certain instances, the non-African American who most exemplifies the Cosbys’ philanthropy philosophy in service of improved health, human services, and education to disadvantaged African Americans.

Additionally, a cash grant in the amount of $25,000 will be presented annually to help finance an innovative project or study that is designed to advance educational progress and understanding of health and human services which affect the participation of African Americans in American society.

Since 1987, the Black History Makers event has honored Americans such as Thurgood Marshall, Maya Angelou, Marian Anderson, Spike Lee, Colin Powell, and John Hope Franklin.