The dinner was also hosted by Tracey Edmonds and film and television producer Debra Martin Chase. The theme of the evening, "House of Flowers," was inspired by Truman Capote's Broadway play, in which Carroll made her acting debut in 1954. The dinner was meant to "celebrate female empowerment and to help open doors for future accomplishments," said Edmonds.
"A lot of times there is so much superficial competition, because there are so few opportunities for women of color to succeed in the industry, so you've got to compete versus help each other. It was really beautiful that I got this opportunity to share this evening with Debra Chase, who is a fellow producer," said Edmonds.
Beverly Johnson, Angela Bassett, Debbie Allen, Regina King and Anika Noni Rose were among those in attendance to applaud Carroll and fellow honoree Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the first African American president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
"I certainly don't feel like an icon," said Carroll in an interview before dinner. "I've had long stretches of unemployment. This is not an easy game." Later in her acceptance speech she said, "I really appreciate knowing that you've heard my name and remember it. I don't even know if I would have been allowed to drive down this street back in the '50s. Being here has given me new passion."
After a 30-year hiatus, Carroll will return to Broadway in April to play Denzel Washington's mother in "A Raisin in the Sun." Rose will also star.
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