The veteran stage, film and movie actress got behind the camera as well, making her directorial debut with The Contradictions of Fair Hope.
“My mother always told me because of the kind of world we live in, we need to be better – that’s what I aspire to do,†said Merkerson.
Emayatzy Corinealdi, star of the indie hit Middle of Nowhere
, was also honored during the luncheon.Head to theGrio for a full list of winners and more photos.