The 3rd Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée made its Washington, D.C. debut in grand fashion, delivering an inspiring evening dedicated to the brilliance, resilience, and legacy of Black LGBTQ+ communities. Held under the 2025 theme “Excellence Ascending,” the event celebrated cultural changemakers who are pushing boundaries and leading with authenticity and purpose.

Hosted by Access Hollywood anchor and entertainment journalist Scott Evans, the evening brought together an intergenerational mix of trailblazers from across activism, arts, business, and media. The program was rich with storytelling, dynamic performances, and emotional tributes that highlighted both historic milestones and present-day movements.

Among the night’s standout honorees:

• Ashlee Davis, J.D. received the Executive Realness Award for her transformative work in civil rights leadership, with a career that’s spanned influential roles in both government and the private sector.
• Hope Giselle, a nationally recognized author and activist, was named Emerging Leader, honored for her tireless efforts to uplift and advocate for Black trans communities.
• Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, earned the Active Advocate Award for her decades-long commitment to reproductive justice and queer rights.
• Ashlee Marie Preston, a renowned media strategist and activist, took home the Creative Visionary Award for using her platform to challenge harmful narratives and foster unity across generations.
• Bob the Drag Queen, the Emmy-winning performer and cultural icon, was recognized with the Culture Trailblazer Award, capping the night with a poignant speech on freedom, visibility, and generational legacy.

The evening also spotlighted two community-based organizations—The Center for Black Equity and TAKE Resource Center—each awarded $5,000 through the BET Thrive Fund Recognition to support their ongoing work in wellness, equity, and community building.

Broadway powerhouse Avery Wilson, fresh from The Wiz revival, brought the house down with a medley performance that honored the soul and spirit of Black queer artistry. Celebrity presenters—including Eva Marcille, Carter The Body, Bryan Terrell Clark, and Arrington Foster—lent their voices and star power to uplift the night’s honorees and messages.

“This couldn’t be just another event,” said Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead of Social Impact at BET, during his opening remarks. “It had to be an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced and celebrate contributions that have shaped the world in powerful ways.”

The soirée also spotlighted partners committed to driving real change. Longtime sponsor Gilead Sciences reaffirmed its commitment to health equity through remarks from Rashad Burgess, Vice President of U.S. Advocacy and Health Equity, who emphasized the importance of accessible, inclusive healthcare for Black LGBTQ+ communities.

New partner Truth Initiative made its debut at the event, with Dr. Kendric Dartis, VP of Outreach and Engagement, calling attention to the urgent need for culturally relevant support in combating tobacco use within Black and LGBTQ+ populations. As part of their commitment, Truth Initiative contributed $5,000 to Us Helping Us, a D.C.-based nonprofit advancing health equity.

As BET marks its 45th anniversary, the Black + Iconic Soirée reinforces the brand’s unwavering mission: to amplify Black stories, empower LGBTQ+ voices, and create spaces that drive both cultural pride and tangible impact.