*The Merge Summit 2016 just wrapped Saturday, but people are still talking about how it was such a professional and entertaining blessing!
Talk show host Sherrie Shepherd kicked off the opening gala, as the masterminds of Merge: Dr. Holly Carter, Robi Reed and Traci Blackwell, honored stars like Emmy nominated Courtney B. Vance of The People, v. O.J., media mogul Mikki Taylor, Faith Leader Dr. Bill Winston and SVP Dorinda Walker of Prudential Financial. The gala had performances from the American Idol winner up La’ Porsha, new artist Major and the smooth sounds of the one and only Jonathan McReynolds. But this was just the beginning!

Our associate, LaCora Stephens, was on the scene and participated in numerous events like the educational Merge U led by Lamont Leak and Tameka Bob and panels featuring authors and more like Dr. Cyndi Trimm and Tendo Nagenda (Disney’s Queen of Katwe). However, she captured some of her favorite moments from #TheMergeSummit2016. Celebs like Tasha Cobb, Michelle Williams, Brely Evans, Jawn Murray, Lisa Raye, Goo Goo, Derek Luke and more, but here is our list of most memorable moments!
Moment number one. When Pastor Mark Baker gave an awesome words and the saints received breakthroughs:
Moment number two. The #FaithLoveandSuccess panel brought out Beyonce’s mama, thee Mrs. Tina Lawson and her handsome husband, actor, Richard Lawson:
Moment number three. That time Tina and Teddy Campbell tried to sneak in to see Kierra Sheard and sat in the back like no one saw them:
Moment number four. Doppelganger alert. Finding passion and purpose is tough, but finding your twin is made easy with DeVon Franklin and Trai Byers. And let’s not forget their beautiful leading ladies: Meagan Good and Grace Gealey:
Moment number five. When heavy hitters like Nate Parker appeared at the screening of “The Birth of a Nation” and was moved to tears about the challenges of his past and reality of “male privilege”:
Moment number six. Boss, Red Carpets and Panels. The pictures say it all. These queens (Robi Reed, Dr. Holly Carter and Traci Blackwell) are true bosses making changes in the industry:
Do you agree with our list? If you attended the event, let us know your favorite moment(s)!