Current:Home > StocksBlack Excellence Brunch heads to White House in family-style celebration of Black culture -Finovate
Black Excellence Brunch heads to White House in family-style celebration of Black culture
View
Date:2025-04-13 01:49:26
Trell Thomas first started the Black Excellence Brunch series back in 2018, and now the movement has reached one of the most coveted venues in the world — the White House.
Thomas partnered with the president's palace to host his widely known, family-style brunch on the historic South Lawn on Friday afternoon.
Joined by President Joe Biden, some of culture's most prominent figures across industries put on all-white attire and ascended to the nation's capital for the purpose of highlighting and celebrating Black culture, history and excellence.
The brunch was filled music, laughter and a sense of pride. Thomas was amongst those to give remarks along with President Biden, who was introduced by Marsai Martin — an American actress and the youngest person to produce a film.
All speakers emphasized the importance of making space for and elevating Black excellence. And this theme continued throughout the all-white affair.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Grammy Award-winning singer Monica put on a stellar performance, which prompted most guests to stand to their feet and sing along in unison.
Other high-profile attendees included life coach and TV personality Iyanla Vanzant, actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, former Destiny's Child member and singer LeToya Luckett, Beyoncé's publicist Yvette Noel-Schure, media guru Karen Civil and ntaional journalist Roland Martin — to name a few.
At times, though, some of the most powerful moments didn't involve words but rather imagery that consisted of a predominantly Black guest list with a sense of camaraderie and empowerment at the core. And the backdrop of the White House echoed a future of infinite possibilities, especially at a time when the world has seen the first Black woman to lead a major-party ticket during a presidential election in the U.S.
“Bringing Black Excellence Brunch to the White House is not just a dream come true, but a powerful statement about the significance of Black culture and achievement in America," Thomas said in a statement. "This event is a tribute to the resilience, talent, and beauty of the Black community, and I am honored to celebrate it in such a historic and meaningful setting."
As founder and CEO, Thomas first created the family-style brunch as a way to pay homage to Sunday dinners that were a signature at his home in South Carolina. Since beginning the movement, the brunches have expanded across the U.S. and overseas to places like South Africa and Ghana.
And since its inception, the event has served as a liaison from traditions of the past to the possibilities of the future.
Thomas has used the brunch to commemorate some of culture's biggest moments, including with the Country Music Association, for "The Color Purple" film and on Mother's Day.
Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
veryGood! (67)
Related
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- AP Week in Pictures: North America
- Haiti's top gang leader warns of civil war that will lead to genocide unless prime minister steps down
- The Best Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Products Every Woman Should Own for an Empowering Glam Look
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Lionel Messi scores goal in Inter Miami's Concacaf Champions Cup match vs. Nashville SC
- Lego unveils 4,200-piece set celebrating 85 years of Batman: See the $300 creation
- Akira Toriyama, legendary Japanese manga artist and Dragon Ball creator, dies at 68
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Who will win at the Oscars? See full predictions from AP’s film writers
Ranking
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Parents struggle to track down ADHD medication for their children as shortage continues
- 4 friends. 3 deaths, 2 months later: What killed Kansas City Chiefs fans remains a mystery
- A man got 217 COVID-19 vaccinations. Here's what happened.
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Miami Beach is breaking up with spring break. Here are the rules they're imposing and why.
- Maple syrup season came weeks early in the Midwest. Producers are doing their best to adapt
- Rep. Ronny Jackson was demoted by Navy following investigation into his time as White House physician
Recommendation
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Paul Simon will be honored with PEN America's Literary Service Award: 'A cultural icon'
In State of the Union, Biden urges GOP to back immigration compromise: Send me the border bill now
Civil rights activist Naomi Barber King, a sister-in-law to the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., dies
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
The new pro women’s hockey league allows more hitting. Players say they like showing those skills
Democrat Min to face Republican Baugh in California’s competitive 47th Congressional District
Biden says her name — Laken Riley — at urging of GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene