Toni Braxton, Laurieann Gibson, Angie Martinez, & More Attend Grit Before The Gram Awards

Toni Braxton, Laurieann Gibson, Angie Martinez, and more attend the Amanda Seales-hosted Grit Before The Gram Awards.

Last night, Grit Before The Gram’s annual ceremony celebrating Black women working behind the scenes in the music industry honored the Founder and Chairman of Urban One, Inc. Cathy Hughes, Executive Vice-President and Head of Original Programming at BET Networks, Connie Orlando, and EVP/GM of LVRN Records Amber Grimes.

Produced and created by Karleen Roy, founder of the highly sought-after production agency The Vanity Group, the event was hosted by actress, comedian, and artist Amanda Seales.

Grammy Award-winning singer, actress, and entrepreneur Toni Braxton was in attendance to present the prestigious Bridge Award to Connie Orlando.

Other attendees included famed radio host Angie Martinez, Creative director and Choreographer Laurieann Gibson, and many more.

The room was a who’s who of Black women who’ve made their mark in the entertainment world, celebrating one another.

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Cathy Hughes was honored with The Ovation Award, given to the woman who has paved the way for generations before her, creating opportunities for others by being one of the first to ever do it.

Connie Orlando was the recipient of The Bridge Award celebrating the career executive who continues to level up and she makes innovative shifts throughout the music business.

The Spotlight Award was presented to Amber Grimes, a rising star in the industry bringing a fresh perspective and making huge strides with her creative contributions.

Grit Before The Gram’s Alliance Members, a group of women who are champions of the movement and continue to serve as the backbone of the event’s credibility providing star-power, validity and esteem include renowned creative director and choreographer Laurieann Gibson, Chairman and CEO of Epic Records Sylvia Rhone, Co-president of Roc Nation Shari Bryant, and more.

Sponsors for the evening included Google Pixel, McDonald’s, Grey Goose, Blavity, Inc., Glamsquad, and O’Gara Coach.