Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA), in partnership with Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and The DIVA Foundation, has announced the honorees for the 12th Annual Truth Awards, powered by ViiV Healthcare.
The ceremony will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the iconic The Beverly Hills Hotel, bringing together leaders across entertainment, media, politics, and the arts to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ trailblazers and allies whose work continues to shift culture forward.
This year’s theme, “Saving Ourselves. Together We Rise.”, underscores a message of unity, resilience, and collective responsibility — a reflection of the continued fight for equity, visibility, and community empowerment.
Among this year’s honorees:
- Multi-award-winning actress and outspoken advocate Jennifer Lewis will be honored with the Ally Award, recognizing her unwavering advocacy for inclusivity, equity, and acceptance.
- Don Lemon will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long commitment to journalism that informs, challenges, and inspires.
- Grammy-winning artist Durand Bernarr will be presented with the Music & Arts Award, recognizing his bold creativity, vocal excellence, and genre-defying impact.
- Television producer and executive Carlos King, often dubbed the “King of Reality TV,” will receive the Media & Arts Award for his influential contributions to storytelling and representation.
Additional honorees, performers, presenters, and the evening’s host will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This occasion is more than recognition; it’s a powerful testament to resilience,” said Scott Hamilton, co-founder of Better Brothers Los Angeles. “Honoring those who have shaped our world through their truth emphasizes a compelling narrative for future generations.”
Ralph echoed that sentiment, stating, “Celebrating these pioneers is not just an acknowledgment; it’s a call to action. Their stories energize us to break through complacency, demonstrating that true change demands fearless vision and unwavering dedication.”
Scholarships and Community Impact
Beyond celebration, the Truth Awards remain deeply rooted in education and economic empowerment. During the March 21 ceremony, scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 will be awarded to deserving students. Since its inception, BBLA has distributed more than $350,000 in tuition assistance to LGBTQ+ youth pursuing higher education.
The Truth Awards have grown into a signature gathering, drawing more than 500 attendees annually from across the country to honor achievement, provide scholarship support, and recognize allies who have stood alongside the Black LGBTQ+ community.
Truth Awards Weekend
The celebration extends beyond Saturday night.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, March 20, 2026, with the 4th Annual Passing the Torch Awards (PTTA), powered by Gilead Sciences — an intimate gala honoring emerging Black LGBTQ+ leaders making an impact across business, education, law, the arts, and activism.
The weekend concludes on Sunday, March 22, with Rooted in Grace, a community brunch and conversation centered on faith, family, and the Black LGBTQ+ community’s relationship to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
ViiV Healthcare serves as the presenting sponsor. “As the presenting sponsor of the Truth Awards, we are proud to support the changemakers who are shaping a brighter future for us all,” said Randevyn Piérre, Head of US External Affairs at ViiV Healthcare, emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to HIV prevention, treatment, and ending the epidemic.
Tickets for the 12th Annual Truth Awards are now available at www.thetruthawards.com. Press credential requests for weekend coverage and virtual interviews are open through March 8, 2026.
For more information, visit www.thetruthawards.com or www.betterbrothersla.com.