PHOTOS: Cardi B, Yara Shahidi, Michael Ealy, Jemele Hill, Lena Waithe and more stars takeover L.A. during BET weekend

Cardi B
(Photo by Ser Baffo/Getty Images for BET)

It has been a whirlwind week of celebrating #BlackExcellence in Los Angeles thanks to all of the fabulous events that were held ahead of the 2019 BET Awards.

WATCH: Byron Allen honored with ICON Award at Culture Creators Brunch

TheGrio has spotted tons of celebrities and icons since the festivities kicked off on Wednesday night with a PREMIX party hosted by BET’s EVP & Head of Original Programming, Connie Orlando. Music’s biggest names were honored at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards on Thursday evening and Storm Reid and several inspiring women making huge strides across multiple industries were celebrated at the 2nd annual BETher Awards & Dinner on Friday night.

Culture Creators hosted their annual Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch and highlighted the achievements of honorees including Byron Allen, Marsai Martin, and James Lopez among others. BETX featured several special events throughout the 5-day festivities including Genius Talks with Marsai Martin, Lena Waithe, and Yara Shahidi moderated by Jemele Hill and celebrity sporting events, meet and greets, and concerts. 

Storm Reid speaks on taking on more mature roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘When They See Us’: ‘This is what I do this for”

Mary J. Blige and H.E.R. took the stage at the Staples Center on Thursday night along with Summer Walker, Queen Naija and Bri Steves. On Friday, hip-hop reigned supreme when Meek Mill, YG, Blueface, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, and Roddy Rich performed in front of a turned up crowd.

Cardi B, Migos, Lil Baby, Lil YachtyTrippie Redd and City Girls (or should we say “Girl” as only one member of the group performed) closed out the concert series on Saturday night.

Check out a few of our favorite photos from the festivities:

Connie Orlando

(Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for BET)

BET’s EVP and Head of Original Programming hosted an exclusive PREMIX party to kick things off on Wednesday night.

Mona Scott-Young

(Photo by Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for BET)

The Love & Hip-Hop creator was radiant when we spotted her at the BET PREMIX event on Wednesday night.

Karen Obilom

(Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET)

The Games People Play star was fierce and fabulous at the Celebrity Dodgeball Game at L.A. Live on Friday.

Shaun Robinson

(Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for BET)

The television personality, actress, author, producer, philanthropist and girls’ empowerment activist hosted the 2nd Annual BETher Awards & Dinner on Friday night.

BETher Awards

BET Her Awards

(Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for BET)

Shaun Robinson poses with honorees: Courtney Adeleye, June Ambrose, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Erin Teague and Storm Reid at the BETher Awards at Milk Studios on Friday evening.

Michael Ealy & James Lopez 

(Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Culture Creators)

Michael Ealy presented Will Packer Productions President, James Lopez with the Film & Television Award at the Culture Creators 4th Annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday.

Ryan Destiny

(Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Culture Creators)

The former star of the recently-canceled, STAR was effortlessly chic as usual when she hit up the red carpet at the Culture Creators event.

Joi Brown & Byron Allen 

(Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Culture Creators)

Culture Creators founder, Joi Brown poses with ICON Awards recipient Byron Allen at the star-studded affair on Saturday.

Kendrick Sampson

(Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Culture Creators)

Kendrick Sampson was looking sext as ever, pairing white sneakers with a suit at the Culture Creators event.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion

(Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for BET)

The rapper hit the stage at the Karl Kani Fashion Show during the BET Experience at Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday.

Lena Waithe & Jemele Hill

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BET)

Lena Waithe and Jemele Hill had a fascinating conversation about moving the industry forward at the Genius Talks on Saturday.

Yara Shahidi

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BET)

The talented beauty seemed happy to be sharing her story with the crowd when she sat down with Jemele Hill at the Genius Talks series on Saturday.

Marsai Martin

(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for BET)

The 14-year-old executive producer delivered wise words during her Genuis Talk with Jemele Hill at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Saturday.

Cardi B

(Photo by Ser Baffo/Getty Images for BET)

Cardi B hit the Staples Center stage on Saturday night after the crowd was warmed up by City Girls, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, and Migos. 

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