Art & Style

#BETAwardsWeekend: Swizz Beatz, D-Nice Honored; H.E.R., G Herbo, Ryan Destiny and More Attend Culture Creators Brunch (PHOTOS)

Published on June 29, 2021

The very best of Black culture was on full display at the fifth annual Culture Creators Innovators and Leaders Awards brunch, held this past BET Awards Weekend.

The event made a triumphant return to the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles after being canceled last year due to the pandemic. This year’s ceremony had strict measures, requiring attendees to either show their vaccination cards before their arrival or provide negative COVID tests. Temperature checks were also performed on guests prior to entering the venue.

Creators, innovators and entrepreneurs across several fields were recognized at the event, including former NBA player Baron Davis, TikTok exec Kudzi Chikumbu, Beyoncé’s personal stylist Zerina Akers, former music executive Shanti Das, NBA player JaVale McGhee, financial expert George Wells, MBK Entertainment’s Jeff Robinson and Jeanine Mclean, and social justice leader Stephanie Brown-James.

Swizz Beatz, co-founder of the hit virtual music battle series Verzuz, received the Icon Award, while Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, who spearheaded Instagram Live’s Club Quarantine, was recognized with the Innovator of the Year Award.

Swizz Beatz was introduced by his son Prince Nasir Dean, 20, and in his speech, discussed the importance of remaining a student throughout life. “You can be a boss and a student at the same time,” Swizz told the audience.

Culture Creators founder Joi Brown in her remarks discussed the importance of highlighting the work of Black creators. “Your light shining does not dim mine,” Brown said. We share the light over here.”

There were many entertainers and athletes in attendance to support the honorees, including H.E.R., Mya, Waah Dean, Jimmy Jam, Ryan Destiny, G Herbo, Andre Drummond, Todd Gurley, Coach K. of Quality Control, Jemele Hill and more.

The entire ceremony will be posted on YouTube July 1.

See photos from the fifth annual Culture Creators Innovators and Leaders Awards brunch below.