A night of shining stars

This weekend the 100 Black Men of America hosted its annual conference in Hollywood, Florida. The conference culminates with a black-tie gala and awards ceremony that recognizes business, community and civic trail blazers. I was lucky enough to be one of this year’s attendees which is always a star-studded evening.

This year’s award winners included the legendary, Cicely Tyson and entertainer, philanthropist and fly jock, Tom Joyner, who both received a lifetime achievement award; Alonzo and Tracy Wilson Mourning received the 100’s Trailblazer Award for their work in the South Florida community through Alonzo Mourning Charities and the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for girls along with Dr. Matthew Plummer for his community activism and service in the Houston area; and the Honorable James Clyburn (D-SC) received the 100’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Government.

Photo from Heart Truth Event at Bryant Park

Following the awards ceremony the guests were serenaded by the beautiful voice of Vivian Green.

We salute all of this year’s award recipients for their efforts to impact the lives of others and encourage each of you to get involved in the efforts of the 100. To learn more go to http://www.100blackmen.org/.

P.S. I tried to channel SJP, AKA Carrie and wore a tux jumper by Donna Karan black label for the evening.

*Shining Stars*

Essence magazine held it's 3rd annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon yesterday at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. Five outstanding African-American actresses were honored for their contributions to the magical world of film and entertainment. Among the honored were the Newcomer, Gaborey Sidibe; the Enduring, Mary J. Blige; the Multi-Threat, Queen Latifah; the Modern Muse, Zoe Saldana; and the Legend, Cicely Tyson. Although there were too many beauties to capture, I feel honored and compelled to showcase a few...

...Some blossomed with breathtaking beauty...

( Honoree Cicely Tyson - So Pretty!!)

...then there were the dynamic duos...

(Nia Long & Malinda Williams)

(Tamera & Tia Mowry)

...and others cast their own shining light on the scene...

(Keri Hilson)

(Honoree Zoe Saldana)

(Model Tomiko Fraser)

All were fresh-faced and sparkly, either with jewels, attire, or just plain old personality. Congratulations to each beautiful honoree and to Essence for, once again, spotlighting phenomenal women of color!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Essence)