New Orleans: Trailblazing Women Celebrated At Urban League’s Essence Fest Luncheon (Photos)

July 12, 2024

The National Urban League presented the 5th Annual Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon yesterday, Saturday, July 6th, 2024, in New Orleans.

Held at the renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the invitation-only red carpet celebration took place behind the backdrop of the 30th Anniversary of The ESSENCE Festival of Culture–the nation’s most prominent African American cultural gathering of the year.

“A Celebration of Unity, Purpose and Courage …”

Under the theme, A Celebration of Unity, Purpose and Courage, this year’s luncheon paid tribute to outstanding Black women who lead, create and transform our world.

Esteemed honorees were: Judge Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Lisa Price and Bevy Smith—who passionately and graciously accepted their awards.

Legendary actress Jenifer Lewis also provided a touching moment towards the end of the luncheon, as she gave a tearful recount of her harrowing accident in 2022, her miraculous recovery and her renewed passion for life and empowering her community.

The luncheon also featured dynamic performances by NFL Players’. Choir, R&B sensation Carl Thomas and gospel star Koryn Hawthorne.


In addition, attendees had an opportunity to experience the Luncheon’s new Self Care Lounge which featured make-up consultations from Danessa Myricks Beauty, premium lash applications by TheLouLuCollection, aspirational journals and books from Dream Bigger Now TODAY and many more beauty and wellness brands.

This year’s sponsors were: Experian, McDonald’s, HCA Healthcare and Amazon. 

Honorees: Judge Faith Jenkins, Tracey Edmonds, Lisa Price, Bevy Smith. Performers: Carl Thomas, Koryn Hawthorne, The NFL Players Choir, with Presenters: Jenifer Lewis, Dr. Karri Turner, Laterras R. Whitfield, Special Guests Kenny Lattimore, Jenifer Lewis, Beverly Bond / Black Girls Rock! CEO, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Tamika Mallory, Council Member Helena Moreno, Hon. Dana M. Douglas, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and National Urban League: Marc H. Morial, President & CEO; Rhonda Spears Bell, Senior Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer and Event Host.

Photo credit: Source. 1) Bevy Smith. 2) Judge Faith Jenkins. 3) 4) Tamika Mallory. 5) Tracey Edmonds. 6) Laterras R. Whitfield. 7) NCBCP President and CEO Melanie Campbell, NUL President and CEO Marc H. Moral and NUL SVP Marketing and Communications Rhonda Spears Bell. 8) NFL Players Choir (Photo, JR Thomason). 9) NUL Production Team.


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