Women’s Month is quickly coming to an end and Trell Thomas, founder and host of The Black Excellence Brunch decided to throw one more event to honor Black women who embody the title, Black Excellence.
The ever-growing event series is based on the family tradition of ‘Sunday dinner,’ a cherished gathering in Black culture. Thomas wanted to create a community that celebrated the excellence of young black professionals that often go overlooked, undervalued, and underappreciated. It brings together millennials of color from all industries and professions in an effort to build real community while indulging in amazing vibes, mimosas, and of course delicious soul food.
Founder & Host of The Black Excellence Brunch Trell Thomas flicks it up with cohost Danielle Young at The Black Excellence Brunch Photo credit: Kai Byrd
The event kicked off at Casita Hollywood in Los Angeles with a casual networking hour as the ladies, and a few supportive gentlemen trickled in adorned in white attire from head to toe. They made their way over to the mimosa bar before posing for pictures with a backdrop comprised of the names of Black women who continuously inspire and are to be admired for their achievements such as Oprah, Beyoncé, Ruth E. Carter, Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Shonda Rhimes, Angela Bassett and more. Attendees were then guided into the dining area to begin the celebration. Thomas introduced himself and welcomed guests to the brunch before being joined on stage by the event’s cohost Danielle Young. “In every space that she enters she leaves a mark on it and that’s virtual, that’ in person, that’s wherever. You not gonna go nowhere and Danielle Young is there and you not gonna know she’s there,” Thomas shared. Thomas wanted to ensure that during this Women’s Month all guests of the brunch received their flowers and knew their worth, gifting each woman a pink rose. Actress Novi Brown known for her role in BET’s Sistas then led the group in prayer before the brunch commenced.
Actress Skai Jackson and her mother Kiya Cole pose at The Black Excellence Brunch
Photo credit: Kai Byrd
Brunch goers were treated to a delicious meal comprised of assorted fruit, mac n cheese, chicken and waffles, shrimp, and grits, beyond sausage and kale salad. Guests enjoyed their meal while continuing to mingle and make new connections. “This isn’t only about networking; this is about making real connections. We can go beyond asking, what do you do?” Young encouraged. While each guest was given their own flower, Trell also gifted certain women with a bouquet that deserved extra praise for all they have accomplished including actress Skai Johnson (Jessie), actress Nirine S. Brown (Swarm), digital creator Melissa Fredericks and celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. Young proceeded with an electrifying conversation with Akers who is known for her work with Beyoncé, Chloe & Hailey Bailey, Megan Thee Stallion and more. Young asked the successful stylist what her superpower is and Akers responded, “For me it’s just waking up every day and choosing to be my best self because it really is a choice. You know not every day you’re feeling it, it’s like how can I be me? And sometimes that’s just resting,” before proceeding to also share that she is good at showing love and being love. Akers dropped several gems throughout the conversation leaving guests taking mental notes. Attendees left The Black Excellence Brunch with bellies full, new connections made, and a gift bag full of goodies from brands including Athletic Greens, Savage x Fenty, The Lip Bar, Cloth & Paper, MAKTUB Studio and Sunshine de lites.
