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RAVEN-SYMONE TO RECEIVE ICON AWARD AT BETTER BROTHERS LOS ANGELES
The 9th Annual Truth Awards ceremonies will take place in Hollywood on Saturday, March 4th, co-hosted by talk show personality and Cocktails with Queens‘ host Claudia Jordan, and NBC Bay Area News anchor Marcus Washington with a musical performance by Avery Wilson
(LOS ANGELES, CA) February 22, 2023 — Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA), in association with award-winning iconic actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and her non-profit organization, The DIVA Foundation, are excited to announce that groundbreaking actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Raven-Symone´ is among this year’s impactful honorees at the “9th Annual Truth Awards” on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, CA. The awards will stream exclusively on Fox Soul, Saturday, March 18th.
The private and ticketed black-tie affair will begin at 5:00 pm with red-carpet arrivals and a VIP reception. Claudia Jordan (“Fox Soul’s Cocktails with Queens,” “Tea-G-I-F”) will host the event along with Marcus Washington (“NBC Bay Area News”). The “9th Annual Truth Awards” will feature live musical performances from R&B singer Avery Wilson, actor-singer-songwriter Terrell Carter, and more to be announced.
“This year’s honorees continue the Truth Award’s tradition of recognizing the diversity in our community, from educators to advocates to creatives to sports figures. Our community mirrors the larger Black Community, and the Truth Awards places this example of Black Excellence on display for all to see,” said Scott Hamilton, co-founder of Better Brothers Los Angeles.
The annual event will honor trailblazing LGBTQ+ African-Americans and allies whose personal and professional accomplishments have positively impacted the perception and image of the Black LGBTQ+ red-carpet community. The Truth Awards embody the belief that members of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies who embrace and live their truth should be celebrated and honored.
Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) will award over $25,000 in scholarships to students from the Los Angeles, Boston, Charlotte, and Chicago metropolitan areas this year. Fifty percent of the 2023 scholars are pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Since its inception, Better Brothers Los Angeles has provided over $150,000 in tuition assistance.
Raven-Symoné will be awarded the Icon Award celebrating her iconic career through the decades and commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility. Known for her unforgettable roles on shows like (“The Cosby Show”), (“That’s So Raven”), (“The Cheetah Girls”), (“Raven’s Home”). Raven-Symoné has been a persistent presence in kids, family, and family entertainment for over three decades, particularly on the Disney Channel, where she rebooted her 2003 family sitcom (“That’s So Raven”). She has received several accolades, including five NAACP Image Awards, two Kids’ Choice Awards, three Young Artist Awards, and three Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
The Upshaws, which just released new episodes on Netflix, will receive the Cultural Affirmation Award. The series is created by Regina Hicks and Wanda Sykes. The Cultural Affirmation Award recognizes television series that celebrate, encourage, and foster acceptance of Black Queer relationships, love, life, and family.
Daytime Emmy® Award-winning TV Judge, Judge Greg Mathis, is set to receive the annual Family Award, presented to a family who publicly provides unwavering love and support to LGBTQ+ family member(s) living their lives openly and unabashedly.
Social media personality Tabitha Brown will receive the Ally Award, presented to an individual who has been a beacon of support and comfort to the LGBTQ+ community through professional or personal actions and advocacy. Past recipients included Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, actor Rockmond Dunbar, and Emmy Award-winning actresses Loretta Devine and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Alongside Raven-Symone´, the “9th Annual Truth Awards” will honor Hampton’s Byron Perkins, the first openly gay HBCU football player, with the Courage Award, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor and provost, Dr. Darnell Hunt, with the Excellence in Education Award, the Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Gilead Sciences Dr. David Malebranche and Unique Woman’s Coalition with the Advocate Award, and STARZ Network with the Corporate Diversity & Leadership Award.
The night’s presenters will include Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”), Emmy-nominated tv Judge, Mablean Ephriam (“Justice with Judge Mablean”), Jason Lee (“Hollywood Unlocked,” “The Jason Lee Show”), Jerrie Johnson (“Amazon Prime’s Harlem”), Eric Scott Ways (“The Best Man: The Final Chapters”), Geffri Maya and Rhoyle Ivy King (“All American Homecoming”), Folake Olowofoyeku (CBS Bob Abishola) and more to be announced.
The DIVA Foundation and its founder Sheryl Lee Ralph are especially pleased to continue their partnership with Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) on this effort. Both organizations believe a healthy Black community – one where individuals are allowed to live their truth, free of shame and stigma, and are recognized as equal and rightful members of the community – is a critical piece in the fight to end HIV/AIDS. This year’s honorees were picked from various fields, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, business, finance, and media.
“The struggle continues!” said Sheryl Lee Ralph. “It’s important that we focus on supporting our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ+ community as they continue to fight for equality. Our public acknowledgment and partnership make it possible for them to live out loud and openly for the world to see.” She added, “The Truth Awards, along with our acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, will encourage, inspire, and motivate others to live their truth unapologetically.”
The “9th Annual Truth Awards” is sponsored by Gilead Sciences, STARZ, BLK, LeadersUp, Sony Pictures Entertainment, USC Race & Equity Center, Northrop Grumman, Walmart, Columbia IRAAS, The AMAAD Institute, In The Meantime, and Nissan.
Instagram: @betterbrothersla | Twitter: @BBrothersLA | Facebook:/thetruthawards | YouTube: @betterbrothersla
ABOUT BETTER BROTHERS LOS ANGELES (BBLA)
Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) was created to provide spaces for members of the Black LGBTQ+ community to network, socialize and be BETTER – at life, love, and community. Developing a sense of community has been a challenge for some within our community, given the cultural and religious opposition to our orientation and gender identity. As those challenges have receded in mainstream society, they still present significant difficulties and sometimes constrain a healthy sense of well-being. Since our inception, BBLA has sponsored cultural, informational, recreational, and social/networking events. We continue to invest and create opportunities that increase community confidence and pride. Visit www.BetterBrothersLA.com.
ABOUT THE DIVA FOUNDATION
The DIVA Foundation — founded in 1990 by Tony-nominated actress and HIV/AIDS advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph — is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, created as a living memorial to the many friends she lost to HIV/AIDS as an original cast member of the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls,” and because she was concerned for the threat HIV/AIDS posed to women and children. Over the years, the DIVA Foundation has worked to break the silence and erase the stigma still connected to HIV/AIDS and encourage people to get tested to know their HIV status.
The last decade has seen an explosion in the creative industry. While navigating the rapidly changing landscape, many creatives have to adapt to the gig economy; freelancing. Creatives are always doing something, going somewhere, or connecting with their audience. The cliche, “your network equals your net-worth”, is important when identifying the rooms and spaces that generate exciting authentic connections. Especially in the city that never sleeps.
Meet Tyla Jones: CEO of LLX Collective
What is LLX Collective and what service do you provide?
“LLX is a premier event marketing, talent management and experiential agency specializing in creating transformative, luxury-driven experiences while remaining the intersection between culture, luxury, passion and purpose. We provide end-to-end services, including strategy, ideation, event production, and brand partnerships, tailored to elevate our clients’ visions. At LLX, we pride ourselves on blending creativity and innovation with a bespoke approach that connects brands with their audiences in meaningful and memorable ways. By way of creating the foundation to how culture shows up to the people, we birthed the LLX Collection. The LLX Collection is our suite of staple events that exude our founding pillars and echoes our mission within our communities.”
Tyla’s luxurious venture into the event curation space started with her putting a “luxe touch” at wedding receptions. She has since expanded her reach and her outlook on how she wants to leave a lasting expression on her specialty guest. Whether aligning herself with the local hottest spots in the city of choice, working with brands such as Tres Generaciones Tequila and partnering with cultures top influencers and makers like DJ Drewski, making her events feel like a family reunion.
Where does the inspiration come from for your collective series ?
“The inspiration for our The LLX Collection stems from a deep passion for culture, storytelling, purpose and connection. I’ve always been fascinated by the combo of culture, art, and community, and I wanted to create spaces that spark conversation and collaboration while amplifying the voices of the culture in authentic ways. Each series draws from diverse influences—whether it’s the vibrancy of the cities we host in, the trailblazers we feature, or the stories we aim to celebrate. It’s about curating moments that inspire, support one’s passion and purpose, indulge the senses, and leave a lasting impression.”
What do you hope to accomplish through the series ?
“Through the LLX Collection, I hope to create a platform that fosters genuine connections while amplifying the voices and artistry of talented individuals who are the main characters of the culture. It’s about more than just hosting events—it’s about cultivating spaces where culture, creativity, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether it’s elevating a brand, celebrating an individual’s achievements, or connecting communities, the ultimate goal is to leave people feeling inspired and enriched by the experience while creating a network of individuals to convene and grow upward together.”
What draws you to partner with a place like Saint Lounge NYC?
“Saint Lounge perfectly embodies the sophistication and energy that aligns with the vision of LLX. Its intimate yet dynamic atmosphere sets the stage for the kind of high-quality, engaging experiences we strive to deliver. Partnering with Saint for the 1st installment of Indulge NYC, allowed us to merge our collective creativity with their impeccable vibe, amazing food and cocktails, creating a backdrop that feels exclusive, immersive, and perfectly tailored to our audience.”
How can people get on your radar for an invite?
“We’re always looking for passionate, creative individuals who bring unique energy to our events. Staying connected on social media is a great first step—follow Founder of LLX, Tyla on IG & on LLX socials at @LuxeMonroeLLX or on our website www.LuxeMonroe.com/LLX for updates and announcements. We also keep an eye out for those who are making an impact in their fields, from creatives and entrepreneurs to cultural influencers. If you’re aligned with our values and want to engage with our community, reaching out directly is always welcomed!”
What’s next for the INDULGE series and how can people get invited or partner with the Collective?
“The INDULGE series is just getting started, and we’re excited to continue elevating the concept with even more dynamic conversations, immersive experiences, and unexpected collaborations. What’s next includes taking the series to new cities and curating events that explore untold stories, highlight emerging talent, and celebrate culture in innovative ways.”
For an invite, staying engaged with LLX on social media is key. We often share updates and sneak peeks about upcoming events. For partnerships, we’re always open to working with individuals and brands that share our passion for storytelling, culture, and community. Whether it’s sponsoring an event, collaborating on activation’s, or bringing unique ideas to life, reaching out to us through our website, social channels or email Info@LuxeMonroe.com is the best way to start the conversation.
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