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The Black Excellence Brunch, in collaboration with Hallmark Mahogany and Crown Royal, delivered another unforgettable installment of their renowned event on Sunday, July 2, 2023, as part of the ESSENCE Festival weekend. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Riverview Room’s rooftop in the French Quarters, overlooking the majestic Mississippi River, this edition of the Black Excellence Brunch was a true spectacle.

The event paid homage to the legendary and award-winning actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, through a well-deserved accolade and a stunning portrait crafted by the talented artist, Andrea Mckenzie.

As one of the Festival weekend’s most highly anticipated and exclusive gatherings, the Black Excellence Brunch brought together a captivating array of entertainers, celebrities, executives, influencers, creatives, and influential professionals from diverse backgrounds, creating an inspiring atmosphere of unity and achievement.

The Black Excellence Brunch founder led a fireside chat with honoree, Sheryl Lee Ralph.  The inspiring conversation took guests on a journey through pivotal career moments and the importance of amplifying Black voices in the industry at all times.  Actress and singer, Sheryl Lee Ralph, has starred in countless memorable roles such as ‘Moesha’, ‘Dream Girls’, and her Emmy award winning role in hit tv series, ‘Abbott Elementary.’

 “Sheryl Lee Ralph is a national treasure and she deserves every flower. I’m so glad we got to honor her during the ESSENCE Festival, a place that puts emphasis on celebrating Black Women. She is a legendary Black woman and we couldn’t be in a place like ESSENCE and not make space to celebrate her and all of her excellence,” says Black Excellence founder, Trell Thomas.

The Black Excellence Brunch paid homage to Hip Hop 50 by acknowledging rapper YoYo with an award

In addition to honoring the iconic actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, the Black Excellence Brunch also celebrated the momentous 50th anniversary of Hip Hop by presenting rapper YoYo with a well-deserved award. This special recognition was a testament to YoYo’s significant contributions to the genre and her enduring impact on the music industry.

Black Excellence Brunch founder, Trell Thomas, with guests actress, KJ Smith and actor Skhy Black (Photo credit: Kai Byrd)

Actress Lexi Underwood attends Black Excellence Brunch in New Orleans, La. (Photo credit: Kai Byrd)

Attendees included some of Hollywood’s brightest stars KJ Smith, Skyh Black, Lexi Underwood, Richard Lawson, Tobias Truvillion, and others.

The event series is based on the family tradition of “Sunday Dinner”. It is an event series that brings together millennials of color from all industries and professions in an effort to build real community over what can be considered the favorite millennial pastime, “brunch.”

Founded by Trell Thomas, The Black Excellence Brunch is an empowering event series established to connect young people of color from all walks of life. While being a South Carolina native, Thomas modeled the event after his childhood in the south to embody the tradition of Sunday Dinners.

For more information about The Black Excellence Brunch, please visit here.