BET MEDIA GROUP ANNOUNCES DATE FOR 3RD ANNUAL BET BLACK + ICONIC SOIRÉE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Scott Evans to Host as BET Celebrates Black LGBTQ+ Excellence with Honorees Including Bob the Drag Queen, Ashlee Marie Preston, and More

NEW YORK, NY. – April 21, 2025 – BET Media Group proudly announces the return of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée, set to take place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The highly anticipated event continues its mission of honoring and celebrating the intersectionality of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, recognizing individual contributions, and fostering a collective impact.

Acclaimed television host and journalist Scott Evans will serve as host of the 3rd Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée. This year’s event will shine a spotlight on a remarkable group of honorees who have made a lasting impact across various industries:

• Bob the Drag Queen, Entertainer, Author & Actor – Culture Trailblazer
• Ashlee Marie Preston, Media Personality & Co-founder, KaleidoCollective– Creative Visionary
• Hope Giselle, Senior Scholar, National Black Justice Coalition – Emerging Leader
• Ashlee Davis, Global Head of Talent Development & DEI, Ancestry – Executive Realness
• Kierra Johnson, President, National LGBT Task Force – Active Advocate

BET Black + Iconic Soirée brings together luminaries, advocates, and trailblazers for an evening dedicated to empowerment, celebration, and social impact. This annual gathering highlights individuals whose work and advocacy uplift and inspire, reinforcing the power and resilience of the Black LGBTQ+community.

“As we continue to champion Black culture and celebrate those at the forefront of change, the BET Black + Iconic Soirée serves as a powerful platform to recognize the remarkable contributions of Black LGBTQ+ leaders and allies,” said Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead ​of Social Impact​, BET Media Group. “This gathering is a testament to the strength, creativity, and influence of this community, and we are honored to provide a space to amplify their voices and achievements.”

The event will feature inspiring speeches and dynamic performances, promising an unforgettable night of excellence and unity. Additional details, including performer lineups and special guests, will be announced in the coming weeks.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP
The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events, and international. For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements, visit betpressroom.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Justin Brown 
Justin.Brown@bet.net

Johnny Cooper
Johnny.Cooper@bet.net

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