(PHOTOS) Marsai Martin, Byron Allen, Quality Control Music Among the Honorees at Annual Culture Creators Brunch

A host of leaders in the creative community were recently recognized at the fourth annual Culture Creators “Innovators & Leaders” Awards brunch, which highlights the achievements of thought leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists and other pillars of African American culture.

This year’s honorees included Entertainment Studios CEO Bryon Allen, “Little” actress and executive producer Marsai Martin and James Lopez, Will Packer Productions President.
Martin, 14, dedicated her “Innovator of the Year” to “all the young girls of color who feel like they don’t belong or are they are just not seen.”

Before accepting his “Icon of the Year” Award, Allen held a “Culture Chat” that was moderated by Amy DuBois Barnett, the EVP, Digital + Chief Content Officer of The Grio. (SEE Video below)

Lopez was presented the Culture Creator Award for Film & Television Excellence by “Think Like A Man” actor Michael Ealy.

Hosted by EXTRA’s Tanika Ray and DeMarco Morgan, co-anchor of CBS2 News This Morning in LA, the event also honored Quality Control Music CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas and COO Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Blavity founder and CEO Morgan DeBaun, tech entrepreneur Iddis Sandu, Antoine Phillips, Vice President for Brand and Culture Engagement at Gucci and artist Simphiwe Ndzube.

Culture Creators founder Joi Brown concluded the brunch by discussing the importance of uplifting and community building with other culture creators.

See photos and full list of winners from the 2019 Culture Creators brunch below.

Byron Allen

Pierre “Pee” Thomas and COO Kevin “Coach K” Lee

Amy Barnett and Byron Allen

Marsai Martin

Michael Ealy and James Lopez

Mona-Scott Young

Brooklyn Johnny

Ryan Destiny

Kendrick Sampson

Joi Brown

Slyvia Rhone

Antoine Phillips

Melyssa Ford

Miss Diddy

Omar Bolden

Kenny Burns