LENA WAITHE, REGINA KING, ANDRA DAY, LEE DANIELS & MORE JOIN FORCES AT THE 8TH ANNUAL CULTURE CREATORS INNOVATORS & LEADERS AWARDS BRUNCH

Photo provided by The Purple Agency
Photo provided by The Purple Agency

LENA WAITHE, REGINA KING, ANDRA DAY, LEE DANIELS & MORE JOIN FORCES AT THE 8TH ANNUAL CULTURE CREATORS INNOVATORS & LEADERS AWARDS BRUNCH

Los Angeles – Culture Creators — the esteemed organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating trailblazers across entertainment, business, and Culture—kicked off the BET Awards weekend and closed out “Black Music Month” with its highly anticipated 8th Annual Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch.

Taking over the world-famous Beverly Hilton on Friday June 28th, the star-studded event came to life thanks to a bevy of marquee sponsors—presented by BET, powered by Möet Hennessy, and driven by Lexus with additional support from the following Black-owned brands: The Doux, Afro Unicorn, and Rap Snacks.

Hosted by Gia Peppers, the 8th installment of the annual event served as a benefit and amplifier for the recently launched Culture Creators Foundation, a 501©3 non-profit. The foundation is dedicated to bridging the gap between high school and college and college to graduation for underrepresented students in industries lacking diversity. The foundation empowers these students to thrive academically and professionally by providing resources, curriculum supplementation, and mentorship. Funds raised at the brunch will support the 2024 Academic School Year Scholarship Program for the Campus Changemakers, the foundation’s inaugural cohort of students across 35 colleges and universities.

In light of the high stakes in this year’s presidential election and on the heels of the Presidential Debate, the awards brunch began with “The Collective Conversation,” a timely discussion between prominent political strategist Quentin James and actor and recording artist Joey Bada$$, underscoring the critical significance of voting and the pressing issues surrounding black employment in today’s socio-political climate. In the first musical performance of the day, the audience was treated to a captivating performance by Roc Nation recording artists Infinity Song, the viral band whose unique sound and dynamic stage presence have garnered a dedicated fanbase and racked up an impressive 8 million views.

From the looks on the red carpet to the creativity being honored, fashion and style were on full display. Entrepreneur and influencer Angela Simmons presented the Media Award to Claire Sulmers, recognizing her outstanding work on the influential fashion blog Fashion Bomb Daily. Sulmers has made significant contributions to the fashion industry through her blog, which highlights diverse fashion trends and champions inclusivity. In the Style category, celebrity super styling-duo, Wayman + Micah took home the honor for consistently executing show stopping red carpet moments for the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Regina King, Coleman Domingo, Da’vine Joy Randolph, and more.

In a poignant moment that took the entire audience by surprise, Lena Waithe emerged from behind the stage to honor her “A Thousand and One” star Teyana Taylor with the Innovator of the Year Award. This unexpected appearance and heartfelt presentation added a layer of excitement and inspiration to the event, celebrating Taylor’s achievements and contributions to Culture. Taylor dedicated the honor to her two daughters.

In another touching moment, clients Regina King and Andra Day looked on, as Lorrie Bartlett was presented with the ICON Award by her long-time friend and colleague Lee Daniels before giving an impassioned speech as she reflected on her journey and her successes. “I have had an incredible run and I feel so proud and lucky when I think about all I have accomplished thus far. Here’s the truth: more often than not, you have to make your own luck. The pathway to success is not the same for everybody,” said Bartlett.

This marked a reunion of sorts for Lee Daniels and fellow director Regina King. Additionally, Andra Day and Lee Daniels are preparing for the release of their exciting new movie The Deliverance directed by Lee Daniels, and co-starring Glenn Close. All three stars are represented by ICON honoree Lorrie Bartlett. Additional honorees included Monique Idlett in Business, Connie Orlando in Film & Television, Tai Beauchamp in Health and Wellness, Rising Stars Maya and Brian Smith, Alencia Johnson for Social Impact, Cecil White in the category of Sports, and Alton Glass who was honored for his expertise in the field of Technology.

This year’s fete drew a who’s who of notable celebrities and influencers including former Icon Honoree L.A. Reid, Omarion, Debra Lee, YK Osiris, Alex Isley, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Pretty Vee, Trevor Jackson, Elijah Blake, Estelle, Cory Hardrict, Karl Kani, Flau’Jae, Jasper Hagen, Jessica Betts, and more. Their presence further enhanced the glamour and excitement of the event, emphasizing the industry's collective commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of unity.

Delivering on its promise to nurture young talent, provide a platform to showcase their skills, and to prepare them for successful careers, Culture Creators proudly announced its inaugural “Culture Creators Portrait Studio” helmed by Howard University senior Kaleo Rodriguez. "This collaboration is a shining example of how the Culture Creators Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for students through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. By partnering with Kaleo, we are not only investing in his future but also enriching our community through his unique artistic vision," said Brown.

The star-studded brunch offered a platform for influential personalities, industry gatekeepers, and aspiring creators to connect and collaborate. The Culture Creators' 8th Annual Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch was an ultimate success, making an impact on the industry and inspiring a new wave of creators to fearlessly achieve their goals. The event speaks to the transformative power of unity, collaboration, and the unwavering spirit of artistic expression.

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