Black Excellence Brunch Makes Historic Debut on Martha’s Vineyard in Honor of Sanaa Lathan – Essence

There isn’t any more fitting backdrop than Martha’s Vineyard for an unforgettable celebration of black excellence. And a celebration it was—on August 9, nearly 200 luminaries from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and activism gathered for Black Excellence Brunch to have a good time the extraordinary contribution of actress, director and activist Sana Lathan.

The Black Excellence Brunch has grow to be greater than only a series of events; it’s a movement that celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black professionals around the globe. Founded by communications expert and activist Trell Thomas in 2017, the brunch has traveled the world, stopping in culturally wealthy places like South Africa and Ghana. Its debut on Martha’s Vineyard was a major moment, because the island has long been a haven for Black excellence, community, and culture.

“Martha’s Vineyard is a place where great Black people come together, and having the opportunity to be a part of celebrating Black excellence by hosting our first-ever Black Excellence Brunch on the Island was an incredible experience,” said Thomas, reflecting on the event’s success and deep connection to the Island’s heritage.

A real multidisciplinary woman who has not only captivated audiences along with her on-screen performances but has also used her platform to advocate for social justice and empower communities, Sanaa Lathan greater than deserves her share of recognition. Lathan’s profession spans a long time, and her work each in front of and behind the camera has earned her a spot amongst Hollywood’s elite. However, it’s her dedication to creating opportunities for others and her role as an activist that really sets her apart.

The event drew a stellar guest list, including Uzo Aduba, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, acclaimed producer Will Packer, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, amongst many others. Each guest brought their very own unique energy to the event, creating an environment of positivity, empowerment, and celebration of black achievement.

Guests enjoyed a culinary experience inspired by Southern traditions, while special Limonata cocktails, sponsored by Ciroc, were served without limits, adding a touch of sophistication to the brunch.

The event is a robust reminder of the importance of community, connection and honoring those that paved the best way. “It was a true honor to present flowers to so many wonderful people and celebrate a cultural icon like Sanaa Lathan,” Thomas said, emphasizing the brunch’s central mission.

This celebration of Black excellence is an element of a broader effort to uplift and encourage future generations. By bringing together thought leaders, cultural icons, and trailblazers, the Black Excellence Brunch creates an environment where meaningful connections are made and the legacy of Black professionals is each honored and amplified.

The event’s success was further enhanced by a partnership with Camille Rose, a number one beauty and wellness brand known for its commitment to natural ingredients and holistic health. Founder Janell Stephens has built a brand that resonates deeply with themes of empowerment, self-care, and community—values ​​that align perfectly with the ethos of the Black Excellence Brunch. Camille Rose’s involvement added significance to the event, symbolizing the unity of Black-owned brands in a shared mission to have a good time and uplift the Black community.

As the event got here to an in depth, it became clear that this was not only a one-time celebration, but part of a bigger movement that might grow and evolve. The Black Excellence Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard was a testament to the lasting legacy of black genius and set the stage for much more inspiring gatherings to come back.

To stay awake to this point and learn more about future events, follow @BlackExcellenceBrunch on social media.