Although rain was forecasted, it never reached the Hamptons for the 4th Annual Diversity Affluence Brunch and Awards Ceremony, Sunday, July, 28th hosted by our favorite Caribbean reppin actor Malik Yoba. While the sunshine was not the day’s only silver lining, the atmosphere was decidedly relaxed and elegant for this years’ honorees as well as for the 125 handpicked, invitation only guests that mixed and mingled at B. Smith’s Restaurant in Sag Harbor. The annual Diversity Affluence Brunch celebrates the accomplishments of people from diverse backgrounds who have achieved success within their respective industries. It also recognizes those individuals for progressing the cause of diversity and multicultural business practices and celebrates their positive social impact in the world. The honorees feted for this years’ awards were: South Sudanese British super model Alek Wek, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador and founder, Alek Wek Foundation; Aaron P. Dworkin, founder, the Sphinx Organization; Robert F. Smith, Chairman and CEO, Vista Equity Partners and founder, Zoëlimax Foundation; and MAC Cosmetics, honored for the company’s commitment to diversity.
When asked if it was a coincidence that all the honorees had a history of personal giving and/or working in the area of social impact, Andrea Hoffman, CEO and co-founder of the boutique marketing firm Diversity Affluence stated, “From our research [on the untapped niche market of affluent African Americans]…Philanthropy is one of four themes that resonates with their lifestyle and personal interests.” The other themes are Mentorship, Paying it Forward and Leaving a Legacy. This year’s honorees were certainly linked to many or all of these themes in their work and lives.
The day started with an intimate Moët & Chandon champagne reception for honorees and event sponsors aboard a 42 foot Wider Yacht moored in front of B. Smith’s Restaurant. Guests were then invited to B. Smith’s for a cocktail hour of passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks created especially for the event by Belvedere Vodka. After being seated for a delicious brunch, Diversity Affluence Partner Noel Hankin welcomed honorees and guests and kicked off the awards ceremony which was hosted by our favorite award winning actor, Malik Yoba.
The honorees were celebrated at the event by a hand-picked group of guests that included such high powered invitees as Valentino Carlotti, John Utendahl, Anthony Spikes, Erana Stennett, actress Tichina Arnold, Reginald Van Lee, Jocelyn Allen, Michael Robinson, Susan Akkad, Emil Wilbekin and Earl Graves, as well as accomplished “up and comers” in their respective fields. The exclusive guest list for the event, which was sponsored by Marriott International, Barclays, The Estée Lauder Companies, luxury watch maker Baume & Mercier, Belvedere Vodka, Collective and Black Gives Back, was by design. Andrea Hoffman explained, “It is an opportunity to celebrate the honorees and an occasion where guests can connect and network in order to spark ideas and inspire each other.”
- Guest, Tichina Arnold and Reginald Van Lee
