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The 2023 Truth Awards Showcases a Celebration of Black LGBTQ+ Excellence


By. Kim Dillinger


The 9th Annual Truth Awards red carpet recap at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. @betterbrothersla hosted by Claudia Jordan co-presented by @thesherylleeralph The DIVA Foundation and sponsored by Gilead Sciences, STARZ #TakeTheLead, BLK, LeadersUp, Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, USC Race & Equity Center, Northrop Grumman, Walmart, Columbia IRAAS, The AMAAD Institute, In The Meantime, and Nissan. The 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.



Claudia Jordan (TEA-G-I-F, Cocktails with Queens), Jerrie Johnson (Harlem) and Marcus Washington (NBC Bay Area News); presenters include Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary), Jason Lee(Hollywood Unlocked, Jason Lee Show),Judge Mablean Ephriam (Justice with Judge Mablean),Eric Scott Ways (The Best Man: The Final Chapters), Geffri Maya(All-American Homecoming), Folake Olowofoyeku (Bob Abishola), Rhoyle Ivy King (All-American Homecoming), Kim Coles (Act Your Age), Terrance Terrell (The Best Man: The Final Chapters), Brandee Evans(P-Valley),Tre'vell Anderson (Entertainment Journalist), Ashlee Marie Preston (Media Personality), and Darnell Moore(Nextflix V).



Honorees for this years ceremony: Raven-Symoné (Icon Award), Netflix The Upshaws (Cultural Affirmation Award), Judge Greg Mathis, Greg Mathis Jr. Mathis Family Matters (Family Award), STARZ #TakeTheLead (Corporate Leadership & Diversity Award), Tabitha Brown (Ally Award), Byron Perkins (Courage Award), Dr. Darnell Hunt (Excellence in Education Award), Dr. David Malebranche (Advocate Award), and Unique Woman’s Coalition (Advocate Award).




SWV’s Coko Clemons and son, Jayye Michael along with jazz saxophonist, Bryan Thompson will perform during the ceremony.

Check out courage award winner Byron Perkins answer for receiving the award and becoming the first HBCU athlete to come out as gay. Sheryl Lee gives tips on surviving the industry & Nomi speaks on being your authentic self.


Watch the show on @foxsoul Saturday, March 18th, at 5:00 p.m. (PT).





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