Exclusive: JoJo Crews Covers BET Black + Iconic During DC Black Pride Weekend — TS Madison, Jason Lee, Coko, Karen Huger, Amara La Negra, Bobby Lytes, Lonnie Bee & More Shine at Annual Soiree [Video]

BET’s Black + Iconic Soirée returned to the DMV this weekend, and your boy was back on the carpet for another unforgettable night celebrating Black LGBTQ+ excellence, visibility, culture, and community.

The 4th Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée took place Saturday, May 23, 2026, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, during DC Black Pride weekend. The annual celebration, hosted this year by Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and advocate Laverne Cox, brought together a powerful lineup of honorees, presenters, performers, media personalities, advocates, and culture shifters for a night centered on pride, purpose, power, and Black queer excellence.

And baby, the carpet was busy!

JoJoCrews.com and The Prince of Pop Culture Podcast were on the scene capturing interviews, laughs, heartfelt moments, full-circle conversations, and some truly affirming exchanges with icons, allies, and culture shifters.

One of the biggest surprise moments of the night came when the Grande Dame herself, Karen Huger of The Real Housewives of Potomac, made an appearance and granted me an interview on the carpet. You already know the DMV loves us some Karen, and getting that moment with her during such a major night for the culture was a treat.

I also caught up with Lonnie Bee, who always brings the energy, the personality, and the love. Lonnie spoke to the power of showing up, celebrating Black queer joy, and keeping the spirit of Pride alive in true Lonnie Bee fashion.

Another full-circle highlight was speaking with the legendary Coko of SWV and her son Jaye Michael. Coko and I talked about her incredible legacy, her voice that has soundtracked generations, music, touring, and what it means to still be loved after all these years. We also touched on her role as a mother and ally, and the importance of supporting your children fully — especially in a world where many LGBTQ+ people do not always receive that kind of love and acceptance at home.

Jaye Michael, who is carving out his own lane as an artist, also opened up about his music, including his project The Heartbreak Files, and the balance of pursuing his passion while also completing school. That conversation hit home for me, especially with my own son graduating this week, because it was a beautiful reminder that dreams and discipline can exist together.

The honorees also gave me some powerful moments on the carpet.

Jason Lee, who was honored for his work as a media voice, entrepreneur, and culture disruptor, showed major love and gave affirmations that truly meant a lot. From Hollywood Unlocked to The Jason Lee Show, his Impact Awards, and his expanding presence in media and politics, Jason continues to show what it looks like to build loudly, boldly, and unapologetically.

And then there was TS Madison.

Madison’s moment was emotional, powerful, and unforgettable. Being honored as the first-ever Miss Major’s Pioneer of the Year Honoree during a weekend that also included TS Madison Day in D.C. was major. She spoke from the heart, and the love and affirmations she poured into me on that carpet were everything. It was one of those moments that reminded me exactly why I do this work and why these spaces matter.

I also caught up with Amara La Negra and Bobby Lytes, both of whom opened up about the news of Love & Hip Hop reportedly coming to an end after more than 15 years. Amara reflected on the franchise’s legacy, her role in it, and what’s next for her as she continues balancing motherhood, music, television, and business. Bobby, always authentically himself, spoke about what the franchise meant for reality TV, his own journey, and continuing to show up loudly and proudly.

The night also featured a stacked lineup of presenters and performers. Presenters included Amara La Negra, Eva Marcille, Bryan Terrell Clark, Carter The Body, and Ty Young, while Tweet hit the stage as the night’s featured performer, bringing that signature Southern Hummingbird magic to the celebration.

This year’s honorees included TS Madison, Jason Lee, Damon Jones, and Marquise Vilson Balenciaga, each recognized for their impact, visibility, leadership, advocacy, and contributions to Black LGBTQ+ culture and community.

Hosted inside MGM National Harbor, Black + Iconic continues to grow into one of BET’s most meaningful cultural celebrations. Yes, the fashion was there. The glam was there. The celebrity moments were there. But at its core, this night was about something much bigger — honoring the people who push culture forward, create space, open doors, and remind the world that Black LGBTQ+ excellence deserves to be celebrated loudly, intentionally, and all year long.

For me, being back in the building during DC Black Pride weekend felt special. As someone who covers pop culture through a DMV lens, it was beautiful to see so many entertainers, advocates, executives, creatives, allies, and icons gathered right here in our backyard to celebrate Black queer joy, Black queer power, and Black queer impact.

The full interviews from the BET Black + Iconic red carpet — including Karen Huger, Coko and Jaye Michael, Jason Lee, TS Madison, Lonnie Bee, Amara La Negra, Bobby Lytes are below. Be sure to tune into The Prince of Pop Culture Podcast where will dish on some behind-the-scenes tea from the event.