The Smithsonian Associates and the Creativity Foundation named Johnnetta Betsch Cole, anthropologist, author, educator and director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art the recipient of the 10th annual Benjamin Franklin Creativity Laureate Award.

Cole is the first African American Woman and Anthropologist to win the award.

Cole discussed the role of creativity in her life and work with philanthropist, educator and documentary producer Camille Cosby on Friday, April 8 in a packed Ring Auditorium in the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Responding to the award, Dr Johnetta Betsch Cole said:
"I am deeply grateful to The Benjamin Franklin Foundation and The Smithsonian Associates for a triple honor. Indeed it was an honor and a joy for me to receive the Benjamin Franklin award for creativity; to be interviewed by Dr. Camille Cosby; and to have so many of my family, friends and Smithsonian colleagues present at an event I cannot possibly forget."

The Benjamin Franklin Creativity Laureate Award honors and celebrates the world's most creative thinkers and innovators in the arts, sciences and humanities, in both traditional and emerging disciplines. Dr Cole joins an illustrious and select band of previous honorees. Previous recipients were Yo-Yo Ma, Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Eric Kandel, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Jules Feiffer, Ted Turner, Meryl Streep, Lisa Randall and Greg Mortenson.

Enjoy a slideshow of pictures from the event

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