Concrete Loop was invited to the 6th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon earlier this past week in Los Angeles, California. The Lincoln sponsored event has been a highlight of the Oscar weekend since 2008 and this year was no different.
The 2013 honorees included, actress Gabrielle Union (‘Fierce & Fearless Award’), writer-producer Mara Brock-Akil (‘Visionary Award’), 2013 Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (‘Best Breakthrough Performance Award’), veteran actress Alfre Woodard (‘Vanguard Award’), actress Naomie Harris (Lincoln ‘Shining Star Award’) and media giant Oprah Winfrey (‘Power Award’).
The touching speeches had a lot of people misty eyed in the room, including Gabrielle Union’s which showed the actress in a new light. The 40 year-old spoke candidly about how she realized that during her career she was trying to be something she wasn’t by “holding her lips in not to show that they were too full” and “being happy that she was the only black woman considered for a role.” Saying she learned some her mistakes and told the crowd of successful black women that we should be,
“Real fierce and fearless women, celebrate and compliment other women and we recognize and embrace the notion that their shine in no way diminishes our light. And it actually makes our light shine brighter.”
Rapper Common saved the day when a computer malfunction prevented the audience from viewing actress Naomie Harris’ achievement reel. Common proceeded to freestyle a rap right in front of everyone. They eventually got the tape fixed and we ended up watching Naomie’s video at the end of the event.
A highlight of the event is when the whole cast of the cult favorite show, Girlfriends came together to honor show creator Mara Brock-Akil with her ‘Visionary’ award (VIEW VIDEO). Actresses Tracee Ellis Ross, Persia White, Golden Brooks and Jill Marie Jones even sung a little bit of the ‘Girlfriends’ intro, which you can view with our exclusive video below.
Singer-songwriter Miguel treated the audience with an amazing performance of his Grammy winning song, “Adorn,” that even had Oprah dancing and clapping to the beat. Check out all of our exclusive video below as, well as more photos.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: MIGUEL PERFORMS “ADORN”
CLICK FOR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF CAST OF ‘GIRLFRIENDS’ REUNITING
Special thank you to Lincoln Motor Company for sponsoring our trip. Can’t wait to go back next year!
congrats to angel and oprah and all the other proud, strong, productive african-american women!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This event looks amazing. I wish it was televised !
Angel you look GREAT, love the hair and I am so happy to see you back up and all. Congrats keep doin your thang
That speech Oprah gave left me teary eyed when she talks about the personality of the soul. So proud of you Angel! That Miguel performance is everything too! Great video and pics. Amazing job.
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So good to search out any person with some authentic ideas on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site is something that’s wanted on the internet, someone with slightly originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet! For SALE! A History of Western Music 8th Edition Book