( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Legends of the Culture Series Continues to Celebrate People of Color
ENSPIRE Contributor: Jack Miles
For(bes) The Culture and Moët Hennessy USA ended September hosting the second event of their two-part series, Legends of Culture, which celebrated men and women of color who are changing the game in their respective industries and paving the way for others. The series concluded with the “Kings of Culture: Legends of Business” event that celebrated 50 men who are proudly standing as changemakers and tastemakers in their respective fields and culture.
The event included an engaging conversation with Scott Mills, CEO, BET, Al Harrington, CEO, Viola and Former NBA Star, Steve Pamon, President, Verzuz (Former President and COO of Beyonce’s Parkwood Entertainment), and Eduardo Vilaro, CEO, Ballet Hispanico moderated by Forbes Senior Writer, Jabari Young. Among the list of changemakers additional celebrated “kings” that were in attendance include Steven Tristan Young (Chief Marketing Officer, Poshmark), Eugene “Man Man” Roberts (Musical Director for John Legend), Bonin Bough, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Group Black, Hernando Ruiz-Jimenez(CMO, New York-Presbyterian), Ulysses Youngblood (President & CEO, Major Bloom) and Pranav Yadav (CEO, Neuro-Insight).
“The focus of this partnership is to provide a direct response to the question ‘where are all of the executive leaders of color?’ We want to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their achievement, impact, and abundance,” said Sadé Muhammad, Vice President, Representation & Inclusion Practice, Forbes. “By partnering with Moët Hennessy USA, we want to pause and recognize their incredible success and achievements, and also galvanize these communities to support and mentor others on the rise.”
Guests enjoyed drinks from Moët Hennessy’s iconic portfolio including Belvedere, Hennessy V.S.O.P., Volcan Tequila, Whispering Angel, Woodinville, Moët & Chandon, Terrazas Altos Del Plata, and Cloudy Bay. The panel was concluded with a toast from Roland Guevara of Moët Hennessy with Ace of Spades Champagne.
Quotes from the panelists on Kings of Culture – Celebrating men of color who are changing the game in their industries and paving the way for others:
“If all we do is lift one person, then we are not doing our jobs. The responsibility we have is extraordinary.”
– Scott Mills, CEO, BET, on the importance of mentorship and lifting as you climb at the Forbes x Moët Hennessy: Kings of Culture Event.
“Stop trying to make yourself fit these jobs. Make these jobs fit you.”
– Steve Pamon, President, Verzuz, the lifestyle and entertainment division of Triller, at the Forbes x Moët Hennessy: Kings of Culture Event.
“Our community was destroyed by cannabis. 85% of all drug arrests in Black communities have always been cannabis related. I’m trying to use the Viola platform to uplift, educate, and empower people of color.”
– Al Harrington, NBA veteran and CEO, Viola – a cannabis company inspired by his grandmother, at the Forbes x Moët Hennessy: Kings of Culture Event.
Here at ENSPIRE, we like to shine a light on underrepresented communities, just as the For(bes) the Culture movement does. We find it paramount to showcase positive male role model leading in the fields of business, sports, entertainment and more.
“I’m not making millions, but I’m changing millions.”
– Eduardo Vilaro, CEO, Ballet Hispanico at the Forbes x Moët Hennessy: Kings of Culture celebration in NYC. Eduardo believes in the power of the arts to change lives and strengthen community.
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