(PHOTOS) Teyana Taylor Honored; Regina King, Andra Day, Omarion and More Attend Star-Studded Culture Creators Awards Brunch

A who’s who of entertainment industry icons, influencers and thought leaders recently came together at the eighth annual Culture Creators Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch to honor those who have uplifted Black culture across various sectors, including music, sports and fashion.

This year’s honorees not only included innovators in front of the camera – such as Teyana Taylor, but also a number individuals in media (Claire Sulmers FashionBombDaily), film and television (Connie Orlando BET) and business (Monique Idlett Reign Venture Capital).

CAA agent Lorrie Bartlett — whose client roster includes Andra Day, Fantasia, Regina King, Michael Keaton, Travis Kelce and more — received the Icon Award for her “commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry, while spearheading initiatives promoting equity within Hollywood.”

“I have had an incredible run and I feel so proud and lucky when I think about all I have accomplished thus far,” Bartlett said in her acceptance speech. “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.”

Taylor, who was honored as “Innovator of the Year”, took a spiritual tone in her acceptance speech. “Heavenly Father God, I thank you for who you are. All-seeing, all-knowing and all-powerful,” she said. “Let me tell you something about your favor. Father God, your favor cannot be stopped, 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 wouldn’t have to walk in darkness because you would have the light that leads to life.”

Held once again at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the event also features an accomplished list of speakers and presenters, including Lena Waithe, who presented Teyana Taylor with the Innovators Award; Lee Daniels, who presented Bartlett with the Icon Award; Angel Simmons, who presented Sulmers with the media award and Debra Lee, who presented Orlando with her award.

“I don’t think anyone in this room would disagree with the statement that everybody loves Connie,” Lee said in her remarks. “Her heart is always open for anyone that needs it. And that is probably her greatest talent because, please know, she is not to be taken lightly or toyed with and will gladly let you see the girl from Queens if she has to. But after she pops out and shows you, she will always send you on your way with a hug and a smile. And you gotta give her credit for the BET Awards and all the moments she creates.’”

Additional honorees included Brown Girl Jane CBO and media personality Tai Beauchamp; social impact and brand engagement strategist Alencia Johnson; WME Sports agent and executive Cecil White; celebrity stylist duo Wayman + Micah; AI innovator and immersive technology expert Alton Glass; and The Doux haircare brand creators Maya and Brian Smith.

Culture Creators Founder Joi Brown in her remarks to the industry leaders issued 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,” she said. “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.”

This year’s event also benefited The Culture Creators Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to bridging the gap between high school and college, as well as college to graduation for underrepresented students in industries lacking diversity. Marquee sponsors for this year’s awards included BET, Möet Hennessy, and Lexus. 

Guests were also treated to a performance from R&B sensation Raheem Devaughn, and from Roc Nation recording artists Infinity Song.

Among the celebrities in attendance included Regina King, Andra Day, L.A. Reid, Omarion, YK Osiris, Pretty Vee, Trevor Jackson, Flau’Jae, and more.

See Human Nature photos from the 8th annual Culture Creators Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch below.

Photos by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images
Jason Giaffoglione for Human Nature