The 7th Annual Native Son Awards celebrated the mavericks, black gay excellence and trailblazers Wednesday night inside The IAC Building. It was a great moment to witness Law Roach and Jeremy Pope receiving the prestigious award.
This ceremony, created by Emil Wilbekin in 2017, a renowned Journalist and Professor at FIT as well as a community organizer brings attention to the black gay and lesbian men who are defying and reshaping the status quo.
“We are all unicorns. “We are all unicorns.l,” expressed Wilbekin. “WWe work hard, and we have dreams and ambitions. When we’re all together celebrating each other we can be more powerful and create a legacy for the next generation.”
Don Lemon was the hostess who had the mostess. She has been a supporter, advocate and winner of the Native Son Awards for many years.
Wilbikin, like Lemon, looked sharp in a cream and white linen suit that made them look as if they had just returned from an escapade to the Hamptons.
Claire Sulmers is the CEO of Fashion Bomb. She wore an elegant black sequins Fashion Nova Curve strapless dress. She shared. “I am proud to be an LGBTQ+ ally and to support Emil Wilbekin and Native Son.”
Claire’s signature finger waves were neatly set, and her smokey eyeshadow was perfectly blended for a dramatic effect.
She caught up to LaQuan Smith and Law Roach who were honorees of the award ceremony. LaQuan presented a Law Roach award in a chocolate-draped top, which he paired black coated denim with a maroon boot square toe.
Law Roach is a style expert and honoree who has been responsible for the iconic red carpet looks worn by Zendaya and Celine Dion. She also wore Megan Thee Stallion’s suit jacket with a black floral pin.
Contrary to Law’s lighter hues, Jeremey Pope who was also honored with an award by Rashad Robinson, wore an all black look. His black wide-leg trousers and textured top with no sleeves felt ultramodern.
Lena Waite, an American actress and film director was also present. She kept things urban with a double-breasted graphic suit in nude. Waite added some coolness to her look by wearing a wifebeater top, a yellow durag, and a pearl necklace.
Ty Hunter, Joan Smalls, and Sulmers wore all-black ensembles in unison.
Hunter’s wide-leg pants and a cropped black blazer jacket made Hunter stand out. Smalls stayed classy with a black powersuit. Hunter’s metal emblem hat and studded layered necklaces added an illustrated touch.
Below, you can see the latest fashions at the Native Son Awards.
Photo Credit: @Sonejr