Musicians and entertainers gathered at the Beverly Hilton for the second annual Femme it Forward Give Her FlowHERS Gala in Los Angeles to honor leaders in music for their artistry and mentorship. This year’s honorees included SZA, Brandy, Teyana Taylor, Flo Milli, Jordyn and Jodie Woods, and Monaleo. The event was a celebration of female empowerment and recognition of the impact these artists have had on the industry.
Rapper Flo Milli, the 2023 Bloom Honoree, shared her gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey. She emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and not having a plan B, as it signifies a lack of belief in plan A. She expressed her appreciation for all her supporters and everyone who has contributed to her success.
Houston rapper Monaleo, the Self-Love Honoree, delivered a powerful message about the light that each individual radiates and the importance of recognizing one’s own worth. She encouraged the audience to embrace their uniqueness and remember that the world would be less bright without their presence.
A heartwarming moment occurred when two mothers presented flowers to their daughters. Brandy’s mother, Sonja Norwood, had the audience standing on their feet to celebrate her daughter’s achievements. Brandy expressed her gratitude to her family and fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging that their loyalty and passion have inspired her to push boundaries in her career.
Elizabeth Woods presented flowers to her daughters, Jordyn and Jodie Woods, the event’s My Sister’s Keeper Honorees. Teyana Taylor’s daughter Junie also joined her on stage as she accepted her flowers, emphasizing the importance of patience and faith in God’s plan.
The evening culminated with Lizzo presenting the last award, highlighting SZA’s incredible talent as a songwriter. Lizzo, a self-proclaimed “O.G. SZA fan,” expressed her admiration for SZA’s music and how it has impacted her personally. She also sang “Happy Birthday” to SZA, who had just turned 34 earlier in the week.
SZA, who had received nine Grammy nominations earlier that day, spoke candidly about her current chapter in her career and the blessings she has experienced. She expressed her gratitude for the acknowledgment from her peers and the feeling of seeing God move in her life in a profound way.
The founder of Femme it Forward, Heather Lowery, concluded the event by encouraging guests to extend the sentiment of giving flowers to the women in their own lives. She emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting the women around us, creating true sisterhood and empowerment.
Overall, the event was a beautiful celebration of female talent, strength, and resilience in the music industry. It highlighted the impact of these artists on the next generation of trailblazers and the importance of recognizing and honoring their contributions. The evening was filled with love, gratitude, and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on all those in attendance.
