On April 26, guests traded traditional gala footwear for statement sneakers at the Celebration of Serenity Sneaker Ball, where Bobby Brown and Alicia Etheridge Brown brought together artists, advocates, and community leaders in support of Bobbi Kristina Serenity House. Hosted by Emmy-nominated actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, the evening honored survivors of domestic violence while keeping Bobbi Kristina Brown’s impact at the center.
The gala served as a spotlight to the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House organization’s ongoing work, which includes crisis intervention, transitional housing, and resources for survivors of domestic violence. Throughout the night, artists and attendees alike emphasized the importance of community support and showing up for those in need.
Remixd Magazine had the opportunity to interview guests on the carpet to ask them about the importance of the event and how they showed up to support the organization’s impactful work.
A Night Rooted In Purpose
For Bobby Brown, the mission remains clear. During an interview, Brown emphasized the importance of standing alongside eachother.
“We all need to stand together with this epidemic… domestic violence,” Bobby Brown told Remixd Magazine on the purple carpet. “We all need to stand up on what we know to be true, and that’s no violence whatsoever in a relationship.”
That sense of urgency echoed throughout the night. Actress and activist Holly Robinson Peete emphasized the importance of turning pain into power.
“They’ve turned this painful situation into a power moment,” Peete said.
Meanwhile, actress Dawnn Lewis reminded attendees that the work goes far beyond awareness.
“You never know who it affects… we need to check on each other,” she said. She also highlighted the importance of community and accessible resources for those in crisis.
Honoring Legacy and Resilience
The evening honored three women for their contributions to culture, resilience, and community impact. Tina Knowles received the Legacy Impact Award, Tisha Campbell was presented with the Thriver Award, and Deputy Chief Ruby Flores was honored with the Changemaker Award.
This year’s honorees reflected the night’s deeper meaning. Legacy Impact honoree Tina Knowles described what it meant to her to be honored, and summed up the spirit of the evening through music. Specifically, she pointed to one song that captured the energy of the night:
“We are the world… that’s what I’m kind of feeling tonight,” Knowles told Remixd of her song of choice.
Meanwhile, host Anthony Anderson found himself transported by nostalgia. He cited Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as a song that takes him back to his childhood in Compton. Additionally, Anderson reflected on what he hoped audiences would carry with them beyond the night:
“An understanding… and just love. Spread that.”
Bobby Brown Speaks on Turning Grief Into Advocacy
(Photo by Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content) *** Local Caption *** Bobbi Kristina’s Serenity House Celebration of Serenity Gala The Sneaker Ball
Throughout the night, one theme remained constant: music as a source of healing. When asked what’s been helping him through difficult moments, Bobby Brown pointed to a timeless influence:
“Lots of Stevie Wonder,” Brown said.
For singer Eric Benét, music remains a powerful vehicle for empathy and connection, both on and off the stage.
“I’m hoping that people are feeling empathy tonight… this is about support and healing.”
Benét reflected on Stevie Wonder’s lesser-known album Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants, specifically the song “Flower Power,” as a reminder of the connection between love, nature, and emotional healing.
Across many conversations, music emerged as a powerful tool for grounding, expression, and connection.
A Continued Call To Action
The night served as a continued call to action. From powerful testimonies to shared musical moments, the Celebration of Serenity Sneaker Ball highlighted how support happens not only individually, but collectively through community, conversation, and culture.
