“Sisterhood is about who you choose along the way,” Glamour’s global editorial director Samantha Barry told a hyped-up audience at The Plaza—although in a sweet move, her own big sister had flown from across the world to be there to support too. On Tuesday evening, the publication hosted its annual rallying celebration of the changemakers who make us cry, laugh, and dream. With honorees, musical interludes, and even cheerleaders in attendance—it made for a crowd buzzing with big sleepover energy.
Upon arrival to the grande dame hotel’s Palm Court bar, guests gabbed over cocktails and chatted excitedly about the prospects of the historic mayoral election. (‘I Voted’ stickers peeked out proudly from clutch bags and evening coat lapels.) Once called to take their seats inside the rarely-seen Terrace Room, the program popped off energetically with riffs and raps from hip hop improv group Freestyle Love Supreme.
This year’s class of honorees were recognized for many reasons, with their bravery and courage to stand up and speak out being front and center. “We need to keep building a world where women come together, not to compete out of scarcity, but to collaborate in abundance,” Demi Moore told them. “The truth is that when one of us shines, we all shine. And when one woman is seen, we are all seen. That is sisterhood.”
Rachel Zegeler, the 24-year-old actress spotlighted for being outspoken about her beliefs in the face of relentless tabloid takedowns, told the room: “I hope I get to be there when a young girl thinks she’ll never be celebrated, so that I can tell her that she will. Because she always will. Women who stand for something will always, always be celebrated.”
The evening encompassed all types of feelings and emotions, from Alex Newell’s spine-tingling performance to the moment when Barry asked each person in the room to light up a bulb on their tables if any women in their life had been affected by breast cancer. (As one of the event’s partners, Eli Lilly will extend the offer of free mammograms to women across the city). But it was educator and social media personality Ms. Rachel’s acceptance speech that prompted floods of tears. Wearing a dress featuring artwork by children in Gaza that she advocates tirelessly for, she urged the room: “Every child everywhere has the right to be protected from violence and hunger, to have a home and medical care, and to go to school. As grown-ups, it’s our moral responsibility to make sure that children’s rights are respected and that we raise our voices when they’re not.”
The evening also honored South African chart-topper Tyla and the women of the WNBA including Jonquel Jones, Nyara Sabally, and Lexie Hull, whose call for “fair pay and safe play” had actress Karen Pittman clicking her fingers together in solidarity.
Pat McGrath—the first makeup artist to ever become a Dame—was also given her flowers. “To every artist, every visionary, every young person with a dream; never dim your brilliance. The world needs your color, your creativity, your magic. Dream big, stay tall, and always make it major,” she said.
As McGrath began her speech, the angle of the rhinestone-covered microphone was a little askew. Sitting in front of her, Demi Moore discreetly repositioned it to better amplify her words. Sisterhood in action.
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