**Inside the Native Son Awards: Emil Wilbekin, Law Roach, Jeremy Pope, Lena Waithe, LaQuan Smith & More Take the Spotlight**
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The 7th Annual Native Son Awards took place Wednesday night at The IAC Building, shining a spotlight on Black gay excellence. This year’s honorees included standout figures like Law Roach and Jeremy Pope, who continue to break barriers and redefine what success looks like in their communities.
Founded in 2017 by Emil Wilbekin—a journalist, professor, and community leader—the awards celebrate the achievements of Black gay and queer men who are not only challenging norms but also actively reshaping them. Wilbekin highlighted the power of unity and ambition, emphasizing how coming together to celebrate one another helps build a lasting legacy for future generations.
Don Lemon hosted the evening, bringing his experience as a past honoree and longtime supporter of the event. Both he and Wilbekin embraced the summer vibe in crisp cream and white linen suits.
Claire Sulmers, CEO of Fashion Bomb Daily, brought a touch of old Hollywood with her black strapless sequin gown. A proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, she showed her support for Wilbekin and the Native Son mission. Her signature finger waves and smokey eye makeup added a bold, glamorous edge.
Throughout the night, Sulmers connected with honorees like LaQuan Smith, Law Roach, and Jeremy Pope. Smith, who presented Roach’s award, wore a chocolate draped top with black coated denim and maroon boots. Roach, known for styling stars like Zendaya, Celine Dion, and Megan Thee Stallion, turned heads in a white pinstripe suit jacket accented with a black floral pin.
Jeremy Pope, honored by Rashad Robinson, chose a sleek all-black outfit featuring a textured sleeveless top and wide-leg trousers, giving his look a modern twist. Lena Waithe also made an appearance, blending street style with sophistication in a nude double-breasted graphic suit, a wifebeater shirt, yellow durag, and a pearl necklace.
The event was filled with fashion-forward guests. Celebrity stylist Ty Hunter wore a cropped blazer and wide-leg pants, topped off with a metal emblem hat and layered necklaces. Supermodel Joan Smalls kept it sharp and elegant in a classic black power suit.
The night was a vibrant celebration of style, identity, and community—honoring those who are making meaningful contributions and inspiring change.