(Los Angeles, CA) — L.A. Focus Newspaper 26th Annual First Ladies High Tea was the place to enjoy a Saturday afternoon held on May 18, 2024, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The power-packed lineup of presenters, performers, and honorees included actresses Wendy Raquel Robinson, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Christina Elmore, L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Grammy award-nominated recording artist Major and gospel sensation Lena Byrd Miles.
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown received the Spirit Award. AIDS Healthcare Foundation Vice President Anita Castille was presented with the Focus Award for her corporate outreach efforts, and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove was honored with the “Gamechanger” Award.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized with the “Gamechanger Award” at the 26th Annual First Ladies High Tea, an event I look forward to each year,” said Kamlager-Dove. “Beyond the festivities and ladies turning out in all of their hats, this tea is a powerful reminder of the remarkable contributions women of faith make to our community. It also brings to light some of the urgent challenges faced by the district I represent while providing scholarships to empower the next generation of game-changers.”
The 2024 First Ladies Church honorees were Hanelory Molina of Restore LA Church, Shonta Hilton of Brister Memorial Baptist Church, Patricia Weaver of Atherton Baptist Church, and Karen Coston of Grant AME Church, for their service to the community and the work they do in their respective churches.
Returning as host is actress Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game, Insecure). “The First Ladies High Tea is absolutely one of my favorite events to host. It’s a deeply moving and immensely powerful experience, and I am astounded by the remarkable women gathered in that room,” said actress Robinson, who will share hosting duties with KCAL reporter Jasmine Simpkins, who is also a regular on the KTLA lifestyle show, “L.A. Unscripted.”
Gospel sensation Lena Byrd Miles and Grammy-nominated soul singer Major performed at the tea. Another of the afternoon’s highlights was the announcement of the winners of the L.A. Focus Annual Essay Contest. The Grand Prize winner received a $2500 scholarship, and eleven runners-up will each receive a $1000 scholarship to further their education.
The Afternoon Tea event will host 800+ attendees and serve a traditional Afternoon Tea Menu. Sponsors include the County of Los Angeles, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, CVS, Walmart, Compassion International, the United Faith Collaborative, Planned Parenthood, L.A. Councilmembers Heather Hutt and Curren Price and the L.A. Department of Water & Power.
“The 26th Annual First Ladies High Tea is more than an event; it’s a heartfelt testament to the indomitable spirit and leadership of women in our community. We’re not just celebrating; we’re acknowledging the trailblazing efforts of women who’ve reshaped our societal landscape. The tea is set to be a symphony of inspiration, honor, and unity. We stand at the brink of another memorable edition, excited to spotlight these luminaries who illuminate our paths with their resilience and leadership. It’s not just a tea; it’s a beacon of hope and a circle of empowerment, woven into the very fabric of our community.” States Lisa Collins Founded the First Ladies High Tea and L.A. Focus Newspaper.
About the First Ladies High Tea
Founded in 1998, this afternoon tea is a red-carpet affair for the Who’s Who of women in the church and the Black community, featuring celebrity guests, community leaders, and honorees that has become an annual tradition. In the twenty-plus years since its inception, the tea has served to inspire women, both young and old, to join forces and create a movement of service towards each other, the communities in which they live, and God while also providing scholarships to at-risk youth and galvanizing the faith community around critical issues that are impacting it. Past honorees include U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, KCAL Anchor Pat Harvey, award-winning actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, CeCe Winans, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, the late Cicely Tyson, Yolanda Adams, TV One founder Cathy Hughes, actor/activist Hill Harper and, to name a few.
