With Essence providing black women in Hollywood with their own event, there was one event focused on the men: The Icon Mann dinner took place on Friday at Mr. C, with sponsorship from Lexus, SAG-Aftra, Variety, and Diageo. Idris Elba, Boris Kodjoe, Roland Martin, Malcolm Jamal Warner, and Evan Ross were among the attendees. William P. Miller for WP Miller Special Events produced the event for the gents, where tabletop decor was among the masculine details. Instead of using table numbers, each table was curated in honor of a notable historic black man—including Nelson Mandela, Malcom X, and Fela Kuti—and had memorabilia significant to that person’s legacy.  Miller called it a “subtle approach to engage conversation amongst those in attendance [that] they have the power within to carry the torch.” Additionally, soapstone sculptures by South African artist Tendayi Guwamombe were intended to signify strength, solidarity, and family; the 500-pound sculptures were imported from South Africa for the event. Attallah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, served as the keynote speaker.
