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Black America Web
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
BET's Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence [Photos]
Source:/ BET BET's Black + Iconic Soirée made a powerful Washington, D.C. debut during its third annual celebration, honoring the rich legacy and bright future of Black LGBTQ+ excellence. Read more about the event and check out a gallery of photos inside. Held under the 2025 theme 'Excellence Ascending,' the event spotlighted changemakers across activism, entertainment, and community who are leading with authenticity, purpose, and pride. Hosted by Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the Soirée was a star-studded evening of storytelling, soulful performances, and impactful recognition. Ashlee Davis, J.D., who received the Executive Realness Award for her groundbreaking civil rights leadership across government and corporate spaces. Hope Giselle, awarded Emerging Leader for her tireless work uplifting Black trans visibility and inclusion. Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, honored as Active Advocate for decades of reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Ashlee Marie Preston, acclaimed activist and strategist, who took home the Creative Visionary Award for using media to drive intergenerational change. Bob the Drag Queen, Emmy-winning performer and cultural force, accepted the Culture Trailblazer Award, delivering a stirring speech on identity and legacy. The evening also spotlighted grassroots impact. The Center for Black Equity and TAKE Resource Center each received $5,000 BET Thrive Fund grants for their continued work in advancing Black LGBTQ+ wellness and equity. Us Helping Us, a local D.C.-based health equity nonprofit, was granted a $5,000 donation from new partner Truth Initiative, marking a commitment to culturally relevant tobacco cessation programs. Broadway star Avery Wilson, fresh from The Wiz revival, delivered a show-stopping medley performance, while BET+ stars including Eva Marcille, Carter The Body, Bryan Terrell Clark, and Arrington Foster offered heartfelt tributes to the evening's honorees. 'This couldn't be just another event,' said Tiyale Hayes, BET's EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics. 'It had to be an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced.' With support from longtime partner Gilead Sciences and new ally Truth Initiative, the Soirée marked a cornerstone of BET's 45th anniversary, reinforcing its mission to celebrate Black culture and elevate LGBTQ+ voices. Stay tuned for the televised premiere date (to be announced at a later date) and relive the night via #BlackAndIconic across BET's official social platforms. BET's Black + Iconic Soirée Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence [Photos] was originally published on Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Source:BET Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Khaleej Times
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Restaurant Review: Soirée Dubai is the perfect blend of chill and buzz
There's an old French saying, Le soir, la nuit appartient à ceux qui savent en profiter (the evening belongs to those who know how to make the most of it). If there were ever a place in Dubai that embodied that sentiment, it would be Soirée. Pronounced 'swah-ray', this little gem tucked inside the striking Opus Tower by Zaha Hadid is exactly what you need to shift gears, whether you're in the mood for a relaxing catch-up or an electric night out, it was our perfect start to the weekend. Step onto the first-floor garden terrace and it's like stepping into a sanctuary for conversation. This is where the chill happens. An intimate, almost secret garden vibe wraps around you, setting the perfect stage for a night where the clinking of glasses doesn't drown out your ability to actually talk to the person next to you. A rarity in Dubai's high-octane nightlife scene, it's the kind of place where you don't need to shout to make your point — blissful, isn't it? But once you step inside, the energy flips. Suddenly, you're transported into a swankier, more vibrant atmosphere. Think Manhattan-style lounge-meets-art deco aesthetics, with low lighting casting shadows on sleek surfaces, and just the right hum of excitement in the air. This is where the night really begins. Something for everyone No great evening is complete without a great drink, and Soirée does not disappoint. Their signature beverages From the Garden and Not So Bloody are two standouts—refreshing, inventive, and enough to ease you into the mood for a memorable night ahead. The menu alone is a masterclass in creativity, offering everything from zesty concoctions to the classics done with a twist. It's exactly what you want from a place that aims to deliver an elevated experience without taking itself too seriously. As for the food, Soirée strikes the kind of balance every restaurant dreams of: food that's perfect for grazing and sharing, but substantial enough to satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites. The small plates—shrimp wontons, crab cakes, beef tartare, and skewers—are nothing short of excellent, while the larger mains (think tenderloin, sea bream, and the rich angus ribeye) will give you the fuel to keep your evening going strong. Whether you're nibbling or feasting, there's enough on the menu to satisfy every craving. The extra touch: A cultural twist But here's the kicker that sets Soirée apart: the in-house art gallery. After you've had your fill of delectable food and perfectly mixed drinks, why not wander through their rotating collection of artwork? It's a clever touch, one that gives the place an added dimension of sophistication and cultural flair. You're not just dining here; you're immersing yourself in an experience, one that lingers long after the last cocktail is sipped. Verdict Soirée Dubai manages to do what so few places can: it balances an intimate, chilled-out atmosphere with a lively, stylish interior. It's the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, indulge in fantastic food and drink, and still feel like you're part of something special. Whether you're sharing stories with friends, having a romantic dinner, or simply soaking up the buzzing ambience, Soirée delivers on all fronts. It's chic, effortlessly cool, and a place you'll find yourself returning to time and time again. As the French would say, une soirée exceptionnelle vous attend (an extraordinary evening awaits you).
