HoodTrophy Bino didn’t just arrive — he pulled up in a Maybach truck loaded with purpose.
On February 22, 2026, at The HideOut in Downtown Los Angeles, “ICONS IN THE MAKING: A Community Experience” brought culture, leadership, and real service together for underserved youth. Hosted by the Black History and Lifestyle Award (BHLA), the activation centered on care, confidence, and dignity through direct community engagement.
Bino created one of the day’s most defining moments. He stepped out and personally distributed Nike’s, Jordans, Vans, signature socks, and backpacks to youth in attendance, staying present and engaged throughout the process.
The impact extended across the entire experience.
Young attendees were welcomed into a space designed to affirm their worth through professional hairstyling, wellness essentials, mentorship opportunities, and confidence-building activations. Each station reinforced visibility, support, and self-belief.
Hip-hop icon Yolonda Yo-Yo Whitaker was present as The Yo-Yo School of Hip Hop representing in a deeply personal way, spending time connecting with youth, sharing her journey, and engaging the community as both an artist and mentor. Her presence reinforced the generational bridge between hip-hop culture and community leadership.
Actress and philanthropist Meagan Good brought intention and structure through her continued involvement in youth-centered initiatives. She engaged with families and attendees throughout the day while reinforcing the importance of showing up and pouring into the next generation.
Her presence also highlighted her broader work in wellness through Honor Culture, a fitness and mental health initiative centered on intentional living and long-term care, with a digital platform expected to launch soon.
Leadership representation extended into civic engagement through Los Angeles sheriff candidate Andre White, who connected with families and emphasized visibility, service, and possibility within public safety leadership.
The activation also welcomed Nigerian-American comedian Seyi Brown and culinary creator Coline Witt of Eating While Broke, both contributing to the event’s cultural and mentorship-driven atmosphere.
Behind the activation sits a larger mission.
BHLA, founded in 2022 by Eziada Folashade Balogun, operates as a global professional network and think tank focused on economic empowerment, cultural leadership, and access for Black entrepreneurs, creatives, and youth. The organization continues expanding its work beyond awards into business development and community-based programming.
From fresh haircuts to mentorship moments, from wellness resources to cultural connection, every detail reinforced the same message: care creates confidence.
A Maybach truck.
Stacks of Jordans and Vans.
Backpacks and socks handed directly to youth.
It captured the intersection of influence, responsibility, and lived experience in real time.
Because when hip-hop shows up in person, without distance or performance, the impact lands differently.
And in this moment, it did.
