Jussie Smollett Celebrates Black Excellence at the Gentlemen's Ball

While HRC, GLAAD, and the National LGBT Task Force are known for their lavish fundraisers featuring celebrities and politicians, the Gentlemen's Ball -- which celebrates the accomplishments of black LGBTQ men -- is gaining recognition and stature. The seventh annual Gentlemen's Ball was held on Saturday at Atlanta's Marriott Marquis. "The Gentlemen's Foundation has been committed to celebrating, supporting, empowering and mentoring Same Gender Loving, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer black men, as well as encouraging healthy dialogue on issues that promote development and growth, public service, leadership, and networking," co-founders Gee and Juan Smalls said in a statement. The event raised money for scholarships for black LGBTQ men, as well as honoring out Empire actor Jussie Smollett and Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, as well as featuring a performance from R&B artist Tweet. Click through to check out pics from the ball.