EBONY Power 100 Gala #EBONYpower100

The Ebony Power 100 Gala took place last night at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. And you know the red carpet was filled with beautiful black folks. Every year EBONY honors 100 of the top influential, notables and movers & shakers in the country.

The event was hosted by Nick Cannon with a special performance from The Jackson 5. Motown Records founder Berry Gordy was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. NBA legend and entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson, funnyman Nick Cannon, actress Condola Rashad, chef Marcus Samuelsson and actor/activist Harry Belafonte, were also among the 100 honorees this year. Other attendees included the Rev. Al Sharpton, entrepreneur Magic Johnson, actress La La Anthony, the New York Knicks’ Tyson Chandler and wife Kim, Victor Cruz of the New York Giants, and more.

The gala was amazing! I was on the red carpet photographing and providing social media for EBONY.  I was in the presence of so many influential black folks last night. I was so giddy but I had to keep it cool and professional.  I got to rub elbows with so many of my favorite celebs too.  At dinner, I sat right across from designer Cynthia Rowley and next to Victor Cruz. Victor and his lovely wife were sweet. The Jackson’s performance was super entertaining. I even got a little emotional thinking about Michael Jackson which surprised me. I also got nostalgic when they did the photo montage honoring Berry Gordy for Motown Records. You know I’m from the ‘D’ (well…really the suburbs but I still rep Detroit) and any reference about my hometown excites me. Now that I’m thinking about it, I chatted it up with Berry Gordy for a second and didn’t even mention our Detroit connection. #Fail The cast of the Motown The Musical also performed. I need to see that musical before it leaves. I have no idea what I’m waiting on. *sigh*

I decided to wear a peplum dress I bought a while back at JC. Penney for $25. I wish I would have allowed time for it to be hemmed. I think it was a little too long. My shoes were some vintage pumps I have had for years. They are the most comfortable heels I own. While they weren’t the most stylish pair I own, they were great since I was on my feet the majority of the night.

Check out some of the pictures I captured at the EBONY Power 100 Gala.