Continuing to make waves throughout the creative community and celebrating distinguished diverse leaders, Culture Creators returns with its sixth annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch in partnership with Netflix and Strong Black Lead. Exclusively announced by The Grio, It will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on Thursday, June 23.
In addition to presenting sponsor Netflix and Strong Black Lead, the event graciously welcomes empowered partner CÎROC, back for the second year, and partners Pivotal Ventures, Lexus, and Morgan Stanley. Hosted by R&B superstars and actors, Tank and Coco Jones, the exclusive invite-only gala remains one of the most influential events taking place during the BET Awards Week. In 2021, the event honored the achievements of culture-shifting leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists, and more.
The 6th Annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch will celebrate Black culture at the highest level. This year, we raise a glass to 2022 Icon Award recipient and “music man” L.A. Reid for his storied career in entertainment. 2022 Innovator of the Year Award recipient Robin Thede, the creator of A Black Lady Sketch Show, will be honored for her accomplishments in television as well as her influence on the next generation of Culture Creators. Additional honorees include Shari Bryant, the co-president of Roc Nation, Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of Earn Your Leisure, Nicole Lynn, the president of football operations for Klutch Sports Group, actor and activist Kendrick Sampson, CEO and Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row Brandice Daniel, visual artist Flo Ngala, and entrepreneur Kenny Burns. In addition, guests will be treated to a captivating performance from Amber Riley.
Previous Icon award recipients include Andre Harrell, Russell Simmons, Sylvia Rhone, Byron Allen, and Swizz Beatz. Innovator of the Year award recipients have included Jesse Collins, Tiffany Haddish, Kevin Liles, Marsai Martin, and Derrick “D-Nice” Jones. Across-industry award winners include Charles D. King, Kenya Barris, Angela Rye, Charlamagne tha God, Cari Champion, James Lopez, Ethiopia Habtemariam, Phyllis Newhouse, Shanti Das, Jason Bolden, Antoine Phillips, and Zerina Akers, just to name a few.
Culture Creators continues to honor the culture’s most impactful, influential, and inspirational voices at the forefront of entertainment, music, sports, and beyond.
Innovators & Leaders Awards 2022
ICON AWARD:
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings
Earn Your Leisure
ENTREPRENEUR
Kenny Burns
FASHION:
Brandice Daniel
Harlem’s Fashion Row
MUSIC:
Shari Bryant
Co-President, Roc Nation
SOCIAL IMPACT:
Kendrick Sampson
SPORTS:
Nicole Lynn
Klutch Sports Group
VISUAL ARTS:
Flo Ngala
KEEP UP WITH CULTURE CREATORS!
