Better Brothers Los Angeles, in partnership with Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph’s (“Abbott Elementary,” “Moesha,” and Sister Act,) DIVA Foundation, celebrated the 12th Annual Truth Awards Weekend, culminating in a sold-out gala at The Beverly Hilton. Hosted by Vivica A. Fox (Set It Off, Independence Day, Is God Is), the ceremony honored trailblazing Black LGBTQ+ leaders and allies while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to community impact and cultural visibility.
A major highlight of the evening was the announcement of an anonymous donation exceeding $100,000 to support Better Brothers Los Angeles’ scholarship program—marking one of the largest single contributions in the organization’s history and underscoring a shared investment in the next generation of Black LGBTQ+ leaders.
The 12th Annual Gala: A Defining Cultural Moment
The weekend culminated in the ViiV-sponsored 12th Annual Truth Awards Gala, drawing over 600+ attendees, including actors, musicians, industry leaders, artists, executives, and cultural tastemakers. The spirited Saturday evening gala featured a headline performance by five-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway, celebrated for her rich tone and legacy in R&B and jazz. Hathway blew the crowd away with an emotional performance of her late father, Donny Hathaway’s hit “A Song For You.”
This year’s honorees included:
- Don Lemon (The Don Lemon Show), award-winning journalist and television news anchor (Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Jenifer Lewis (“black-ish,” The Preacher’s Wife, Goat), actress, author, and cultural icon (Ally Award)
- Carlos King (“Love and Marriage Huntsville” and “Belle Collective”), Emmy Award-winning television producer and media entrepreneur (Media & Arts Award)
- Flame Monroe (ComicView), comedian and trailblazing transgender entertainer (Entertainer Award)
- Durand Bernarr, GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter and performance artist (Music & Arts Award)
- Nneka Onuorah (Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words and “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls”), Academy Award-winning filmmaker and director (Breakout Star Award)
- Dr. Keith Green, physician, advocate, and public health leader (Bayard Rustin Advocacy Award)
Presenters included:
- Sheryl Lee Ralph, Emmy Award-winning actress and activist
- Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House Press Secretary and political strategist
- Cynthia Bailey (“Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “Celebrity Big Brother,” and “BMF”), model, entrepreneur, and television personality
- Terrell Carter (“Empire,” “Beauty in Black,” and “A House Divided”), actor and singer
- Claudia Jordan (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), television and radio host
- Novi Brown (“Sistas” and “NCIS”), actress known for her work in television and film
- Steven G. Norfleet (“Beauty in Black,” “Interview With A Vampire,” and “Watchmen”), actor, playwright, and director
- Isis King (“America’s Next Top Model Finalist,” “When They See Us” and “With Love”), model, actress, and trailblazing Transgender advocate
- Jermelle Simon-Jones (“Animal Kingdom” and “The Upshaws”), actor and producer
- Jerrie Johnson (“Survival of the Thickest” and “Harlem”), actor and writer
The two-hour ceremony will make its broadcast debut on KTLA+ on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 PM PT, bringing the celebration of Black LGBTQ+ excellence to a broader national audience.