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Don Lemon, Jussie Smollett, Honoring Choreographer Alvin Ailey At Logo Trailblazer Honors

"His pioneering and inclusive legacy continue to break down walls, build bridges, and embrace all people."

Before his death from AIDS in 1989, choreographer Alvin Ailey rejuvenated and redefined modern dance with a unique style that blended ballet with jazz improvisation and traditional African dance. His masterpiece Revelations has been performed in 71 countries on six continents.

Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 01: The Alvin Ailey dancers perform "Revelations" at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater opening night gala benefit at City Center on December 1, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)

Ailey also broke down barriers for African-American and LGBT participation in the art form, earning him accolades from the NAACP and the Kennedy Center, and a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Jack Mitchell/Getty Images

Alvin Ailey in Barcelona with the Harkness Ballet in March, 1966. Photo by Jack Mitchell/Getty Images

On June 23, Ailey will be among the honorees at Logo Trailblazers Honors, a one-hour event celebrating icons in the struggle for LGBT equality. CNN's Don Lemon and Empire star Jussie Smollett will present the honor to Robert Battle, artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Donna Ward/FilmMagic

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 30: Robert Battle attends the "Ailey and Jazz" 2016 Opening Night Gala at New York City Center on November 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/FilmMagic)

“I’m proud and grateful that Alvin Ailey will be celebrated during this year’s 'Trailblazer Honors',” said Battle. “His pioneering and inclusive legacy continues to break down walls, build bridges and embrace all people. As one of the many people impacted by his genius and his generous vision, I’m honored to accept this meaningful award on his behalf.”

Other honorees at Logo Trailblazer Honors include Cyndi Lauper, Cleve Jones and Will & Grace creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan.

Logo Trailblazer Honors airs June 23 at 9/8c on Logo.

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