When Patti LaBelle stepped onto the red carpet at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans this past Saturday, she celebrated more than just another accolade. The legendary singer joined three other remarkable women who had each carved their own path to success, proving that there was no single way to change the world.
The National Urban League‘s 6th Annual Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon delivered an emotional celebration of achievement, resilience, and the kind of determination that turns dreams into reality. Set against the backdrop of Essence Festival weekend, this invitation-only event honored women whose stories have inspired countless others to reach higher.
The theme “Her Power, Her Prosperity” perfectly captured what these four honorees represented: women who didn’t just succeed but transformed entire industries while lifting others along the way.
The legendary Patti LaBelle took center stage
Patti LaBelle, the Grammy and multi-award-winning singer whose career has spanned over six decades, commanded attention as she always has. Each woman’s journey told a different story about perseverance and purpose. LaBelle started singing in church choirs in Philadelphia, never imagining she’d become a global icon whose career would span six decades. At 80, she still brought audiences to their feet, proving that passion doesn’t have an expiration date.
Her path wasn’t always smooth. She faced rejection, personal losses, and industry challenges that might have broken someone with less determination. But LaBelle kept singing, kept pushing boundaries, and kept believing in her ability to touch hearts through music.
The other honorees who joined her on stage included Mara Brock Akil, the award-winning television writer, producer and director behind groundbreaking shows; U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett from Texas, a rising political star; and Danessa Myricks, beauty maven and founder of Danessa Myricks Beauty.
The storyteller who changed television
Mara Brock Akil grew up watching television that rarely reflected her own experiences as a Black woman. Instead of complaining about what was missing, she decided to create it herself. Her shows like “Girlfriends” and “The Game” didn’t just entertain; they gave millions of viewers characters who looked like them and dealt with real-life challenges.
Behind the scenes, Akil fought battles that viewers never saw. She pushed for authentic storylines when networks wanted stereotypes, advocated for diverse writers’ rooms, and created opportunities for actors who might otherwise have been overlooked. Her success opened doors that had been locked for generations of creative talent.
The mother of two understood the delicate balance between career ambitions and family life. She had spoken openly about the challenges of being a working mother in Hollywood, where 18-hour days were normal and missing school events came with the territory.
The lawyer turned congresswoman
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s journey from civil rights attorney to representing Texas’ 30th District happened faster than anyone expected, including herself. The St. Louis native had moved to Texas for college and built a successful law practice when she felt called to run for office, driven by a desire to fight for justice on a bigger stage.
Her first campaign was a learning experience filled with long days, tough questions, and moments of doubt. But Crockett’s legal background had prepared her for battles, and her genuine desire to help people came through in every speech and town hall meeting.
Now serving in Congress representing Texas’ 30th District, she brought a refreshing authenticity to politics. She wasn’t afraid to ask tough questions or challenge systems that weren’t working for ordinary people. Her colleagues respected her preparation and her ability to break down complex issues in ways everyone could understand.
The beauty maven who saw what others missed
Danessa Myricks built her beauty empire by paying attention to what the industry ignored. As a professional makeup artist, she noticed how many products simply didn’t work for deeper skin tones or different skin types. Instead of accepting this as normal, she decided to create solutions.
Starting her own beauty brand meant risking her savings, working 16-hour days, and learning business skills that weren’t taught in makeup school. There were moments when she questioned whether she was crazy to think she could compete with established cosmetics giants.
But Myricks understood something the big companies didn’t: women were hungry for products that actually worked for them. Her inclusive approach to beauty wasn’t just good business; it was revolutionary. Her brand became carried in major retailers, and her influence pushed the entire industry toward better representation.
A celebration filled with music and inspiration
The luncheon featured performances by Grammy winners Howard Hewett and MAJOR, creating a soundtrack that matched the celebratory mood. Hewett’s smooth vocals and decades of experience brought a classic elegance, while MAJOR represented the contemporary sounds that connected with younger audiences.
Dr. Cheryl P. Williamson offered inspirational words that tied together the honorees’ diverse achievements. As a mindset coach and bestselling author, she understood the mental strength required to break barriers and create lasting change.
The event’s Self Care Lounge, featuring makeup consultations from Danessa Myricks Beauty and other wellness brands, added a personal touch that allowed attendees to experience the honorees’ work firsthand. These thoughtful details made the celebration feel intimate despite its prestigious nature.
Celebrity friends showed their support
The attendance of celebrities including Tisha Campbell, Stephanie Mills, Da Brat, and fashion designer Sergio Hudson demonstrated the wide respect these honorees commanded. These weren’t just industry colleagues; they were friends and admirers who understood the significance of the recognition.
Tisha Campbell, known for her roles in “Martin” and “My Wife and Kids,” had worked with several of the honorees throughout her career. Her presence added warmth to an event that celebrated not just professional achievements but the relationships that sustained success.
More than an awards ceremony
What made the Women in Harmony Awards special wasn’t just the recognition; it was the message it sent to young women watching from the audience or following on social media. These honorees proved that success came in many forms and that staying true to your values didn’t have to limit your dreams.
Each woman honored on Saturday represented thousands of others who were working toward their own goals, facing their own challenges, and building their own legacies. Their stories reminded everyone that behind every overnight success were years of preparation, persistence, and the belief that their work mattered.
The celebration showcased women who had refused to accept limitations and instead created their own opportunities. LaBelle’s six-decade career demonstrated that longevity came from authentic connection with audiences and unwavering dedication to craft. Her presence at the ceremony reminded everyone that age was just a number when passion fueled purpose.
Akil’s television work had changed how Black women were portrayed on screen, moving beyond stereotypes to create complex, relatable characters. Her influence extended beyond entertainment, inspiring a new generation of writers and producers to tell their own stories authentically.
Crockett’s rapid rise in politics showed that legal expertise combined with genuine care for constituents could create meaningful change. Her journey from St. Louis to Texas and then to Congress illustrated how opportunities could be seized when preparation met purpose.
Myricks’ beauty empire proved that identifying gaps in the market and creating inclusive solutions could build successful businesses while serving underrepresented communities. Her work had forced established brands to reconsider their approach to diversity and inclusion.
The lasting impact of recognition
As the National Urban League continued this tradition of celebrating Black women’s achievements, the Women in Harmony Awards served as both recognition of past accomplishments and inspiration for future generations. In a world that often focused on what was wrong, this luncheon chose to celebrate what was right: the power of women who refused to accept limitations.
The ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton lasted just a few hours, but the impact of these four women’s work would continue inspiring others for generations to come. Their stories proved that success wasn’t just about personal achievement but about using that success to create opportunities for others.
Each honoree had faced unique challenges on their path to success, but they shared common traits: determination, authenticity, and a commitment to excellence that extended beyond personal gain. Their recognition at the Women in Harmony Awards celebrated not just what they had accomplished, but the doors they had opened for others to follow.
The event reminded attendees that changing the world didn’t require a single approach. Whether through music, television, politics, or business, these women had found ways to make their mark while staying true to their values. Their combined influence had touched millions of lives, proving that when women supported each other’s success, everyone benefited.
As the celebration concluded and guests departed, the message was clear: the power of women to transform industries, communities, and lives was limitless when combined with purpose, persistence, and the courage to dream big. The Women in Harmony Awards had once again highlighted the extraordinary achievements of women who had turned their visions into reality, inspiring others to do the same.
