The Culture Creators hosted its sixth annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch at the Beverly Hilton during BET Awards weekend in partnership with Netflix.
The event has certainly grown to become one of the most sought-after, influential, and inspirational events of the culture every single year, and this year the ceremony was powered by Netflix, Ciroc, and Lexus.
Culture Creators founder Joi Brown shared the importance of her vision to continue to celebrate, edify, and highlight those of our culture who continue to produce excellence.
The legendary L.A. Reid was honored with the Icon Award, which was presented by global superstar Usher.
Before L.A. took the stage to accept his award, he was presented with a video montage that included congratulatory remarks from Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, Jermaine Dupri and more.
Robin Thede was honored with the Innovator Award, and she took a moment to explain her reason for innovating. Thede stated that she innovates because she is tired of seeing us left out of spaces where we belong, and she was adamant about reminding those in attendance that we need to be hired in all spaces (in front of and behind the camera) because we are talented, and we belong.
Additional honorees included Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings (Business & Finance Award), Kenny Burns (Entrepreneur Award), Brandice Daniel (Fashion Award), Shari Bryant (Music Award), Kendrick Sampson (Impact Award), Nicole Lynn (Sports Award), and Flo Ngala (Visual Arts Award).
The 2022 red carpet honorees included Pinky Cole (Community Advocate), Baller Alert (Blog of the Year), and Lea Ademilola (HBCU Rising Culture Creator Award).
Talent and celebrities in attendance included Stephen Hill, Justin Combs, Chante Moore, Jacquees, Porsche Coleman, Jermelle Simon, Torrei Hart, Bridget Kelly, Bre-Z, Loni Love, Kosine, Queen Naija and more.
Culture Creators continues to be a shining example of excellence in the community as it spotlights and amplifies the contributions of individuals who have shaped the global view of Black culture.