The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentEventsThe LatestTV

BET Black + Iconic Soirée 2025

“Excellence Ascending” in the Heart of World Pride D.C

by Gaëlle Claude May 29, 2025
by Gaëlle Claude May 29, 2025 0 comments
1.4K

The 3rd Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée made its Washington, D.C., debut with an inspiring evening celebrating the past, present, and future of Black LGBTQ+ excellence.

The event felt like your long-awaited family reunion. Taking place during World Pride in D.C. added an extra layer of meaning and visibility for the Black queer community.

From the moment the guests arrived, the energy was unmatched. It didn’t just feel like an event—it felt like a family gathering. There was so much love and excellence in one room. From the warmth of the conversations to the openness in everyone’s personalities, one could feel how deeply solidarity runs in the Black queer community. Every smile, every hug, every word spoken came from a place of authenticity and celebration.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Hope Giselle (L) and guest attend BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)

The 2025 theme, “Excellence Ascending,” paid tribute to cultural changemakers leading with authenticity, courage, and purpose. Hosted by entertainment journalist and Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the soirée brought together trailblazers of various backgrounds, from activism, arts, business, and media, for a powerful night of storytelling, performance, and legacy-building.

One of the most memorable moments of the night was the soul-stirring performance by Avery Wilson, fresh from The Wiz revival. The emotions he carried through his performance was truly unforgettable.

Award Presenters included:

  • Eva Marcille (All The Queen’s Men, BET+)

  • Carter The Body (All The Queen’s Men, BET+)

  • Bryan Terrell Clark (Diarra From Detroit, BET+)

  • Arrington Foster (The Family Business, BET+)

They each brought charisma, respect, and heartfelt tributes to the honorees of the evening.

Honorees and Highlights:

  • Ashlee Davis, J.D. – Executive Realness Award for her legacy in civil rights across government and corporate sectors.

  • Hope Giselle – Emerging Leader for her fearless advocacy on behalf of Black trans communities.

  • Kierra Johnson – Active Advocate Award for her longstanding leadership in reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

  • Ashlee Marie Preston – Creative Visionary Award for reshaping media and building powerful coalitions.

  • Bob the Drag Queen – Culture Trailblazer Award, closing the night with a moving speech on identity, freedom, and legacy.

Black + Iconic allowed the attendees to learn more about Gilead Sciences, with Rashad Burgess, who spoke on equitable healthcare. As the night progressed, different impactful conversations with community partners took place. Including the Truth Initiative, which shared insight on culturally relevant cessation resources for Black and LGBTQ+ communities. They shared their generous $5,000 donation to Us Helping Us, a D.C.-based nonprofit focused on health equity. The Center for Black Equity and TAKE Resource Center were also recognized with $5,000 BET Thrive Fund donations for their leadership in Black LGBTQ+ wellness and organizing. The night was deemed iconic for a reason!

In his opening remarks, Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead of Social Impact at BET, captured the spirit of the night perfectly:

“From the very beginning, we knew this couldn’t be just another event. It had to be an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced and celebrate contributions that have shaped the world in powerful ways.”

As BET marks 45 years, the Black + Iconic soiree was a reminder that Black LGBTQ+ stories and contributions aren’t just part of the culture—they are culture. This wasn’t just an event. It was community, it was love, and it was iconic.

Stay tuned for the televised premiere date and relive key moments on BET’s official social platforms. Join the conversation with #BlackAndIconic!

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 24: Scott Evans speaks on stage during BET “Black + Iconic” Soirée at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on May 24, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for BET)

0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gaëlle Claude

previous post
Paul George, Unwrapped: A Look Inside PG-13’s Partnership with Kinder Chocolate and Life Off The Court
next post
HBO’s “Mountainhead” Movie Premiere in New York City!

Related Posts

Port Sa’id: Restaurant Review

October 30, 2025

Unruly Agency Held 6th Annual Halloween Party Hosted...

October 30, 2025

World of Hyatt and Peloton Host Ultimate Day...

October 29, 2025

Earn Your Leisure Talks Foundation Forward & Financial...

October 29, 2025

Hedda Is The Truth

October 29, 2025

Hello Sunshine’s Third Annual Shine Away

October 29, 2025

The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala at Tribeca Rooftop

October 28, 2025

PB Brasserie: Where French Elegance Meets African Soul...

October 28, 2025

A Marvelous Night of Fundraising at Angel Ball

October 28, 2025

pH-1 Knows Exactly What He’s Doing: A Full-Length...

October 28, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

We spoke with @truewhitaker last night at the prem We spoke with @truewhitaker last night at the premiere of @hbomax’s I Love LA!
We spoke with @holtlauren last night at the premie We spoke with @holtlauren last night at the premiere of @hbomax’s I Love LA!
We attended @hellosunshine’s 3rd annual Shine Aw We attended @hellosunshine’s 3rd annual Shine Away event, held at @universalstudioslot in Los Angeles! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hello-sunshines-third-annual-shine-away/

✍️: Katherine Wright

-
#HelloSunshine #Universal #LosAngeles
We spoke with @treaclychild last night at the prem We spoke with @treaclychild last night at the premiere of her brand-new show, I Love LA!
Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch