Keke Palmer, Fantasia, And More

Jason Lee took over the Beverly Hilton on Friday (June 20) for his fifth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards.

Hosted by Tiffany Haddish, the star-studded affair honored the likes of Don Lemon, Fantasia, Keke Palmer, Lemuel Plummer, Niecy Nash-Betts, Vic Mensa, and Warren G for their “contributions to the culture.”

As guests trickled in, awaiting the official start to the evening, we were serenaded by Palmer, Stevie Mackey, Keith Washington, and Yolanda Adams. “This is why we gotta have Black events,” quipped Lee because only we would have an impromptu karaoke session as an awards show opener.

During the ceremony, Lena Waithe presented Vic Mensa with the Community Award. U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett presented Don Lemon with the Social Impact Award. Yolanda Adams presented Fantasia with the Inspiration Award. Meagan Good presented Keke Palmer with the Spirit Award. Nene Leakes and Phaedra Parks presented Lemuel Plummer with the Innovator Award. Da Brat and Jesseca Harris-Dupart presented Niecy Nash-Betts with the Fearlessness Award, and Big Boy presented Warren G with the Culture Award.

Mensa emphasized the importance of community during his remarks, particularly in light of the political and militaristic happenings. He also urged celebrities to use their platforms to “unite, inspire, and empower.” Crockett praised Lemon, noting “he’s a reminder that the truth still matters.” He described his exit from CNN as a “plot twist” and “blessing in disguise.”

“The part they don’t tell you sometimes is walking through the fire burns away the fear. So, look out, I’m an emancipated Black man,” Lemon expressed.

Jessica Betts serenaded her wife with an original song ahead of the Emmy-winning actress accepting her honor. Nash celebrated her partnership and what it truly means to be fearless. “When you allow people to show up as their full self, you don’t just change lives, you save them. That is real impact […] I accept this award, but I dedicate this moment to us, to the ones who live out loud, who love hard and who lead with unapologetic Black joy.”

Palmer gave Meagan Good her flowers and had the audience in a fit of laughter while giving her remarks. When she got serious, she shared, “When I think about the word spirit, I think about the stuff you just can’t fake — resilience, light, hope, that inner voice that tells you to keep going even when you’re not sure what’s on the other side. It carries you when there’s no applause, no sure bet, just faith. I think about those nights tossing and turning, wondering if I made the right choice, if I was dreaming too big. And then that quiet voice shows up and says, ‘Just believe, keep going. What’s meant for you will be yours.’ Even when you don’t feel ready. Even when the path forward isn’t obvious. Even when the doubt creeps in. That’s the spirit I’ve leaned on time and time again.”

Fantasia took us to church with her succinct speech on the importance of being “rooted in something.” Lee piggybacked off that sentiment when he shared, “I’m the living embodiment that God remembers.” Crockett called out elected officials who don’t honor the promises they made to get them elected while attorney Ben Crump praised those who “speak in truth.”

Guests enjoyed riveting performances from Andra Day, Yolanda Adams, Johnny Gill, Fantasia, and Mýa, who was the surprise performer at the afterparty.

Other attendees included Evan Ross, Yaya DaCosta, Aiyana-Lee, B. Simone, Chrisean Rock, Cynthia Bailey, Donald Lawrence, Jonathan Majors, Sergio Hudson, and more.

The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards is set to air on The Zeus Network. Check out more highlights below.