Last week, I had the privilege of interviewing V. Scott Hamilton and Vincent Holmes, the visionary founders of Better Brothers LA and the Truth Awards. We discussed their motivations for creating the awards and their ongoing mission to empower Black LGBTQ+ excellence.
This past weekend, I attended the 12th Annual Truth Awards show, and it was everything they promised it would be and more.
The entire night was exceptionally produced and beautifully executed. From the red carpet to the final curtain call at the sold-out gala at The Beverly Hilton, it was a defining cultural moment that celebrated trailblazing Black LGBTQ+ leaders and allies.
Hosted by the beautiful Vivica A. Fox, the evening was packed with unforgettable moments. One of my favorites from the night was the Whitney Houston medley. The energy only continued to build with Sheryl Lee Ralph. The Emmy Award-winning actress, whose DIVA Foundation has partnered with the awards show since its inception, proved she is exactly who she thinks she is: beautiful, grand, and absolutely hilarious.
Adding to the magic was Jenifer Lewis, who was honored with the Ally Award. Hearing the legendary actress and cultural icon speak in person was incredible, and you truly couldn’t help but leave the room feeling completely empowered.
It was also a beautiful moment watching Durand Bernarr, fresh off the heels of his first Grammy win, get his well-deserved flowers as he was honored with the Music & Arts Award.
The night was equally inspiring when it came to celebrating Black media powerhouses. Seeing Don Lemon honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for doing the true work of journalism was motivating, and watching Carlos King receive his accolades as he continues to expand and build his media empire was just as impactful.
Other honorees included Flame Monroe, who received the Entertainer Award; Nneka Onuorah, who received the Breakout Star Award; and Dr. Keith Green, who received the Bayard Rustin Advocacy Award.
The crowd was also blown away by five-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway, who delivered a headline performance of her late father Donny Hathaway‘s hit, A Song For You.
The award show also had an incredible lineup of presenters who took the stage to hand out the hardware. The star-studded roster included actor Jermelle Simon-Jones, creator Obio Jones, former White House Press Secretary and political strategist Karine Jean-Pierre, Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black stars Terrell Carter and Steven Norfleet, and The Real Housewives of Atlanta alumni Cynthia Bailey and Claudia Jordan.
The most impactful moment of the entire weekend was the announcement of an anonymous donation exceeding $100,000. This massive contribution will go directly toward Better Brothers Los Angeles’ scholarship program, marking one of the largest single gifts in the organization’s history.
These funds will provide critical financial support and mentorship to an inspiring group of students, including Alviana Anderson, Jack Wilson, Tyler Patterson, Anthony Wilson, Marquis Robertson, Ava-Sophia Noncent, Alexandra Price, and Quince Robinson, who represent the bright future of Black LGBTQ+ leadership.
If you weren’t able to attend the gala in person, you can still witness the magic. The two-hour ceremony will make its broadcast debut on KTLA+ on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 PM PT!
Check out more images from The Truth Awards below.
Photo Credit: Jeremiah Richardson
