Highlights from the 2026 BET Black and Iconic Awards

By Diamond Jamei and Armeshia Hogue

The BET Black and Iconic Awards took over the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD, bringing fashion, glamour, and true icons to the DMV. This space was dedicated to celebrating members of the LGBTQ+ community, honoring culture favorites like Jason Lee with the Culture Trailblazer Award and TS Madison with the inaugural Miss Major’s Pioneer of the Year Award.

The night was packed with excitement and encouragement. "Orange Is the New Black" star Laverne Cox served as the evening’s host, delivering high-fashion moments ranging from Mugler to avant-garde runway couture. She didn't just serve looks; she brought the energy, keeping her Beyoncé fan on high as she sashayed and twirled across the stage.

​R&B singer Tweet graced the stage to perform her hit "Oops (Oh My)," immediately bringing the crowd to their feet. Eva Marcille also made an appearance to present Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer at Procter & Gamble, with the Executive Realness Award. Jones left the audience with a powerful takeaway: “Visibility is how dignity gets an advantage.”

The emotional centerpiece of the night arrived when TS Madison took the stage. Her heartfelt acceptance speech thanked her loved ones, fans, and supporters for standing by her, and she powerfully reminded us of the importance of speaking out and standing firm in our truth.

​The BET Black and Iconic Awards perfectly embodied what it means to be Black and bold.. standing in your truth, living fiercely, and refusing to be stopped. Thank you to BET for the invite!