Brandy Embraces Her Success In Personal EBONY Power 100 Speech

Brandy brought her struggle with self-image into the spotlight while accepting one of EBONY’s biggest honors. The singer discussed learning to appreciate her accomplishments during the Power 100 gala on November 9.

Coco Jones introduced Brandy at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and sang a tribute built around her music. Brandy used her turn at the microphone to discuss grief, growing up under pressure and the experiences behind her memoir, Phases.

“Tonight I can feel the weight of what I’ve accomplished without making myself feel smaller,” Brandy said. Her remarks put a personal struggle alongside the career achievements being celebrated in the room.

That subject has followed Brandy for a year as she tells her own story beyond the stage. Phases arrived in March, covering her childhood, early fame and the work of finding her own voice outside other people’s expectations.

An earlier Jennifer Hudson Show interview about the memoir offers context for that conversation. Monday’s ceremony gave Brandy another opportunity to address those experiences while accepting recognition from her peers.

The honor also follows her hometown celebration in Mississippi this summer, when she received keys to McComb and Pike County. She pledged $100,000 for new middle school band instruments during that visit.

Brandy shared this year’s special honoree court with Flau’jae Johnson, Keith Lee, Lena Waithe, Byron Allen and Victor Glover.

Tisha Campbell hosted the ceremony, which also recognized leaders working across music, business, sports and their communities. The event also marked more than 80 years of EBONY’s history.

“Celebrating the Black leaders moving our culture forward is central to EBONY’s mission, and last night was a true reflection of that mission,” EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman said in a statement. “We are honored to have such an influential class of individuals in one room to share their stories and celebrate such incredible achievements.”

The musical performances ranged from Kirk Franklin’s opening appearance to Tyrese’s run-through of his catalog. Monica also joined the program to introduce Bridgeman’s closing speech before the evening wrapped.

T.I. finished his set with “Pistol on the Dance Floor,” delivering its final verse a cappella.