Last week, the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) hosted its monthly event as a Master Class featuring film and TV producer Datari Turner and HLN anchor Melissa Knowles as moderator. Over 400 guests packed The Gathering Spot to learn from Turner’s 20+ years of experience, which includes creating the hit franchise “Growing Up Hip Hop” and producing over 100 hours of programming for networks such as WE tv, BET, TV One and Oxygen.
Among Turner’s words of wisdom was the advice to remain faithful despite the obstacles in navigating the film/tv industry. “Those who are successful are ultimately the individuals who persevered and just simply never gave up,” he said.
Check out these images and see you at the next mixer:
A line formed outside the room before the event
A sold-out crowd assembled at The Gathering Spot
The lovely and talented Melissa Knowles greeted the audience
ATL notables Gwen Boyd-Moss and Genise Shelton were in the building
Datari’s transparency and introspection made for a riveting conversation; guests were on the edge of their seats!
Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss stopped by to say hello to their friend Datari Turner (left); BWFN members Judi Rodgers and Denise Armstrong got a chance to meet the celebrated producer (right)
Networking and interviews took place after the discussion (left) with the help of the always fabulous DJ Bomshell Boogie (right)
Mixing and mingling is what we do at BWFN (left); actor Tray Chaney, Datari Turner and Sean Foote (right)
The room was abuzz with positive energy and good ‘ol black girl magic
BET MEDIA GROUP HONORED BLACK LGBTQ+ TRAILBLAZER WITH A POWERFUL NIGHT OF CELEBRATION, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
FROM BOB THE DRAG QUEEN’S GROUNDBREAKING RECOGNITION TO HOPE GISELLES’S INSPIRING REMARKS– THE 3RD ANNUAL BET BLACK + ICONIC SOIREE HIGHLIGHTED THE BRILLIANCE AND IMPACT OF BLACK LGBTQ+ LEADERS
(New York, NY)– May 28, 2025 – The 3rd Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée made its Washington, D.C debut with inspiring evening celebrating the past, present, and future of black LGBTQ+ excellence. The 2025 theme, “Excellence Ascending,” paid tribute to cultural change makers leading with authenticity, courage and purpose.
Hosted by entertainment journalist and Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the Soirée gathered trailblazers across activism, arts, business, and media for a powerful evening of storytelling , performance, and legacy-building.
Highlights from the BET Black + Iconic Soriée Included:
Ashlee Davis, J.D. received the Executive Realness Award for her trailblazing work in civil rights leadership, including her legacy of impact across government and corporate sectors.
Hope Giselle, a powerful advocate and author was named Emerging leader for her unrelenting work championing visibility and inclusion for Black trans communities.
Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, was honored as Active Advocatefor her decades of leadership advancing reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
Ashlee Marie Preston, a nationally recognized activist and media strategist, accepted the Creative Visionary Award, saluted for using her voice to shift narratives and build intergenerational coalitions.
Bob the Drag Queen, Emmy-winning entertainer and global icon, received the Culture Trailblazer Award, closing the evening with a heartfelt speech about identity, freedom, legacy.
The Center for Black Equity and the Take Resource Center each received $5,000 through the BET Thrive Fund Recognition, honored for their work advancing Black LGBTQ+ wellness, equity and community organizing.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Culture Trailblazer award recipient Bob The Drag Queen speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Eva Marcille speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Creative Visionary award recipient Ashlee Marie Preston speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Arrington Foster presents Creative Visionary award to Ashlee Marie Preston on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Carter The Body speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kenya Hutton accepts an award on behalf of Center for Black Equity on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Dr. David J. Johns presents an award to Center for Black Equity and Kenya Hutton on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson performs on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Hope Giselle accepts her award on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Mariah Moore presents an award to Hope Giselle (L) on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bryan Terrell Clark presents an award to Ashlee Davis (L) on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bryan Terrell Clark presents an award to Ashlee Davis on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Scott Evans speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: (L-R) Honorees Tiyale Hayes, Ashlee Marie Preston, Kierra Johnson, Hope Giselle and Bob The Drag Queen pose for a photo together during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: (L-R) Honorees Ashlee Marie Preston, Kierra Johnson and Hope Giselle pose for a photo together during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Dr. Kendric Dartis attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kierra Johnson and guests attend BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Tiyale Hayes attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Keith Boykin attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Arrington Foster attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kron Moore attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bishop O.C. Allen attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Rashad Burgess attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Derek J attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Guest attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Damon Jones attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Brandon Blackwood attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Bryan Terrell Clark attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Roz “Mr. Wonderful” Mugler attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: George M. Johnson attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Hope Giselle attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Hope Giselle (L) and guest attend BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Avery Wilson attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: T.S. Madison attends BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Kierra Johnson accepts an award for Active Advocateon stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Eva Marcille (L) presents Culture Trailblazer award to Bob The Drag Queen on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: (L-RHonorees Tiyale Hayes, Ashlee Marie Preston, Kierra Johnson, Hope Giselle and Bob The Drag Queen pose for a photo together during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)
The night also featured a soul-stirring medley performance by Broadway powerhouse Avery Wilson, fresh off stage from The Wiz revival. Presenters included Eva Marcille (All The Queen’s Men, BET+), Carter The Body (All The Queen’s Men, BET+), Bryan Terrell Clark (Diarra from Detroit, BET+), and Arrington Foster (The Family Business, BET+), each bringing star power and heartfelt tributes to the evening’s honorees.
“From the very beginning, we knew this couldn’t be just another event,” said Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead of Social Impact at BET, During his opening remarks. “It had to an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced and celebrate contributions that have shaped the world in powerful ways.”
The evening also spotlighted Gilead Sciences, a long standing partner of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée. Gilead’s Rashad Burgess, Vice President of U.S. Advocacy and Health Equity, emphasized and the importance of equitable healthcare access, visibility, and long-term impact for Black LGBTQ+ communities.
Additionally, the event welcomed Truth Initiative as a new partner of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée. Dr. Kendrick Dartis, Vice president of Outreach and Engagement, addressed the urgent issue of tobacco use in Black and LGBTQ+ communities and emphasized the need for culturally relevant cessation support. He also announced a $5,000 BET Thrive Fund donation, sponsored by Truth Initiative, to Us Helping Us– a D.C.- based non profit dedicated to advancing health equity.
BET Black + Iconic Soirée stands as defining moment in the 45th anniversary year of the media group– underscoring its mission to center Black culture, honor its LGBTQ+ communities, and drive meaningful, measurable impact.
Join the conversation using #BlackAndIconic and relieve the nights most powerful moments on BET’s official social channels. The Televised premiere date and time will be announced at a later date.
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