Queen Latifah, Shaboozey, And More Honored For Impact At 2024 ADCOLOR Awards

ADCOLOR, the premier organization dedicated to celebrating diversity in the creative industries, held its 18th Annual ADCOLOR Awards on Saturday (Nov. 16). Held at the J.W. Marriott in Los Angeles, the black tie event closed out the 3-day conference filled with activations, panel discussions, and speeches centered around this year’s theme “Off Mute,” a call to counter the naysayers and opponents of the DEI movement and its long-standing progress.

Hosted by award-winning actor, producer, and activist Wilson Cruz, the award ceremony honored individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond to make a difference and who embody the organization’s mission of “Rise Up, Reach Back.” Cruz kicked off the night with an uplifting speech in light of the disheartening times social and political times.

Actress, producer, entrepreneur, and Hip-Hop legend Queen Latifah was honored with The ADCOLOR in Music Icon Award for her trailblazing career in music and more. Latifah thanked ADCOLOR founder Tiffany R. Warren and her organization for spotlighting diversity for all creatives in the various spaces.

“I’m endlessly inspired by the ways our diverse creative community has grown,” she said. “No matter your race, your gender, your ability, we keep making room for each other to express ourselves in our work, with our loved ones, across culture, to take creativity and talent that we’ve been so blessed with and to put it to good use. Is there anything better than that?”

The Queen Collective founder also encouraged the younger generation to be fearless and keep coming up with exciting ideas. “As long as your desire to achieve your goals is more powerful than your fears, don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” she said. “Don’t be afraid. We got you. Keep singing, keep creating, keep going, and no matter what, keep going, just keep going.”

After her acceptance speech, Dominican rapper, singer, and songwriter J Noa performed a tribute in honor of Queen Latifah and performed her single, “Mantense Por La Corona.” Earlier in the evening, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Shaboozey was also honored with the ADCOLOR in Music Artist of the Year Award.

“I’m truly out-humbled and grateful for this recognition, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the ADCOLOR team for their unwavering commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion in our industry,” he said. “As an artist, I believe in the power of storytelling to connect us to challenge norms, spark change. I stand here today because of just the hard work and dedication of the people that came before us. The passion of perseverance of those who came before me.”

Other honorees of the night included The Garcia Companies founder and chairwoman Dany Garcia, who received the ADCOLOR ADWEEK Beacon Award, and Parkwood Entertainment’s Senior Vice President Justina Omokua, who received The Legend Award for her extensive career and work at illustrious companies like Endeavor, Nokia, Pepsi, and L’Oreal. Her award was presented by New Times best-selling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones and former executive, Eve by Boz founder, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member Bozoma Saint John.

“I think it’s important that this time to acknowledge that we are at an inflection point,” Omokua said in her acceptance speech. “There’s a lot that is going on in the world. It feels dark, but know that you are light, and so while people try to put you in categories or try to say that there are words that we can no longer use, I want you to always, always, always use your voice. I want you to continue to reach back and pull others up…I do want to say this because I think it is important that while we feel like we might be in a little bit of misery, know that joy comes in the morning.”

See more pictures from the ADCOLOR Awards red carpet and ceremony.