Aside from Kanye’s normal ranting, Jay Z’s possible love child and Amber Rose’s skills of booty clap, there is something else to give attention to; the black women of Hollywood. When it boils down to mainstream roles in Hollywood society, black women are usually cast at the bottom of the pits – Mo’Nique can attest to it. Eight years ago, it was decided that the achievements of black women in Hollywood, would be highlighted. Last evening [Feb. 19], a group of women – and men – gathered to honor celebrities Ruth E. Carter, Lorraine Toussaint and Regina King and many more. “I promised my sister I was going to keep it together. I lied,” said a misty-eyed King during her speech. Other attendees included, Oprah, Tia Mowry-Hardwict, Tracee Ellis Ross and the always stunning, Lupita Nyong’o.

Have a look down bottom.

JaaiR (JR)
Twitter | Instagram

The annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon was held in Beverly Hills, Ca. at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Other attendees were the cast of Orange is the New Black, Laverne Cox, Samira Wiley, Danielle Brooks and more were honored recipients of The Vanguard Award, presented by Nyong’o. “It’s really challenging to be a ‘blacktress,'” said Brooks, who talked about the rejection black actresses often face. “There are not a lot of roles for us.”

Check out the gallery for the beautiful black women of Hollywood.

You can watch the Essence Awards, Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. EST on OWN. The special will be hosted by Tracey Edmonds and Shemar Moore.