Jennifer Hudson is still coping with the loss of her mother, brother and nephew. The 31-year-old singer shed some tears while being honored at the Do Something Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday, July 31. Hudson, looking gorgeous in a Versace animal-print top and black shorts, accepted an award for her work with the Julian D. King Gift Foundation, which she created in the memory of her late nephew.
Ne-Yo presented the award to Hudson on stage at the Avalon, and she was immediately became emotional. "Wow, I wasn't gonna cry but I'm a cry baby, so I can't help it!" After composing herself, the American Idol star continued, "It's one thing to be a celebrity, but it's another thing to make a change."
She dedicated the award to her sister Julia and her late son Julian. Hudson's mother Darnell, 57, brother Jason, 29 and nephew Julian, 7, were shot to death in October 2008 by Julia's estranged husband, William Balfour. Balfour, 27, was convicted on three counts of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
To honor her family, Hudson started the Julian D. King Gift Foundation which provides "stability and positive experiences for children of all backgrounds so that they may grow to become productive, confident and happy adults." Each year, the organization hosts a "Hatch Day" event for people to give school supplies to inner city kids.
"Thank you #DSAwards & @VH1 for the recognition," Hudson tweeted Wednesday. "Learn more about @HatchDay & the Julian D. King Gift Foundation at http://www.juliandkinggiftfoundation.com."
