Debra Lee Archives - Rolling Out

The music industry is mourning the untimely passing of Quinn Coleman, the son of former BET CEO Debra Lee, who died on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, according to Billboard. He was 31. Coleman, also known as DJ Spicoli, served as the senior director of A&R at Capitol Records. Details of his passing have yet to…

Award-winning actor, producer, director and choreographer Debbie Allen and former BET Networks CEO and Chairman Emeritus Debra Lee were honored by Black Enterprise at its 2020 Women of Power Legacy Awards. Held at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Gale V. King, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Nationwide, and Myrtle…

BET’s “The Quad” has been canceled a week after its second season concluded. No stranger to cutting shows, BET has given the boot to another one of its series. Joining the list of some of the network’s most popular shows such as Gabrielle Union’s “Being Mary Jane” and “The Game,” “The Quad’ is now another show that…

BET’s parent company Viacom has named Scott M. Mills as the new president of the Viacom-owned network, replacing current president, Debra L. Lee, who will serve as chairman and CEO, according to reports. Mills will take over the day-to-day responsibilities at BET, with Lee focusing on relationships with external stakeholders and communities. Michael Armstrong will continue in his position as general…

BET’s longtime CEO Debra Lee took the time to tell us about the purpose of the Black Girls Rock! Awards. And she expressed her appreciation for Black men as well.

Black Girls Rock definitely brought out the women not only about their business in life but also the ones conscious of making statements through their hairstyles, choice of clothing and inspirational quotes. Taraji P. Henson immediately let the audience know that since third grade she’s been a woman always serious about her hair. Her new…

Macy’s new CEO Jeff Gennette was surrounded by a powerful group, a benefit of his predecessor’s Terry Lundgren’s hard work and the relationships he’s built in the African American and other minority communities. The retailer’s chief diversity officer William Hawthorne III, Esq. hosted the invitation-only affair in the Macy’s executive suite that attracted the most…

BET’s newest docu-series “Music Moguls” stars Birdman, Damon Dash, Jermaine Dupri, and Snoop Dogg. The show premiered Tuesday, June 28, and became the No. 1 trending topic. BET’s president Debra Lee and the show’s producer Lemuel Plummer of L. Plummer Media celebrated at West Hollywood hotspot 1Oak with a private viewing. Be sure to catch…

After enduring much criticism due the the lack of diversity among Twitter employees, the social media giant made a move to correct matters. Monday, May 16, Twitter revealed that BET’s Debra L. Lee has been appointed to its board of directors. Lee’s appointment makes her Twitter’s first Black board member and third female board member. This…

Black Enterprise’s 2016 Women of Power Summit opened on Wednesday, March 9, with a record breaking one thousand attendees gathering for the leadership development conference that includes professional workshops, a Macy’s fashion excursion, career coaching, Merrill Lynch/Bank of America financial planning and making new lasting friendships. Now in it’s 11th year, the Black Enterprise Women…

Black Enterprise magazine’s 2016 Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit is touted as a business event that attracts more than 800 mid- to senior-level managers, “C-level” decision makers, HR officers, diversity officers, executives, and professionals. They will gather at the Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida, for three days of leadership, truth-owning and…

On Dec. 2, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicked off their five-week holiday season with a night of electrifying dance performances and celebrity sightings. Some stars in attendance were Kelly Rowland, Brandy, Chadwick Boseman, Judith Jamison, Janet Mock, Joe Morton, Arturo O’Farrill, Debra Martin Chase, and Debra Lee.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater celebrated the start of their five-week holiday season with a night of jaw-dropping dance performances and plenty of celebrities. The Dec. 2 gala was held at the New York City Center, with the party happening at the New York Hilton Midtown Grand Ballroom. Actor Chadwick Boseman was the honorary…

When first lady Michelle Obama spoke onstage alongside the M.A.D. Girls; Kaya Thomas, Chental-Soing Bembry and Gabrielle Jordan, it was apparent the young girls were elated. After all, they graced the white carpet, had their pictures taken by the press, were in the midst of celebs like Ciara, Willow Smith, Erykah Badu, Regina King and…

Despite currently having their hands full with two separate lawsuits and their star artist trying to make a very public exit from the label, Cash Money Records executives Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Baby” Williams are still among the most powerful people in the business, according to Billboard magazine. The music industry trade recently released its…

During the show, BET’s head-woman-in-charge took a slight break from the entertainment to recognize a pivotal moment in American history — the upcoming 50 year anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, freeing all people of color from racial, gender and cultural discrimination…

P!nk, Janelle Monáe, and the top women in business were honored at Billboard’s Women in Music event that took place at Capitale Tuesday at NYC’s Capitale, luminaires from the music industry celebrated the top women in the business at Billboard’s annual Women in Music event. P!nk was named Woman of the Year, while Janelle Monae was honored as the Billboard Rising Star. Among the top women…

Toni Braxton, Jennifer Hudson and more wore their hair short at The Soul Train Awards 2013 in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Check out the best short cuts on the red carpet at The Soul Train Awards 2013. –Joi Pearson @joiapearson

BET’s CEO Debra Lee hosts celebrity pre-awards dinner sponsored by Cadillac The seventh annual BET pre-awards dinner hosted by the network’s CEO Debra Lee highlighted and showcased their accomplishments. Lee presented the lineup from “The Game,” discussed their new hourlong drama with Richard Roundtree; thanked their sponsor, Cadillac; and P&G (CoverGirl and My Black is…

Stars came out to show their support at Debra Lee’s 7th Annual Pre-BET Awards Celebration Dinner held at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.