BLACK ENTERPRISE took an unabashed leap into Hollywood’s frenzied mix of pre-Oscar events to unveil our “Top 50 Hollywood Power Brokers” list (March 2007) and to celebrate the creative and business talents who make Tinseltown tick. The whirlwind evening on Feb. 21, with special honors for industry godfathers Quincy Jones and Clarence Avant, also celebrated the achievements of actors, agents, producers, directors, attorneys, and film and television executives as well as the inroads blacks have made in a white-dominated industry.
“I think it’s great that BLACK ENTERPRISE is honoring our own and recognizing that we are also in business,” lauded actor and comedian Chris Tucker.
Honorees inside the Beverly Wilshire’s chic ballroom–including Eddie Murphy, James Lassiter, Suzanne de Passe, John Singleton, Byron Allen, Stephen D. Barnes, Jeff Friday, Tracey E. Edmonds, Jeff Clanagan, Pearlena Igbokwe, Charles King, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson–billed this exclusive gathering as the night’s best soiree.
“Earl Graves was one of my first teachers and mentors, so he really taught me a lot,” added Johnson. “It means a lot to be on the list.”