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Home • Celebrity

15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers

Take a look back at the musical artists who have lifted their voices in celebration of the honorees at ESSENCE's annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon
By Rivea Ruff · Updated April 8, 2022
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As ESSENCE gears up for our 15th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, honoring some of the divine women of the big and small screens breaking ground with their expertly portrayed roles, we’re taking a look back at some of the defining moments of this legendary day each year.

Missed The Show? Click HERE To Watch The 2022 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards!

Since the inaugural event in 2008, honoring the accomplishments and contributions of Jurnee Smollet, Suzanne de Passe, Ruby Dee, and Jada Pinkett Smith, powerhouse performers have graced the stage, lending their voices to honor and regale the sisterhood-fueled gathering of actresses and film-industry players in celebration of the female voice and Black women’s representation on screen.

Take a look back at the honored performers from each year’s Black Women in Hollywood luncheon so far.

01
Ledisi – 2008
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
02
Anika Noni Rose – 2009
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
03
Mary Mary – 2010
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
04
Marsha Ambrosius – 2011
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
05
Jordin Sparks – 2012
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
06
Miguel – 2013
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
07
Alice Smith – 2014
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
08
Common & John Legend – 2015
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
09
Leon Bridges – 2016
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
10
Cynthia Erivo – 2017
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
11
Chlöe & Halle – 2018
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
12
Amber Riley – 2019
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
13
Brittany Howard – 2020
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
14
Andra Day – 2021
15 Years of Black Women in Hollywood: The Performers
TOPICS:  BWIH2022