Meet Scott Hamilton and Vincent Holmes | Founders of Better Brothers Los Angeles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Hamilton and Vincent Holmes, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott and Vincent, we’d love to hear more about your decision to start your own business. What was your thought process behind founding BBLA?
Twelve years ago, we set out to bridge a crucial gap in the Black LGBTQ+ community in Los Angeles. In the wake of several gathering places closing, we saw an opportunity to foster connection and camaraderie. Our initial networking mixers became a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through informational sessions, cultural outings, and recognition events.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
BBLA established the Truth Awards, a scholarship fundraiser that recognizes individuals within the Black LGBTQ+ community for their personal and professional achievements. More than 55 individuals have been honored to date, including notable figures such as Karine Jean-Pierre, Lee Daniels, Raven-Symoné, and Gil Robertson. Additionally, BBLA hosts a quarterly event called “Brunch, Talk, and Learn!” where community members gather to discuss relevant topics such as homebuying, estate planning, sexuality and family, and more.

What sets BBLA and the Truth Awards apart from others? BBLA is the umbrella organization that sponsors various events and activities, including the Truth Awards. We are an extension of community organizers dedicated to creating unique and safe spaces for the Black LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the contributions our community is making worldwide.

What are you most proud of or excited about? We take pride in our contributions to the community, particularly the recognition awarded to honorees through the Truth Awards and the $350,000 we have provided to support youth pursuing a college education.

How did you achieve your current level of success in business? Was it an easy journey? Consistency has been the key to our growth. Our community understands that when BBLA sponsors an event, it will be credible, timely, and authentic. We have also received strong support from The DIVA Foundation and its founder, Sheryl Lee Ralph. As our founding partner for the Truth Awards, we owe Sheryl tremendous gratitude for believing in and embracing our vision. It was Sheryl’s “YES” that propelled us forward.

How did you overcome the challenges you faced along the way? We have persevered because we believe in BBLA’s vision. All organizations encounter challenges, but we have received overwhelming gratitude and support from individuals. This reassures us that we are moving in the right direction. We engage in constructive conversations with one another and welcome feedback from our supporters. We must remember that we cannot be everything to everyone and must stay true to BBLA’s mission.

What lessons have you learned throughout your journey? Establishing credibility is a process that necessitates a consistent and reliable approach over time. To build trust and respect within your audience, following through on your commitments and maintaining a steady presence is crucial. Additionally, it’s essential to be adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of the younger generations that follow you. Embracing change and being open to new ideas and methods can help ensure you remain relevant and not get left behind in a rapidly changing world. By actively engaging with these shifts, you enhance your credibility and position yourself as a forward-thinking leader who values growth and innovation.

What do you want the world to know about the founders of BBLA? Our profound affection for the community runs deep, woven into the very fabric of our Southern heritage. This love is not merely a sentiment; it translates into a strong commitment to empower those around us. We believe in uplifting our neighbors, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. This dedication to service and support reflects our shared values and traditions, driving us to create a more vibrant and resilient community for everyone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love Downtown Los Angeles and the beach. If I had friends visiting the area and wanted to show them a fantastic time, I would take them to some great dining spots. Food enthusiasts will enjoy places like Grand Central Market, Connie & Ted’s, Yang Chow’s, My 2 Cents LA, and for our more upscale friends, Somerville.

If you’re looking for a sample itinerary for a week-long trip, I recommend starting the day with a good breakfast. I usually kick things off at the Flavor Table in Inglewood, a cozy New Orleans-themed restaurant known for its great food and generous portions. They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which is the perfect time to visit my other favorite breakfast spot, the Coffee Company in Westchester. The food there never disappoints.

After enjoying a hearty meal at either location, you can head to Kenneth Hahn Park for a hike on a few trails. As an avid reader, I also enjoy stopping by Malik’s Bookstore in the Culver City Westfield Mall, which has a fantastic collection of books for all ages.

For dinner, I highly recommend Harolds & Belle for delicious Southern cuisine, continuing with that New Orleans theme. Their catfish and shrimp are exceptional. On Friday evenings, Lost DTLA is a great place to grab drinks. It’s a beautiful rooftop space where the cocktails and music create the perfect vibe.

To round out an eclectic week in LA, I recommend a few trips to the beach, exploring the museums at Exposition Park, catching a Clippers game, and taking a tour of the new SoFi Stadium. A visit to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without exploring Grand Central Market, a food hall that offers a diverse selection to satisfy any culinary craving.

Experience the vibrant sights of LA by hiking at Runyon Canyon, stargazing at the Griffith Observatory, and searching for your favorite celebrity star on the Walk of Fame. Don’t forget to stop by Randy’s Doughnuts for a delicious treat! If you’re a fan of HBO’s hit series ‘Insecure,’ make sure to visit the Dunes apartment building in Inglewood and take a photo where Lawrence and Issa lived. Enjoy your time in LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the numerous individuals in Los Angeles and nationwide who have generously supported BBLA and our various programs. Your encouragement and involvement have been invaluable to us. A special thank you goes to Sheryl Lee Ralph for her exceptional support and dedication, which has contributed significantly to our mission and initiatives. We truly appreciate the commitment of everyone who has stood by us and helped positively impact our community.

Website: https://www.thetruthawards.com/

Instagram: @betterbrothersla

Twitter: @BBrothersLA

Facebook: Truth Awards

Youtube: @betterbrothersla

Image Credits
(1) L-R: Vincent Holmes, TS Madison, Tamar Braxton, NLE Choppa, Scott Hamilton. Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III

(2) L-R: Janelle Monae, Bryon Javar, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Wendy Raquel Robinson. Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III

(3) Karine Jean-Pierre. Photo Credit: Earl Gibson III

(4) Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Zaya Wadez. Photo Credit: Better Brothers Los Angeles

(5) Members of Bed Brothers, Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Better Brothers Los Angeles

(6) Members of Bed Brothers, Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Better Brothers Los Angeles

(7) Scott Hamilton and outreach coordinator at Covenant House. Photo Credit: Better Brothers Los Angeles