celebrate black voices in white spaces who aren’t afraid to speak on black issues. Donnie Simpson was the host for the night. After staring in his eyes, I still wonder what color they really are. I just know they’re beautiful.
The CEO of AARP, Jo Ann Jenkins, was the keynote speaker. Also in the room was Valerie Jarret. The honorees ranged from The President of Neurosurgery for Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Courtney Billington, to Cynthia Patton, The Chief Compliance Officer for Amgen Inc. Esi Eggleston Bracey, an honoree and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Unilever North America, discussed how one of their brands, Dove, has supported a California bill to end race-based hair discrimination.
Another honoree, Dr. Henrietta Ukwu, shared that 5 of her children are also doctors. The room was filled with black people accomplishing goals and using their resources and positions to benefit black people as a whole. If there was ever a specific event that embodies everything we love about Black Excellence, The 6th Annual TBH Awards Gala and Symposium was it. I can’t wait to see what will happen at the 7th. I’ll definitely be there.