HDI’s Long Serving Celebrity Spokeswoman Mary Wilson Posthumously Honored at the 2023 Grammys

The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) works around the world to inform and foster dialogue amongst critical stakeholders on key global issues. We do this through our programs with the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, engaging young people, supporting cultural and sports diplomacy, and working on humanitarian programs. HDI employs cultural programming, including culinary diplomacy, to promote dialogue. We collaborate with U.S. Embassies and Consulates to share American culture and values worldwide.  Our late Celebrity Spokesperson, Mary Wilson of the Supremes, was an important part of this mission.

We are proud that Mary Wilson posthumously received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Grammy Award Ceremony held on February 5. Mary, as a founding member of the Supremes, was honored alongside the late Florence Ballard and Diana Ross; these three women were recognized as being among the most important performers of the 20th century.  The Supremes were known not only for the contribution they made to American music but also for being trailblazers in integrating the entertainment industry during the Civil Rights Movement.

Mary Wilson continued to share American culture and advocate for dialogue as HDI’s Celebrity Spokesperson from 2008 until her passing in 2021.  Mary performed and lectured on the Intersection of Motown and the U.S. Civil Rights Movement for U.S. Embassies worldwide. Mary even joined HDI for a landmine clearance project in Laos.

HDI is pleased to support Mary’s daughter, Turkessa Ferrer-Babich, in keeping Mary’s legacy vibrant.