Last night, Universal Music Group (UMG) and EBONY magazine came together to honor Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) during the Congressional Black Caucus’ (CBC) 2017 Annual Legislative Conference. Presented by Airbnb, the exclusive celebration was filled with admiration and entertainment as Harris’ colleagues and supporters came out to honor the highly esteemed senator.
Notable attendees who made sure to celebrate the freshman senator included UMG General Counsel and EVP of Business and Legal Affairs Jeff Harleston; Ebony Media CEO Linda Johnson and Vice Chairman Willard Jackson; and Airbnb Director of National Partnerships Janaye Ingram. Also in attendance were CBC members Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.); Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh; Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.); Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.); and Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.).
It was a packed house as UMG artist and special musical guest Kevin Ross provided the entertainment and enraptured the room.
Sen. Harris was sure to lead the evening with a welcome speech and show of gratitude to guests. While acknowledging the power of press, she gave a nod to UMG’s Harleston and Ebony Media’s Johnson Rice:
“This is a moment in time for all of us to speak truth about what is going on. All of those executives like Jeff Harleston, who sit in those rooms where important decisions are being made about what the message will be, and how it will be spoken and whether it will reflect the truth.
As we party and enjoy all of the success of all the individuals in this room, let’s also continue to support Black press. Support Black media. That’s the press that will speak the truth that the country must hear.”
Preach! Congratulations to Sen. Harris. On behalf of Ebony Media, UMG and Airbnb, we wish you salute you and wish you continued success.