“When black women are together, a sacred space can be conjured. Let the conjuring begin!” ~Oprah

Yesterday, I was blessed to attend yet another ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon! I’m a member of Colgate Optic White’s Designer Smile Squad, and as a sponsor of the event, they flew Pierre and I to LA to werk the carpet and talk celeb style with a few of our favorites.

Kelly Rowland stopped and smiled bright in mustard and cream separates.

Zendaya blew kisses in Thakoon.

Letoya Luckett pledged her allegiance to FBD in a slamming white jumpsuit.

Shaniece H is SO gorgeous! She divulged she was wearing a Mugler dress.

Lastly, Lala was red carpet host and looked bomb in a Victoria Beckham dress. She is killing it!

As for me, I wore a blazer dress I scored in Lagos by a brand called Things Nigerians Love or TNL Designs, topped off by pink Versace sandals.
Pierre wasn’t allowed inside the actual luncheon, but let me tell you: it was powerful! Actress, dancer, choreographer, television director, television producer and Award recipient Debbie Allen gave a rousing speech about encountering closed doors, brick ceilings, and white only establishments when she first expressed interest in art and dance.

Though she felt she was unwanted at certain dance studios, she went anyway. Her mother instilled in her pride, intelligence, and the ability to dream. Debbie credits her longstanding success to working for a purpose greater than herself.

Hopefully Essence has a transcript because she brought the house DOWN.

Though I was sitting maybe…1 foot away from Oprah, I wasn’t nimble enough to get a picture with her this year.
There’s always next year!
I love Essence Black Women in Hollywood because it always leaves me feeling encouraged, powerful, and unstoppable. I hope you feel that way as well.
See the full red carpet here.
What do you think?
Images: Karl Pierre/Getty
*Many thanks to Teresa and Rondel for this wonderful opportunity!