On a rainy Sunday evening, the spirit of unity and culture lit up Hotel Indigo in Brooklyn, as Dine With Dee hosted a special Black Excellence Dinner in celebration of Black culture and community. The event, held just ahead of the Met Gala, took place inside the venue’s stylish Aliya’s Cocktail Den and drew a vibrant crowd from across the worlds of fashion, beauty, journalism, and social media. At the helm of the evening were host Desmond Sam and renowned fashion photographer Flo Ngala.
As guests arrived, they were welcomed with Don Julio cocktails inspired by the evening’s theme of dandyism, a nod to the artistic and cultural themes of the Met Gala. Lively conversation filled the room as attendees connected over drinks and appetizers. A featured video presentation by Black Girls in Archives explored the stories and historical figures behind the Met Gala’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit, adding depth and historical context to the celebration. Guests also got a look at products from Nature Spell, a holistic haircare brand known for using natural ingredients like ashwagandha, bhringraj, and amla.
Once seated, guests enjoyed a curated menu by Chef Scotley Innis. Dishes included lamb chops, chicken wings, vegan and oxtail fried rice, salad, and fried oyster mushrooms, all followed by mini cheesecakes for dessert. The menu, like the evening itself, honored Black heritage, flavor, and creativity.
Throughout the night, the tone was one of pride, reflection, and forward-looking empowerment. “Black excellence means there’s a common thread, a DNA that flows through all of us and through the power of melanin,” said Flo Ngala during a heartfelt reflection on the theme. “It equips us with the intrinsic ability to be great… Being Black in 2025 and in the future, no matter what, there’s just this loaded energy that you feel. It’s empowering and life-changing.”
Ngala continued, “So many people have changed their situations and their family situations by just being empowered by their Black culture—by their style, whatever the case may be. It’s a birthright, literally.”
Among the many notable guests were Alston Mason, Alouine Badara Fall, Armiel Chandler, Aweng Ade-Chuol, Chelsea Henriquez, Dewayne Perkins, Kendall Werts, Jazzelle, Lion Babe, Miss Peppermint, Raisa Flowers, Robot Moonjuice, Sydnee Washington, Liz Taylor, Jason Ve, Jessica Hoy, and others—each representing the diverse tapestry of Black excellence being celebrated.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of the impact of Black culture on global fashion and beyond, as well as the importance of gathering to honor shared history, style, and community.
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