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Hollywood Unlocked Announces Annual Award Show To Increase Inclusion Of Black Media

This year during BET week, Hollywood Unlocked launched the “Social Impact Brunch,’ an elevated award show that aims to give you a seat at the table, no matter who you are.

Created by Hollywood Unlocked CEO, Jason Lee, and powered by PrettyLittleThing, the annual event recognized individuals who pave a way for those seeking careers in entertainment and philanthropy. Jason added that he couldn’t find a seat at the table, so he built his own table with the “Hollywood Unlocked Social Impact Brunch.”

Jason previously shed light on the “Breakfast Club” about how black media are downplayed and often placed on the end of carpets and given no opportunity to shine. Even within the black community, once certain stars and organizations get to a level of acceptance by mainstream media, they tend to shy away from the same black outlets who made them a star.

After witnessing black media being overshadowed by mainstream media on red carpets and constantly being disrespected and denied major interviews, Jason decided to create a platform that includes everybody and emphasizes that “Black Brands Matter.”

The “Hollywood Unlocked Social Impact Brunch” is a room filled with media, celebrities, brands and influential figures that collectively drive the culture.

CEO, Jason Lee hosts the Social Impact Brunch

This year the honorees were influential people who impacted the culture and created a space for others to follow in their footsteps, such as Grammy Award-winning recording artist Cardi B (“Fearlessness Award”); actress/comedian Tiffany Haddish (“Spirit Award”); world champion boxer and promoter Floyd Mayweather (“Pioneer Award”); producer/radio and tv host Nick Cannon (“Perseverance Award”); actress/singer Teyana Taylor (“Inspiration Award”); Grammy Award-winning gospel artist/songwriter Karen Clark Sheard (“Innovation Award”); The Breakfast Club Angela Yee (“Culture Award”); and the late recording artist/entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle (“Community Award”) and host B. Simone (“The Hustler Award.”)

“The Hollywood Unlocked Social Impact Brunch is a time where those whose efforts to positively inspire the culture are magnified and honored,” says Jason Lee of the event. “Our honorees’ dedication to their craft and ability to stay true to themselves is the light that many need in order to stay on their journey.”

Each year the event will have an evolving theme, this year it was all about building your own table and including everyone by giving them a seat.

The event was curated by the WifeOfTheParty and followed an elegant and elevated vibe as brunch guests were greeted by a pink carpet and a flower-filled ambiance. The gala’s music was provided by DJ BHen with breath-taking performances from Amber Riley, Avery Wilson, and June’s Diary.

Additional sponsors included; Ciroc, Limitless and Gentera who collectively created a huge impact by supporting the culture.

Take a look at highlights from the event below!