On Tuesday November 3 Bond girls Halle Berry, Trina Parks, Naomie Harris and Gloria Hendry gathered at the California African American Museum for the Black Women of Bond Tribute.
Presented by The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), Sony and Essence Magazine, the event honored the actresses for their groundbreaking roles in the James Bond franchise.
“Thank you ladies for being truly transformative in creating images that the African American community can be proud of,” said Gill Robertson, president of the AAFCA.
Audience members were treated to a series of clips featuring each of the women in all of their Bond girl glory.
“I just wanna say I’m so proud to be a part, to stand her with these gorgeous women,” said Berry. “Thank you so much for deeming this moment so important.”
Berry is perhaps best known for her role opposite Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day.
“What a wonderful experience it was,” said Trina Parks, the first African American Bond girl to appear in the franchise. Parks starred opposite Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever.
Essence also honored current Bond actress Naomie Harris by presenting the audience with the first look at her Essence magazine cover.
Harris, who stars in Skyfall and Spectre, lauded the other women for their work in addition to the Bond franchise for being a pioneer for diversity on the silver screen.
“I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you,” she said. “(For) Your incredible performances and your representation of black female beauty.”
Overall, the women were gracious and appreciative that their contributions had been acknowledged.
The franchise, by putting this on, is showing that they do understand and they do care, said Gloria Hendry, who starred in Live and Let Die.
Notable guests of the night included Garcelle Beauvais, LisaRaye McCoy, Elise Neal and Chanté Moore.
