Patti LaBelle Honored at Sixth Annual Black Excellence Brunch
The 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture provided the stage for the sixth annual Black Excellence Brunch, a gathering that drew more than 250 industry leaders to the River City Venue at the Port of New Orleans Place. Hosted by Trell Thomas and presented alongside NYX Cosmetics, the event focused on the intersection of legacy and cultural impact.
A Tribute to Longevity and Authenticity
The centerpiece of the afternoon was the presentation of the Culture Icon Award to Patti LaBelle. At 82, the legendary singer used the platform to discuss the endurance required to sustain a career in music. “I have pains like everyone else, but I take care of myself,” LaBelle told the crowd. She also spoke to the necessity of public connection, adding, “I live on loving people and embracing them and bringing them close to me.” Thomas noted that the choice to honor LaBelle was deliberate, aimed at spotlighting the power of authenticity.
Corporate Alignment on Diversity
The brunch was presented by NYX Professional Makeup, a subsidiary of L’Oréal. For the parent corporation, the sponsorship serves as an extension of a long-term strategy centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Aubrey Maslen, vice president, head of communications & strategic partnership – diversity, equity & inclusion, told ESSENCE. “For us, it’s a core value of our organization and part of the way we operate. There is also the morality angle. It’s the right thing to do.”
A Supportive Stage for Industry Leaders
The guest list spanned the worlds of politics, media, and entertainment, featuring figures such as Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, MC Lyte, Dawn Richard, and Malinda Williams. The event provided a rare, supportive environment for professionals to navigate the rigors of their fields. Reflecting on the obstacles inherent in the entertainment industry, Dawn Richard remarked, “I know rejection, I know blackball, I know no’s, and yet still God said.” NAACP Image Award-winning creator Lynae Vanee was also recognized during the program for her advocacy work.
Archiving the Moment for Future Generations
Trell Thomas is moving to ensure the Black Excellence Brunch carries weight beyond its single-day duration. He is currently focused on capturing the gathering through photography and film to create a formal cultural record. By archiving these interactions, Thomas hopes to secure the history being written in real time. “Celebrating our history while we’re creating it is just as important as preserving it for the generations that follow,” Thomas said.
2026 Event Summary
- Culture Icon Award: Patti LaBelle was honored for her decades of excellence and her commitment to authenticity.
- Industry Representation: The brunch hosted leaders from politics, beauty, and entertainment, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett and MC Lyte.
- Corporate Engagement: NYX Cosmetics/L’Oréal sponsored the event, citing a 23-year commitment to diversity and inclusion in the United States.
- Cultural Archiving: Founder Trell Thomas is prioritizing the documentation of the brunch to create a formal cultural record of these gatherings.
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