Swizz Beatz and Yara Shahidi were honored at two different events. Come inside to find out what these two were recognized for inside….
Superproducer Swizz Beatz was honored at the Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction at Cipriani 42nd Street in NYC Tuesday night. He was recognized for his contributions to philanthropy and art along with Donna Karan, Peter Beard, and Carrie Mae Weems.
During his acceptance speech, the Renaissance man talked about wanting to introduce art to his generation and to help change the stigma that art is only for rich people. He said, “The sky is not the limit, it’s just the view. There’s a stigma that art is only for rich people. Art is cool! And I want to lead my generation in that direction.”
A live auction was conducted for guests to get a chance to buy some of famed photographer Gordon Parks’ photographs. A bidding war went down between Swizz and Estelle where the British songbird ended up beating Swizz for one of the pieces.
NY Knick baller Carmelo Anthony was also in the building. He coughed up $26,000 for a cool portrait of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.FYI – It was announced Carmelo will be honored at the event next year.
Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Foundation Peter Kunhardt, Jr. was in the mix to congratulate Swizz on his special night.
Fringe frenzy! WONDALAND honcho Janelle Monae kept on trend rocking an all black ensemble with fringe. Chick always gives us life.
Sports Illustrated model Chanel Iman sizzled on the carpet in a white Versace dress dripping in SWAROVSKI jewels.
NY Giants wide receiver and fashion lover Victor Cruz was all smiles in a blue suit.
Since tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee in 2014, Cruz has not hit the gridiron, but he’s slowing getting back into the groove. The NFLer came out to practice with his team on Monday, but kept it light. At this point, it’s still unclear if he will suit up for the 2016-2017 football season.
"CBS This Morning" host Gayle King was also in the mix.
Janelle copped an original from Gordon Parks' stash. Loving her look!
Public School designer Maxwell Osborne and celebrity party promoter Legendary Damon came out to celebrate Gordon Parks' extraordinary pieces.
Fun times.
Another YBFer getting honored....
A round of applause for this amazing YBF Teen!
“black•ish” cutie Yara Shahidi won the Outstanding Actress in a Breakthrough Role for her role on the hit ABC comedy series at the 41st Annual Gracie Awards held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel Tuesday night.
Yara's on-screen siblings Marsai Martin and Miles Brown were tapped to present the award to their co-star. She hugged them up before giving her acceptance speech.
#BlacGirlMagic! Congrats Yara!
Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, who celebrated her birthday recently,was tapped to present the Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role - Comedy or Musical to actress Allison Janney.
Soulful songstress Andra Day hit center stage to serenade the audience with her flawless vocals.
On the carpet....
"Quantico” star Aunjanue Ellis made a bold statement on the carpet. The social justice advocate/Mississippi native popped up wearing a dress with the words "President Obama Take It Down," as part of her continued efforts to bring down the Confederate Battle emblem featured on the Mississippi state flag.
She was awarded in the category of Female in a Leading Role in a Made for TV Movie or Limited Series Award for her role in the BET miniseries “Book of Negros.”
We just love Yara's bubbly personality!
The "black•ish” kiddies were the absolute cutest in their blue ensembles. If you haven't heard, the ABC series has been renewed for season 3.
Andra Day glammed it up in green lace dress on the carpet before hitting the stage for her performance.
TV personality Shaun Robinson was a ray of sunshine on the red carpet.
Black Girls Rock! Founder Beverly Bond and her husband Bazaar Royale also came out to celebrate all the amazing women in the media.
Photos: Getty/@maikethelaw/@legendarydamon
