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:
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Eva Marcille (All The Queen’s Men, BET+)
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Carter The Body (All The Queen’s Men, BET+)
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Bryan Terrell Clark (Diarra From Detroit, BET+)
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Arrington Foster (The Family Business, BET+)
They each brought charisma, respect, and heartfelt tributes to the honorees of the evening.
Honorees and Highlights:
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Ashlee Davis, J.D. – Executive Realness Award for her legacy in civil rights across government and corporate sectors.
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Hope Giselle – Emerging Leader for her fearless advocacy on behalf of Black trans communities.
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Kierra Johnson – Active Advocate Award for her longstanding leadership in reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
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Ashlee Marie Preston – Creative Visionary Award for reshaping media and building powerful coalitions.
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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)
