Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Check out a few photos from the recent Merge Summit that took place August 25-27 at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The event was presented by Relevé Entertainment, in conjunction with Walgreens and AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
The Merge Summit (Founder-Dr. Holly Carter; Co-Founder and Co-Chairwoman-Robi Reed; Chairwoman-Traci Blackwell) is a unique event created to inspire synergy with faith based and entertainment industry leaders to educate, uplift, and encourage attendees to aspire towards their professional and personal goals. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Infinite Possibilities” as a way to allow the Summit to serve as a proper launch pad to propel attendees into their vision.
The weekend opened with a formal opening Gala acknowledging the outstanding accomplishments of Senior Vice President of Prudential Financial-Dorinda Walker, ESSENCE Magazine Editor At Large-Mikki Taylor, founder and senior pastor of Living Word Christian Center (LWCC)-Dr. Bill Winston and Emmy Award Nominated Actor-Courtney B. Vance. This evening was hosted by celebrated actress/comedian/TV personality- Sherri Shepherd and featured performances by Jonathan McReynolds and Ezekiel (The Poet). Nearly 60 of the industry’s top entertainers and executives led more than 20 interactive panel discussions, workshops and Master Class sessions covering music, television, film, creative development, branding and new media.
The Merge Summit’s featured participants included: Hit Fox TV Show Empire Co-Stars, Trai Byers and Grace Byers; Tina Knowles Lawson, Actor-Richard Lawson, Multi-Platinum GRAMMY Award Winning Singer/TV Personality-Michelle Williams; GRAMMY Award Winning Universal Motown Gospel Recording Artist-Tasha Cobbs; Monami Entertainment CEO-Mona Scott Young; Director, Supplier Diversity, Walgreen Co.- Rona Fourte; Blockbuster Producer (X-Men, Wolverine, and Fantastic Four), Ralph Winter; CEO, Liquid Soul-Tirrell Whittley, Co-Chairman of de Passe Jones Entertainment –Suzanne de Passe; EMMY nominated and Peabody Award Winning Motion picture and television producer and owner of Martin Chase Productions –Debra Martin Chase; Vice President Of Talent & Casting for Original Programming at BET Networks-Robi Reed; Head Of Talent and Casting for ABC-Ayo Davis; Walt Disney Studios Executive Vice President, Production, Tendo Nagenda; President of Studio Lambert-Greg Goldman; Film Producer and President/CEO of Franklin Entertainment-DeVon Franklin; President, Producers Guild of America CEO of Revelations Entertainment- Lori McCreary; Senior Director Of Development for BET Networks-Tamara Gregory; Film Producer/CEO, 1019 Entertainment-Ralph Winter; Casting Director/Producer (Empire, The Butler)-Leah Daniels-Butler; Head Of Television for Will Packer Productions-Korin Huggins; Revolt TV’s Head Of Programming-Kelly G; Vice President Of Talent Development & Inclusion-Disney/ABC- Tim McNeal; and GRAMMY Nominated Producer-Harmony Samuels.
Actresses: Meagan Good Franklin, LisaRaye McCoy, Brely Evans, Essence Atkins, Edwina Findley-Dickerson, Salli Richardson Whitfield; Actors: Larenz Tate, Dondré Whitfield, John David Washington, Sinqua Walls, Cornelius Smith; Spiritual Leaders: Dr. Cindy Trimm, Pastor Wayne Chaney, Dr. DeForest Soaries, Shawn Bolz, Pastor Mark Baker; Author Sophia Nelson and many others.
As an added incentive for Platinum Level guests, the Merge Summit included an exclusive screening of “The Birth Of A Nation,” featuring a surprise post-screening Q&A with the film’s lead actor and director, Nate Parker, and TV personality/journalist, Jawn Murray.
“I wanted people to believe that this year’s summit was designed with them in mind to achieve the infinite possibilities that awaited them. From the personal testimonies, the feedback and word of mouth, I think the mission was accomplished. I feel humbled as this was God’s doing and it’s marvelous in my sight,” says Dr. Holly Carter.
See more photos below:
Grace Byers
Michelle Williams, Tasha Cobbs, Essence Atkins and guest
Suzanne de Passe
Trai Byers
Courtney B. Vance
Photo Credits: Alisha Marie Simmons of Visionary Instinct