The 12th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards

Sevyn Streets, Smokie Norful, Shanice Wilson, and Amber Riley perform at the the 12th Annual McDonald's 365 Black Awards at the Ernest Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, LA on Friday, July 3, 2015.

This year I was invited to attend the 12th Annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards in New Orleans. The awards take place every year during Essence Festival as McDonald’s takes the time to bring together community leaders, television and music entertainers, as well as local and national influencers to pay homage to the outstanding work happening within the African-American community. Because of my crazy packed schedule this weekend, I wasn’t able to attend and cover the golden carpet at the awards on Friday but the folks over at McDonald’s sent me these great pics and information about the star-studded event below.

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Hosted by TV host/actor Terrence J and actress/singer Keke Palmer, the ceremony included awards given to Academy Award-nominee Ava DuVernay (who was awarded the Arts & Entertainment award) as well as gospel artist and pastor Marvin Sapp (who took home the Living Legend award and was honored in song by fellow recording artist Pastor Smokie Norful).

Claire Sulmers attends the 12th Annual McDonald's 365 Black Awards at the Ernest Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, LA on Friday, July 3, 2015.

Spotted Claire Sulmers of The Fashion Bomb on the carpet at the awards. Love this red skirt on her!

Andra Day performs at the 12th Annual McDonald's 365 Black Awards at the Ernest Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, LA on Friday, July 3, 2015.

 

Journalist/communications specialist Jeff Johnson was honored with the Humanitarian award and the show also featured performances from artists like Sevyn Streeter (love her!), Amber Riley (my curvy fashionista girl crush!), B.o.B., Andra Day and more.

To find out more about the McDonald’s 365Black initiative, click here.

Christina Brown

Lifestyle influencer and digital mompreneur Christina S. Brown is a New York native, LA resident, and the founder of LoveBrownSugar.com and BrownGirlsLove. She's an award-winning storyteller, a motivational speaker and an advocate for confident millennial black women.