The 12TH Annual Truth Awards Taps Vivica A. Fox to Host, & Lalah Hathaway to Perform at the Annual Fundraiser & Celebration of Black Queer Community Members and Allies
Don Lemon, Jenifer Lewis, Carlos King, Flame Monroe, Durand Bernarr, Nneka Onuorah, and Dr. Keith Green to Be Honored During Landmark Celebration of Black LGBTQ+ Excellence
The Truth Awards, a premier event honoring Black LGBTQ+ excellence and allyship, has announced its most distinguished lineup yet for the 2026 gala. Award-winning actress Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day, Kill Bill, and Two Can Play That Game) will host the evening. Later that evening, five-time GRAMMY winner Lalah Hathaway will headline the performances on Saturday, March 21, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
“This is not merely about entertainment; it is a powerful declaration of our identity and core values,” said Scott Hamilton, co-founder of Better Brothers Los Angeles. “By partnering with talent such as Vivica A. Fox and Lalah Hathaway, recognizing our honorees’ achievements, we are showcasing a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of courage and authenticity.”
“To see these individuals being celebrated for their courage and contributions reflects not just progress but a promise—a promise that our diverse narratives take center stage where they belong,” Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary,” “Moesha,” and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit) stated passionately on behalf of her DIVA Foundation partnership in presenting this pivotal occasion alongside Better Brothers Los Angeles, powered by ViiV Healthcare.
12th Annual Truth Awards Theme: Saving Ourselves. Together We Rise.
The 2026 theme underscores a powerful message of unity, resilience, and collective responsibility. This year’s honorees represent fearless truth-telling and transformative leadership across industries.
- Don Lemon, a renowned journalist and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his impactful reporting on national and global issues.
- Jenifer Lewis (“black-ish,” The Preacher’s Wife, Jackie’s Back!), a celebrated actress and activist honored with the Ally Award for her advocacy and support for diverse communities
- Carlos King (“Belle Collective,” “Love & Marriage: Huntsville (2019), “Hollywood Divas”), an acclaimed television producer known for his work in the media and arts industry, receiving the Media & Arts Award.
- Flame Monroe (“Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready,” “BET’s Comic View”), a prominent entertainer and comedian, recognized with the Entertainer Award for her contributions to comedy and entertainment.
- Durand Bernarr, a new Grammy-winning artist and songwriter awarded the Music & Arts Award for his innovative musical style.
- Nneka Onuorah (Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, and Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words), an emerging filmmaker and actress honored with the Breakout Star Award for her rising influence in entertainment.
- Dr. Keith Green, a dedicated advocate and scholar recognized with the Bayard Rustin Advocacy Award for his ongoing efforts in social justice and community organizing.
From Emmy Award winners to the Biden White House Press Secretary, this year’s lineup of presenters reflects a strong dedication to reshaping stories around identity and authenticity. Joining the honorees on stage are Sheryl Lee Ralph, Karine Jean-Pierre, Lisa Raye McCoy (The Players Club, The Wood, and “All of Us”), Terrell Carter (“Empire,” and “Beauty in Black”), and Steven G. Norfleet (“Interview with a Vampire,” “Beauty in Black,” and “Watchmen”), among others.
Headlining performances by Lalah Hathaway will deliver an evocative celebration that resonates deeply within Black music’s cultural influence. This fitting tribute aligns seamlessly with special acknowledgments, such as the 30th Anniversary Tribute to “Waiting to Exhale.” This homage honors its enduring impact on storytelling through powerful performances by Toni Scruggs, Keisha Reneé, Isaiah Zay, and Johnny Manuel.
TRUTH AWARDS PRESENTING SPONSOR
At ViiV Healthcare, our mission is deeply rooted in partnership, innovation, and community impact,” said Randevyn Piérre, Head of US External Affairs at ViiV Healthcare. “As the presenting sponsor of the Truth Awards, we are proud to support the changemakers who are shaping a brighter future for us all. By working together, we can accelerate progress across HIV prevention, treatment, and care, and ultimately, help end the HIV epidemic.
SCHOLARSHIPS & COMMUNITY IMPACT
“Education is a treasure and a game-changer; without it, our options are significantly diminished,” declared Vincent Holmes, co-founder of Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA). “This statement underscores the critical importance of scholarships for high school graduates and college-bound students eager to unlock their futures.”
Our mission is to provide educational scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. We have a proud history of awarding over $300,000 in tuition assistance since our founding. This year, BBLA will honor eight scholarship recipients: Alviana Anderson, Jack Wilson, Tyler Patterson, Anthony Wilson, Marquis Robertson, Ava-Sophia Noncent, Alexandra Price, and Quince Robinson, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to education, mentorship, and leadership development for emerging Black LGBTQ+ changemakers.
Better Brothers Los Angeles and The DIVA Foundation proudly present the 12th Annual Truth Awards powered by ViiV Healthcare. This showcase of collective achievement is made possible through the unwavering support of Moët & Hennessy, OWN, Netflix, Atlantic Health System, and In The Meantime Men’s Group. We sincerely thank all of our sponsors for their invaluable contributions, which are essential in bringing this impactful event to life.
The celebratory weekend begins on Friday, March 20, 2026, with the 4th Annual Passing the Torch Awards (PTTA) powered by Gilead Sciences, an intimate gala celebrating and honoring the next generation of Black LGBTQ+ leaders whose work is shaping culture and community.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, March 22, 2026, with Rooted in Grace, a community brunch conversation exploring the intersection of faith, family, and the Black LGBTQ+ community’s relationship to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
Tickets for this black-tie affair are now available at www.thetruthawards.com.
BETTER BROTHERS LA SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Better Brothers LA on all social media platforms for the latest updates: Instagram: @betterbrothersla, Facebook: @TruthAwards, YouTube: @betterbrothersla.
ABOUT PASSING THE TORCH AWARDS
The Passing the Torch Awards, hosted annually by Better Brothers Los Angeles, specifically recognize emerging Black LGBTQ+ leaders who have demonstrated exceptional impact and potential. This celebratory event highlights their notable achievements across diverse fields, including business, education, law, the arts, and community activism, and emphasizes their contributions to advancing equity and representation. For more information, please visit www.thetruthawards.com.
Annually, members of the Black LGBTQ+ community gather in Los Angeles to recognize and honor their own, provide scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth, and thank those called allies. This event, known as the Truth Awards, has become the seminal event for our community. Each year, over 500 attendees, from across the United States, journey to Los Angeles to be inspired, uplifted, and reminded of our community’s impact on popular culture, politics, and the Arts. We believe this event increases our collective presence and our perception in society. To date, over $250,000 in scholarships have been awarded to LGBTQ+ youth. For more information, please visit www.thetruthawards.com.
ABOUT BETTER BROTHERS LOS ANGELES
Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) is a 501(c)(3) organization that educates, inspires, and connects the Black LGBTQ+community in Southern California and across the country. Our mission is to develop a stronger sense of community and overcome cultural and religious challenges to our orientation. BBLA’s year-round social, educational, and overall affirming programming is anchored by the Truth Awards Ceremony, an annual recognition and celebration of the Black LGBTQ+ community and its allies. For more information, please visit www.betterbrothersla.com.
Christopher Sibley, Executive In Charge of Publicity,
Truth Awards Weekend | The Sibley Firm, PR@thesibleyfirm.biz
