Jussie Smollett, Bevy Smith, Tarrell Alvin McCraney & more attend ‘Gentlemen’s Ball’ [PHOTOS]

adminOctober 3, 2017

Written by | Ray Cornelius

Some of the biggest names in the TV, film, music and dance came together over the weekend for the “6th Annual Gentlemen’s Ball” in Atlanta, GA. The black-tie affair and award’s ceremony was present by The Gentlemen’s Foundation and UPS and took place at the luxurious Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

As previously mentioned, this year’s theme was “We Are Royalty” and honors were presented to a cadre of activists, artists and actors within the Black LGBTQ community.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Tarrell Alvin McCraney was presented with this year’s Gentlemen of the Year for his groundbreaking film “Moonlight,” which was based on his acclaimed play, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. McCraney thanked the real life drug dealer named “Blue” who helped raise him and shared his thoughts on what it really meant to be royal.

“Looking around, I see that I am connected to a simple and yet ancient line of beauty that goes through me and past us into infinity. But what makes us royal? What is this royalty that we have? More importantly, how do we make sure it’s bequeathed? How do we pass it on through heredity? Genetically? Steadily? Mobility? We need to as everyone has said, ‘make sure that those who are coming under us know their nobility.’ I want to thank the foundation honoring me not for my celebrity but for our collective royalty.”

Other honorees included veteran transgender activist Tracee McDaniel; Miss Lawrence and transgender actress Amiyah Scott from Lee Daniels‘ hit series, “STAR”; actor Julian Walker from “Blackbird” and “Being Mary Jane,” Ball Culture icon Jack Mizrahi, singers Coriology and Tyra B, celebrity hairstylist Derek J and a host of others.

“Empire” star Jussie Smollett was there to present to McCraney along with TV personality and fashion maven Bevy Smith, celebrity interior designer Michel Boyd, “Project Runway” alumni Anthony Williams and celebrity stylist and man about town—Dwight Eubanks. Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Kelly Price shut the place down as she belted out songs from her repertoire.