January 19, 2016 (LOS ANGELES) — LIVING OUR TRUTH! Better Brothers Los Angeles in association with Actress/Activist Sheryl Lee Ralph’s DIVA Foundation will host its 2nd Annual Truth Awards Gala and Dinner on Saturday, March 5, 2016!
The celebration will honor Black trailblazing men and women whose personal and professional accomplishments have positively impacted the perception and image of the Black LGBTQ community. The awards embody the belief that members of the Black LGBTQ community and its allies who embrace and live their truths should be recognized and honored. The DIVA Foundation and its Founder Sheryl Lee Ralph are especially pleased to continue their partnership with Better Brothers Los Angeles on this effort. Both organizations believe a healthy black community – one where individuals are allowed to live their truth free of shame and stigma, and are recognized as equal and rightful members of the community – is a critical piece in the fight to also end HIV/AIDS.
This year’s honorees span the cultural, political and social spectrum. They include Bishop Yvette Flunder, Presiding Bishop of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and Aaron Walton, co-founder of the full-service advertising agency, Walton Isaacson, each receiving the “Lifetime Achievement” Award; Project Manager and Governmental Liaison for the Hollywood Park Development Gerard McCallum will receive the “Business Leadership” Award; Judge Darrin Gayles, first openly gay black judge appointed to the federal bench will receive the “History Makers” Award; Director of External Affairs for Congresswoman Karen Bass, Darryn Harris will receive the “Passing The Torch” Award; and counselor and spiritual advisor Rev. Jenenne Macklin and celebrated community members and partners, Greg Allen and Demetrious McCoy will receive the “Mentor Award.”
The Truth Awards will take place Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Taglyan Cultural Complex, 1201 Vine Street, Los Angeles 90038. Red carpet/VIP Reception begins at 7:00pm. Tickets are $250.00 (Premier), $200.00 (VIP) and $150.00 (Gen) and can be purchased online at www.truthawards2.eventbrite.
About Better Brothers Los Angeles
Better Brothers Los Angeles was created to provide spaces for members of the Black LGBTQ Community to network, socialize and be BETTER – at Life, Love and Community. Developing a sense of community has been a challenge for some within our community given the cultural and religious opposition to our orientation and gender identify. As those challenges have receded in mainstream society, they still present significant difficulties and sometimes constrain a healthy sense of well-being. Since our inception, BBLA has sponsored numerous cultural, informational, recreational, and social/networking events. We continue to sponsor and create opportunities that increase community confidence and pride.
About The DIVA Foundation
The DIVA Foundation, founded in 1990 by Tony nominated actress and HIV/AIDS advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created as a living memorial to the many friends she lost to HIV/AIDS as an original cast member of the Broadway musical DREAMGIRLS, and because of her concern for the threat HIV/AIDS posed to women and children. Over the years, the DIVA Foundation has worked to break the silence and erase the stigma still connected to HIV/AIDS and encourage people to get tested in order to know their HIV status.
Event Proceeds
Funds raised will assist Better Brothers LA with several initiatives. These initiatives are all aimed at the total individual and shore up our core belief that by affirming and recognizing the total person – educationally, financially, physically, and socially – we increases their ability to move confidently in society and better cope with challenges. These initiatives include:
• Greater exposure to educational opportunities for Black LGBTQ Youth. A Book Scholarship will be awarded at the Truth Award Gala.
• Partnering with financial institutions to support the financial health of Black LGBTQ individuals.
• Supporting and communicating total health & wellness information to LGBTQ individuals.
• Providing facilitated discussions and information around healthy relationship development.
