Teyana TaylorBET Connie Orlando and more were honored at the eighth annual Culture Creators Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch on Friday (June 28) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
Introduced by a journalist Gia Peppersthe exclusive celebration brought together industry icons, influencers and thought leaders to pay tribute to extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on Black culture in a variety of fields including technology, business, sports, fashion, music And much more.
It also benefited the Culture Creators Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between high school and college and from college to graduation for underrepresented students in under-diverse industries. The foundation enables these students to thrive academically and professionally by providing resources, curriculum supplementation, and engagement. Funds raised during the brunch will support the 2024 Academic School Year Scholarship Program for Campus Changemakers, the foundation's inaugural group of students at 35 colleges and universities.
Taylor was honored as Innovator of the Year with a celebratory video montage that highlighted her incredible career in entertainment, from choreographing Beyoncé's “Ring the Alarm” music video to signing to Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Entertainment when she was just 16 years old (when the world also watched her epic birthday party on MTV My Super Sweet 16) to later sign to Ye's GOOD Music when he was 21. Since then, the buzzing star has earned eight gold singles from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), while “Gonna Love Me” from her 2018 album KTCE it is certified platinum. He has creatively directed shows and tours for Usher, Latto, Summer Walker, Diddy, Glorilla, Lil Durk and Lil Baby.
She also won Video Director of the Year at the 2020 and 2023 BET Awards. As Taylor prepares for her directorial debut, Get Liteshe also had a successful run in front of the camera: Her starring role One thousand and one won her Best Breakthrough Performance at the 2023 National Board of Critics Awards and the 2023 Critics' Choice Awards, and she is set to star in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film and Tyler Perry. Straw film.
“Teyana Taylor is one of the two. It is a person who helps us mark time, an era in culture and different moments in our lives. We've Googled her, we've celebrated her Sweet 16, we've seen her be our favorite baby mama next door, we've seen her slay rap battles (do any of you remember that?), we've watched The Choreography of Conquest that will it made even Janet Jackson blush,” Emmy-winning writer, producer and actress Lena Waithe said while presenting the award to Taylor.
“He has given us timeless music videos, unforgettable performances like the one he delivers beautifully One thousand and one. I got a front row seat to her journey to becoming a serious actress. I've watched her crack up in front of and behind the camera. She let us see her tears fall so that others would not be afraid to cry.”
Taylor held back tears as she began her acceptance speech, which took the form of a prayer.
“Heavenly Father God, thank you for who you are. Omniscient, omniscient and omnipotent. Let me tell you something for your benefit. Father God, your grace cannot fail, do you hear me? I know you hear me, so let your daughter cook. Let me cook. Lord, you told me in John 8:12 that you are the light of the world and if I followed you, I would not have to walk in darkness because you would have the light that leads to life,” he said.
“Thank you for wiping away every tear when I thought the weight was punishment, because you made it very clear now that it was just preparation. Thank you for never letting my crown fall because you hold my head high. Thank you for teaching me the power of grace as I walk in it.”
She thanked her 8-year-old daughter Junie, who stood on stage next to her, for her “protection” and “she's so pure. Thank you for loving me the way you do. Thank you for teaching me how to be fearless,” Taylor said. And to her 3-year-old daughter Rue, she “knocked out the green room,” revealed Taylor, who was spotted with a roar of laughter. “I love you too, girl! …. One thing Rue will do is never make it to the table, you hear me. My girl was knocked out like she was doing five jobs.''
After thanking her parents, longtime friend and The Aunties co-founder Coco Gilbert, “Auntie” Natina Nimene, executive vice president of promotion and artists at Def Jam, and the rest of her team, Taylor returned to her prayer.
“I want to thank you for having me in this room full of amazing, talented innovators and leaders. Thank you for using me as a confirmation to each and every hardworking person in this room today that we are here because we belong here right now, it was already written in the palm of your hand…. And thank you for saying yes when our naysayers said no. In the name of Jesus, Amen.” But right before she left the stage, June took the mic for a precious scene-stealing moment. “And I love my mom! I love my mom!” she exclaimed.
Former CEO/chairman of BET Networks Debra Lee presented an award to her former colleague Orlando, BET's EVP specials, music programming and music strategy.
“I don't think anyone in this room would disagree with the statement that everybody loves Connie,” said Lee, who compiled evidence in the form of a four-page document filled with responses from Orlando friends and business contacts about why everyone loves her. . “Jesse Collins, her producing partner on many BET specials, says: 'Words that describe Connie: integrity, her word is her bond. Patience, in a world of people looking for instant gratification with very little effort, stands out as someone who puts in the work to make sure everything he works on is perfect. style, just look at her; love, Connie is love. Her heart is always open for anyone who needs it. And this is perhaps her greatest talent because, please know, she is not take it easy or play it and they will happily let you see the girl from queens if need be. But after he pops and shows you around, he'll always send you on your way with a hug and a smile. And you have to give her credit for the BET Awards and all the moments she creates.”
After Lee continued to sing her praises, Orlando took the stage and choked back her tears, crediting Lee as the reason she was there in the first place.
“I am honored to accept this year's Culture Creator Award and receive your generous recognition of my contribution to the world of television and film. I stand before you filled with so much gratitude. It's a blessing to do the work I love,” she said addressing the Culture Creators founder Joey Brown and the Cultural Creators Advisory Council. “Working in the media of television and film, I know all too well how much time the average person spends watching a screen of some kind, at any given moment. With billions of people consuming content every day, there is a unique opportunity to foster meaningful conversations, create pathways to understanding, uplift and educate countless viewers. While entertainment is at the core of what we do, we can use the power of media to bring life to our audience, tell authentic stories and shine a light in the darkness that exists in our world today.”
CAA Account Executive Laurie Bartlett — whose client roster includes Andra Day, Fantasia, Regina King, Rachel Zegler, Michael Keaton, Travis Kelce, Jeymes Samuel and more — received the Icon Award for her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, while spearheading initiatives to promote equality in Hollywood. Additional honorees included the co-founder of Reign Venture Capital Monique Idlett; Brown Girl Jane CBO and media personality Tai Beauchamp; FashionBombDaily CEO & Founder Claire Schulmers; social impact and brand engagement strategy Alencia Johnson; Agent and WME Sports executive Cecil White; duo of celebrity stylists Wayman + Micah; Artificial intelligence innovator and immersive technology expert Alton Glass; and the creators of The Doux hair care brand Yeast and Brian Smith.
