LIVE in Atlanta

featuring the soul-stirring voice of Grammy Award-winning powerhouse vocalist and national Gospel recording artist, Leandria Johnson.

Atlanta, Georgia | July 7, 2017. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | JULY 1, 2017. Shawn Joyner Presents and Hannon Entertainment is proud to announce its upcoming concert with gospel music recording artist and pioneer ‘RICKY DILLARD & New G: LIVE IN ATLANTA’. This LIVE concert will be held at The dREAM Center Church (2600 H.F Shepherd Drive, Decatur, GA 30034) on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 7:00pm. This LIVE event will also feature the soul-stirring voice of Grammy Award winning powerhouse vocalist and national gospel recording artist, Leandria Johnson.

Attendee’s interested in being apart of this event, can secure tickets at: EVENTBRITE
General: $25
VIP: $35
*Includes admittance into First 1-3 Rows, VIP Giftbag, Private Meet and Greet, and all other special amenities.

VENDOR AND SPONSORSHIP
The live event will boast 50-125 VIP and Special Guest
VIP and Special Guest Red Carpet
VIP Private Meet and Greet Lounge
Social Media Product Placement and Engagement

To become a vendor or sponsor, contact:
The Bentley Didier Firm
Email | info@thebentleydidierfirm.com
ATTN: SPONSORSHIP/VENDOR
Deadline: August 20, 2017

MEDIA RELATIONS ATTN: SPONSORSHIP/VENDOR
Media Outlets interested in securing interviews, email:
The Bentley Didier Firm, ATTN: Ricky Dillard Media Request
Email | TaraYoungblood@TheBentleyDidierFirm.com

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ABOUT RICKY DILLARD
Ricky Dillard is an American gospel musician. He started his music career, in 1991, with the release of, Promise, by Muscle Shoals Records. His second album, A Holy Ghost Take-Over, was released in 1993 by Malaco Records. The next album, Hallelujah, was released by them in 1995. Crystal Spring Records released, 1996’s Work It Out, 2000’s No Limit, and Unplugged in 2004. With EMI Gospel, he released, 7th Episode, that came out in 2007. He released, Keep Living, with Light Records in 2011. His next release, Amazing, came out in 2014 with Entertainment One Music.
All of his albums charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. His No Limit album charted on the Christian Albums chart, and the album Unplugged charted on the Independent Albums chart along with the releases Keep Living, and Amazing that also charted on The Billboard 200. He was nominated at the Grammy Awards twice, the first time in the Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album category at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards for Promise, and the second time would come at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in the category Best Gospel Album for Amazing.

ABOUT LEANDRIA JOHNSON
Le’Andria Johnson is an American gospel musician, singer-songwriter, and the season three winner of the BET gospel singing competition show Sunday Best.
Johnson’s Sunday Best coronation song, “I Shall Leap into My Destiny”, co-written by Johnson, entered the Billboard Gospel chart at number 1. Johnson’s post-Sunday The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson was released on August 23, 2011,[2] Music World Entertainment Gospel and Music World Music. The album debuted at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Gospel Albums, number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Independent Albums, and number 24 on the Billboard 200. Johnsons’ second major-label album The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, which included seven new songs was released on February 14, 2012. Johnson is the first Sunday Best contestant to receive a Grammy Award, which she won in 2012 for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.

ABOUT SHAWN JOYNER PRESENTS
“Shawn Joyner presents…” is the latest venture of visionary businessman and event promoter, Shawn Joyner. For over 20 years and across several platforms, Shawn’s entrepreneurial endeavors are marked with a high level of quality and have developed a faithful following. From party promotions in Dallas and Atlanta to a successful, long-standing real estate practice to his nationally recognized FALLTACULAR Retreat, Shawn understands and responds to the high standards of the discerning consumer.
Having presented artists such as N’Dambi, Kimberly Nichole, Avery Sunshine, B-Slade and Tweet, “Shawn Joyner presents…” has rushed onto the scene and is poised to make its mark by being a leader in providing quality music entertainment.

ABOUT THE dREAM CENTER CHURCH OF ATLANTA
For more information about The dReam Center Church of Atlanta, please visit http://www.thedreamcenterchurch.org/ .
Follow The dReam Center Church of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @dReamCenterATL.

We Speak Entertainment

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

Published

4 days ago

May 28, 2025

Adavie Gutierrez

(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 Advocate for 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.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ:PARAA;PARA), is the worlds largest media company dedicated too entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Back audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is thriving media  ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international. For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements visit bet pressroom.com.