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Home • Culture

The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month

The Native Son Awards celebrate the achievements of Black gay men  
By Essence · Updated October 26, 2020
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In celebration of Pride month and continuing the movement to uplift and empower Black gay men, journalist, content creator and LGBT activist Emil Wilbekin hosted the second Native Son Awards honoring artist Kehinde Wiley, philanthropist Reggie Van Lee and President of Next Model Management, Kyle Hagler. As a special tear, Miss Lawrence moved the crowd with a rendition of the song “Give Me a Clean Art.” The evening left attendees feeling strong, proud and supported. Cheers to love!

01
Ty Hunter
Ty Hunter makes a stylish entrance.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
02
Memsor Kamarake and Sandra Velez
Memsor Kamarake and Sandra Velez cuddle up for the camera.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
03
Ty Hunter and Memsor Kamarake
Ty Hunter and Memsor Kamarake are ready for a fun night.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
04
On The Scene
Decadent appetizers were passed around before a sit down dinner.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
05
Memsor Kamarake, Emil Wilbekin and Miss Lawrence
Memsor Kamarake, Emil Wilbekin and Miss Lawrence take a photo after arriving.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
06
On The Scene
The DJ kept the tunes going all evening.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
07
On The Scene
Creator Emil Wilbekin poses with guests in the photo booth.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
08
On The Scene
The fully stocked bar.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
09
On The Scene
Guests enjoy a delicious dinner.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
10
Memsor Kamarake
Memsor Kamarake looks cool and stylish upon arrival.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
11
Terrell Jones, Isaiah Michael Joyner, and CJ Southerland
Terrell Jones, Isaiah Michael Joyner, and CJ Southerland enjoy the evening.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
12
Miss Lawrence, Terrell Jones, Emil Wilbekin and CJ Southerland
Miss Lawrence, Terrell Jones, Native Son Awards Creator Emil Wilbekin, and CJ Southerland smile for the cameras.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
13
On The Scene
Tasty cocktails from Belvedere were on deck at the bar.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena
14
On The Scene
A view of the stunning carved awards that were given to honorees.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
15
Emil Wilbekin and Reggie Van Lee
Emil Wilbekin and honoree Reggie Van Lee pose for a photo inside.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Johnny Nunez/WireImage
16
Miss Lawrence
Miss Lawrence hits a sweet note during a moving performance.
The Second Native Son Awards Spread The Love Just in Time For Pride Month
Moises De Pena