So I’m down in New Orleans for the ESSENCE festival!
On day 1, I was honored to host the Golden Carpet for McDonald’s 365 Black Awards.

The event was created to acknowledge exceptional people in the community who are making an impact through service. The Awards show launched in 2003 as an extension of McDonalds’s 365Black platform, which celebrates the achievements of African-Americans year-round.

Chock full of performances by Sevyn, B.O.B, and Andra Day, and hosted by Keke Palmer and Terrence J, the show was lots of fun (it airs on BET later this summer)! And the carpet was filled with fabulous people.
Check it out:

Keke Palmer looked cute in a Victoria Beckham Dress and Tamara Mellon sandals.

Blackish Star Yara Shahidi was adorable in Stella & Jamie separates.

Her co-star Marcus Scribner looked quite dapper in a Zara suit and Cole Haan shoes.

Andra Day is a singer you definitely should know! She lived up to her retro style in a dress by Tatyana.

Arts and Entertainment Honoree Ava Duvernay and I bonded over our locs. She was a beauty in black and white lace separates.

Amber Riley slipped on printed Vince Camuto separates and Jessica Simpson heels.

Sevyn Streeter flashed some leg in a crystal embellished black gown.

Her beau B.O.B. also graced the golden carpet in all black.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield looked bomb in Byron Lars.

Shaniece posed pretty with husband Flex Alexander.

And lastly, I grabbed a pic with Fashion Queens Bevy Smith and Ms. Lawrence.

The show airs later this summer. I’ll be sure to tweet you or let you know when it goes down.
What did you think of the style on McDonald’s 365 Black Awards Golden Carpet?

Images: Karl Pierre