Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: Femme It Forward

  • Ciara, Normani & More Honored at Give Her Flowhers Gala

    The spirit of sisterhood and empowerment was in full bloom at the 4th annual Give Her Flowhers Gala, hosted by Femme It Forward. This year’s event, held at the prestigious Beverly Hilton on November 21st, honored some incredible women who are making significant waves in entertainment and beyond.

    A Night of Inspiring Women

    The gala celebrated the power and impact of women, with honorees including the multi-talented Ciara, the soulful Kehlani, and the dynamic Normani. These artists, along with other influential figures, were recognized for their contributions to the community and their inspiring journeys.

    The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, as each honoree shared their gratitude and reflections. It was a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of uplifting one another.

    Standout Moments and Special Honors

    The gala kicked off with a touching moment as Teyana Taylor presented her mother, Nikki Taylor, with The Queens Raising Queens Award. Teyana beautifully expressed her admiration, saying, “I am the mother I am today because you are the mother you chose to be.”

    Other notable honorees included Sylvia Rhone, former Chairwoman of Epic Records, who received the inaugural Sylvia Rhone Legacy Award. Gen Z artist Ravyn Lenae was recognized with The Fem Z Award, and Billboard’s Gail Mitchell earned the Mentor Excellence Award for her extensive work supporting artists. Mariah The Scientist was honored with The Bloom Award for her artistic growth.

    Personal Tributes and Community Recognition

    Jhené Aiko, presented with The Glow Getter Award by her mother, daughter, and sisters, shared a deeply personal message about the support she’s received during difficult times. Kehlani accepted The Alchemist Award from fellow artist Goapele, celebrating their shared roots.

    Love Island star Olandria Carthen received the Self-Love Award, dedicating it to women who have doubted their worth. Normani, accepting The Femme It Forward Award from Ryan Destiny, emphasized the crucial role of community in her career. She stated, “Philanthropy is never the work of one individual—it’s a shared effort built by communities, mentors, friends, and everyone who believes compassion is a force capable of real change.”

    • Femme It Forward’s 4th annual Give Her Flowhers Gala honored influential women.
    • Ciara, Kehlani, and Normani were among the notable recipients.
    • The event celebrated sisterhood, empowerment, and community impact.
    • Special awards were presented to artists, executives, and mentors.

    The Give Her Flowhers Gala continues to be a vital platform for celebrating and uplifting women in the entertainment industry and beyond, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

    Who inspires you in the entertainment world? Share your favorite female artists and their impact in the comments below!

  • Sylvia Rhone on Music Business, AI, and Her Exit

    After an illustrious five-decade career, veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone is stepping away from the helm of Epic Records. Speaking for the first time since her departure, Rhone offers a candid and somewhat bleak assessment of the music business, particularly in light of emerging technologies like AI and ongoing industry layoffs.

    Recently honored with the inaugural Sylvia Rhone Legacy Award at the Femme It Forward gala in Los Angeles, Rhone reflected on the impressive roster of R&B artists recognized that evening. She noted the diversity and talent present, from Ciara and Mariah The Scientist to Kehlani and Normani, calling the curated group “eclectic.”

    A Career of Firsts and Lasting Impact

    Rhone’s career is a testament to breaking barriers. She rose from assistant to becoming the first woman to lead a major label, Elektra, nurturing artists like Missy Elliott and Tracy Chapman. Her leadership extended to other major companies, including Epic Records and Universal Motown. Her influence is undeniable, with artists frequently thanking her in liner notes and from major stages.

    Accepting the award named in her honor, Rhone spoke about the importance of collective power and standing against exclusionary systems. “When I look around this room, I see a constellation of achievers,” she stated. “We stand up to systems that try to exclude us. Yet we are an immovable force when we celebrate our collective power.”

    Leaving on Her Own Terms

    Rhone, now 73, decided to leave Epic Records on her own timeline, six months before her contract was up. “I left when I wanted to leave,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring all upcoming releases were in good hands and that she fulfilled her obligations to artists, staff, and the company. This deliberate exit brought a sense of freedom, a feeling she cherishes.

    Reflecting on her extensive career, Rhone expressed pride in her accomplishments and the people and corporations she helped grow. “I’ve been working since I was 16,” she said. “I’ve done things I’m so proud of and put people and corporations in positions to grow. I’m good! I just don’t feel like I can give it the same energy that I’ve given it for all these years.”

    A Diminished Business and Existential Threats

    Rhone’s assessment of the current music business is stark. She notes a significant reduction in personnel due to layoffs and mergers. “Listen, there’s not a lot of bodies in the business anymore,” she observed. “Thousands of people have lost their jobs, and the companies are continuing to do layoffs… I don’t know if the music business is for anybody. Women and Black folks will always be at the bottom of the list.”

    Beyond staff reductions, the rise of AI presents an existential threat unlike any shift she’s witnessed before, from cassettes to streaming. “I’ve been in the business a long time… and I’ve never seen the kind of shift that’s happening. I was never afraid of those things, but now with AI and everything that’s happening across the board in terms of jobs, it presents a whole different game. I just don’t want to work like that.”

    A Future Focused on Purpose and Freedom

    Looking ahead, Rhone plans to embrace a more controlled and purposeful life. She intends to remain in Los Angeles, travel, read, reconnect with friends, and prioritize her health—both physical and mental—by reducing stress. While she admits to missing the industry at times, she is adjusting to her new routine.

    Professionally, Rhone is exploring advisory board roles, potentially outside of music, where she can make a meaningful contribution without the 24/7 demands of running a major label. She’s excited about these new possibilities, seeking freedom and the ability to “pick and choose where I think I could really make a contribution.”

    In the music business, as you know, you’re only as good as your last three minutes and 23 seconds. — Sylvia Rhone

    Rhone’s vision for her future is guided by a simple ethos: living with purpose. She’s ready to embrace a new chapter, one defined by freedom, contribution, and a life lived on her own terms.

    What are your thoughts on Sylvia Rhone’s assessment of the music industry and her decision to step down? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • Femme It Forward Gala Honors Ciara, Teyana Taylor, Kehlani

    The 4th annual Femme It Forward “Give Her FlowHers” Awards Gala recently took place in Beverly Hills, celebrating the incredible achievements of Black women in entertainment. The event brought together a constellation of stars, including Ciara, Teyana Taylor, Victoria Monet, Kehlani, and Jhené Aiko, for an evening dedicated to recognizing their impact and inspiring others.

    Honoring Trailblazers and Rising Stars

    The gala continued its tradition of honoring women who are making significant contributions across various fields. Jhené Aiko received the Glow Getter Award, celebrating her embodiment of wellness, self-care, and purpose. The touching moment saw her daughter, Namiko, along with her mother and sisters, present her with the award.

    Ciara, a Grammy winner and cultural icon, was honored with the Muse Award, presented by Victoria Monet. This award recognizes the lasting impact Ciara has had on generations of performers, solidifying her status as a true inspiration.

    Family Ties and Artistic Transformations

    In a particularly heartwarming moment, Teyana Taylor presented her mother, Nikki Taylor, with the Queens Raising Queens Award. Teyana expressed her deep gratitude, saying, “I am the mother I am today because you are the mother you chose to be.” Mariah The Scientist was also recognized with the Bloom Award, presented by her sister, celebrating her breakthrough year and artistic growth.

    Bay Area queen Kehlani received the Alchemist Award from Oakland legend Goapele. This award honors Kehlani’s remarkable ability to transform personal pain into relatable art. Kehlani humorously admitted to being nervous before her acceptance speech, joking about needing a martini to calm her nerves.

    Celebrating Industry Impact and Leadership

    Pop star Normani was honored with The Femme It Forward Award, presented by her friend, actress Ryan Destiny. This award celebrates women who have made significant inroads in their industries through impactful service and leadership. Additionally, former Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone was recognized with the Sylvia Rhone Legacy Award, acknowledging her groundbreaking work in elevating Black artists. Rhone herself stated, “The ROI of Black women is infinite.”

    Other notable awardees included Love Island contestant Olandria Carthen, R&B singer Ravyn Lenae, and Billboard’s Executive Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Gail Mitchell. Femme It Forward’s founder and CEO, Heather Lowery, closed the evening with an empowering message, reminding attendees that “your story is sacred; your roots are strong; and your flower will bloom in its own divine timing.”

    The Give Her FlowHers Awards Gala is rapidly becoming a must-attend event for Black women making a difference across various industries, celebrating their achievements and fostering a sense of community and inspiration.

    Which of the honorees’ achievements at the Femme It Forward Gala inspires you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!