Inside the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards: Jasmine Crockett, Vic Mensa, LisaRaye & More Speak With Leah’s Lemonade

Leah A. Henry

1 month ago

Leah’s Lemonade Takes Over the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards With Exclusive Interviews From Jasmine Crockett, Vic Mensa, LisaRaye, Jason Lee & More

The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment, politics, activism, music, and culture—and Leah’s Lemonade was right in the middle of the action.

Hosted by Jason Lee, the annual celebration honored trailblazers who continue to make an impact in their industries and communities. Throughout the evening, Leah Henry caught up with an impressive lineup of celebrities, activists, artists, and changemakers for candid conversations about everything from politics and Black empowerment to motherhood, music, relationships, and personal growth.

One of the night’s most powerful conversations came from Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who spoke candidly about the importance of civic engagement and why Black Americans must remain politically active despite growing frustrations with the current state of the country. Crockett encouraged younger generations to recognize their power, emphasizing that attempts to suppress Black voting rights are proof of the community’s influence.

Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones echoed similar sentiments, discussing activism, community organizing, and the role young people play in shaping the future. Jones reflected on his journey from activist to elected official while encouraging viewers to remain engaged in local politics and collective action.

Civil rights leader Tamika Mallory also stressed the importance of voting, particularly in local and primary elections. The activist urged communities to stay organized and involved, reminding audiences that local elections often have the most direct impact on daily life.

Music and culture were also front and center throughout the evening. Vic Mensa discussed using his platform beyond music to educate and empower communities, emphasizing the importance of collective action, economics, and strengthening connections within the Black community.

Singer and actress Serayah opened up about motherhood, sharing the realities of postpartum life, the challenges of balancing career and family, and the importance of giving new mothers grace during their transition.

Rapper Dreezy reflected on navigating heartbreak publicly and how her personal experiences have inspired her to become more compassionate toward other women. She also teased her upcoming independent album, describing it as one of her most personal projects to date.

Jhonni Blaze spoke about growth, faith, and leaving the past behind. The singer explained why she refuses to regret any chapter of her journey and shared details about her upcoming R&B project inspired by classic artists such as SWV, Ginuwine, 112, and Anthony Hamilton.

The evening also featured heartfelt conversations about Black love and healthy relationships. Grammy-winning singer Eric Bellinger and actress La’Myia Good discussed the importance of maintaining a strong marriage in the public eye and why positive examples of Black love remain necessary in today’s culture.

Reality television favorites also made their way to the lemonade stand. Shamea Morton addressed fan reactions to her latest season on Real Housewives of Atlanta, opening up about wealth, public perception, IVF struggles, and her friendship with K. Michelle. Meanwhile, Chanel Ayan shared which Real Housewives franchise she’d love to join next, joking that Salt Lake City might be the perfect fit.

Mental health advocate Dr. Cheyenne Bryant delivered one of the night’s most memorable messages, encouraging people to stop worrying about public opinion and embrace authentic happiness. She also discussed jealousy, self-confidence, success, and what it truly takes to maintain peace while living in the public eye.

Hollywood veteran LisaRaye McCoy reflected on longevity in entertainment, revealing that she had been submitted for Emmy consideration while offering insight into the realities of sustaining a career in Hollywood. The actress also spoke candidly about the business side of show business and why visibility remains important for actors and creators.

Jeremy Meeks brought humor to the carpet while discussing his infamous rise to fame, pen pal culture, and his upcoming acting and fashion projects. The conversation delivered plenty of laughs while also highlighting themes of redemption and second chances.

Behind-the-scenes powerhouse Phreshy discussed the current state of Black media and why supporting Black journalists and storytellers remains more important than ever. The celebrity publicist praised the Impact Awards for creating a space where Black excellence can continue to be celebrated and amplified.

Gospel star Jekalyn Carr shared details about her latest album, Jekalyn and the Legends, her upcoming tribute to Tyler Perry, and the launch of her first-ever doll collection.

The night would not have been complete without a conversation with Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee himself. Lee reflected on the purpose behind the Impact Awards, emphasizing that the evening was about honoring the changemakers, creators, and leaders who continue to move culture forward.

From political leaders and activists to musicians, actors, reality stars, and entrepreneurs, the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards served as a reminder that Black excellence exists across every industry. Through each conversation, one theme remained clear: despite the challenges facing our communities, culture continues to thrive through resilience, creativity, activism, and love.