8th Annual Culture Creators Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch
July 2, 2024
LENA WAITHE, REGINA KING, ANDRA DAY, LEE DANIELS & MORE JOIN FORCES AT THE 8TH ANNUAL CULTURE CREATORS INNOVATORS & LEADERS
AWARDS BRUNCH (POWERED BY MÖET HENNESSY and DRIVEN BY LEXUS)
(Los Angeles, CA) July 02, 2024 – 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.
Visionary and founder of Culture Creators Joi Brown then took to the stage with a compelling call to action, “As we stand together today, let's remember the power we wield when we collectively want each other to win. We must be the gatekeepers, the doers, and the dreamers. Our goal is always to innovate, pivot, disrupt, and repeat. Many of you, like me, have a dream to change the world in the best way we know how. The journey is hard, long, and often lonely, but I am here to tell you that all things are possible if you believe. I believe in our culture and I believe in people.”
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 industry-stallworth 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.
Innovators & Leaders Awards 2024
HOSTED BY:
Gia Peppers
ICON AWARD:
Lorrie Bartlett
INNOVATORS OF THE YEAR:
Teyana Taylor
BUSINESS:
Monique Idlett
FILM & TELEVISION:
Connie Orlando
HEALTH & WELLNESS:
Tai Beauchamp
MEDIA:
Claire Sulmers
RISING STARS:
Maya and Brian Smith
SOCIAL IMPACT:
Alencia Johnson
SPORTS:
Cecil White
STYLE:
Wayman + Micah
TECHNOLOGY:
Alton Glass
2024 Culture Creators Advisory Council: Valeisha Butterfield, Tunde Balogen, Adrienne Alexander, Courtney Lowery, Andrielle Beamon, Andre G. Watson, Ingrid Best, Carlos Fleming, Chardae Jenkins, Caroline Yim, Karl Kani, Ayiko Broyard, Morgan DeBaun, Zerina Akers, James Lopez, Natina Nimene, Tiffany R. Warren, Yvette Noel-Schure, Jon Gist, and Phylicia Fant
About BET Media Group:
The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.
For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements, visit betpressroom.com.
About Möet Hennessy:
Moët Hennessy is the wine and spirits division of LVMH, which also owns renowned wine estates through "LVMH Vins d'Exceptions". Moët Hennessy is a group of twenty-seven Maisons, internationally recognized for the richness of their terroirs, the quality of their products and the craftsmanship with which they are created. For many years, Moët Hennessy has been committed to its environmental and social program, Living Soils Living Together. Ao Yun, Ardbeg, Armand de Brignac, Belvedere, Bodega Numanthia, Chandon, Château d'Esclans, Château Galoupet, Cheval des Andes, Clos19, Cloudy Bay, Cravan, Dom Pérignon, Eminente, Glenmorangie, Hennessy, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Krug, Mercier, Minuty, Moët & Chandon, Newton, Ruinart, Terrazas de los Andes, Veuve Clicquot, Volcán de mi Tierra, Woodinville.
About Lexus:
Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and one F performance model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
About Culture Creators:
Culture Creators is an organization that connects cultural pioneers with the new creators of culture via thought leadership, education, and ideation across passion points to ensure substantive influence and growth. The organization was also created to spotlight and amplify the contributions of individuals who have shaped the global view of Black culture by providing a platform that engages and celebrates their accomplishments. In addition to panel discussions, HBCU summits, networking sessions, and workshops, Culture Creators has become the think-tank, talent incubator, and hub for innovators, creatives, and intellectuals who work to diversify various industries. Its annual events include the Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch and C2 Summit, to name a few.
For Press and Talent Inquiries:
The Purple Agency
Andre Watson
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Randall “RJ” Skelton
Credits : The Purple Agency
Photos : Ja’Corey Bellamy
Corey B Media