(Washington, DC) — The 4th annual Influencers Brunch was an undeniable highlight of the Congressional Black Caucus weekend in Washington, DC. Curated by Terk Entertainment Group partners Tarek “Terk” Stevens and Ronald “Tricky” Montgomery, the program opened with breakout Pop/R&B artist Eli serenading the crowd, then transitioned to an intimate conversation with Hollywood heavyweights Will Packer and Malcolm D. Lee, moderated by Heart & Soul Channel’s personality Cayman Kelly on Sirrius XM radio.
Packer and Lee were raw and candid, sharing insider knowledge about the movie industry while promoting their new film Night School. “We appreciate your support, because every ticket counts when you are up against others,” Packer explained. Lee echoed Packers sentiment and encouraged others to follow their passion especially if it led them to pursue the film industry. Lee suggested hopefuls be prepared to start at the bottom and do the work. “I started at the bottom. I got coffee, bagels, etc. I even messed up sometimes and got yelled at, but it’s ok,” he said. “Sometimes we want the success but aren’t willing to start at the bottom, but in many cases that’s the only way in.”
What began as a casual breakfast meeting between Anthony Anderson, Tarek “Terk” Stevens and Chris Spencer during The BET Honors has now become an exclusive gathering where Capitol Hill, Hollywood and Wall Street converge to celebrate igniters of the cultural power shift, recognize the impact of dynamic partnerships and empower the next generation of social change agents. “It’s always a beautiful room,” says Ronald “Tricky” Montgomery, “you look around and see so many different examples of black excellence from entertainment, to politicians to corporate brand managers, it’s black people supporting, collaborating and celebrating each other.”
Tarek “Terk” Stevens believes the brunch symbolizes the importance of building and sustaining relationships. “Your influence extends beyond your own platform and includes your relationships. The Influencers Brunch represents fertile ground for collaborative innovation that inspires global action,” he says. The relationships in this room go back for decades and others are just beginning, but this event represents how invaluable those connections are even beyond business.”
In addition to hearing insightful commentary from Packer and Lee, guests dined on a gourmet style brunch, enjoyed the beautiful rooftop view overlooking the Capitol and Union Station and received exclusive gift bags filled with Shea Moisture products.
Celebrity and notable guests included; author/speaker Michael Eric Dyson, former Essence editor-in-chief Susan L. Taylor, actor Lamman Rucker, comedian/radio morning show host Joe Clair, pop culture expert Jawn Murray, model/actress/morning radio host Claudia Jordan, ‘Love In The City’ star and International Motivational speaker Bershan Shaw, Josh J1 Raiford Program Director of 93.9 WKYS Radio One, Maryland Delegate Jay Walker and Angie M. Gates who serves as the Director of the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment.
The 4th annual Influencers Brunch was sponsored by Shea Moisture, Barclays, Night School (Universal Pictures), CVS Health, Howard Stirk Holdings, Blackmaled Productions, Will Packer Media, Sunshine Matter, LLC, Tito’s Vodka, Jack Daniel’s and 202Creates as part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s month long initiatirve and the Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music and Entertainment.