2020 BLACK PRIDE KICKOFF

VIZAZI AWARDS

VIZAZI: A SWAHILI WORD

MEANING GENERATIONS

In celebration of the rich legacy and promising future of Black LGBTQ+ Family in Cincinnati we are hosting our 2nd Annual Vizazi Torch Awards. The event is the primary community celebration for Cincinnati Black Pride, and will be held Friday, June 26th VIRTUALLY with support from BLACK IN SPACE. This year's awards honor 12 Cincinnatians committed to advancing and improving the quality of life for Black Queer and Trans folks. Recipients are nominated in the following three categories:

Spark

Every fire begins with a spark.

This award recognizes the efforts of youth and young professionals in our community age 29 and under. These individuals are innovators, change-makers,

and brave truth-tellers.

Ember

Embers keep the fire alive.

They are often important and critical bridges between our elders and youth. These individuals, age 30-49, have often accomplished a great deal and are best marked by their drive, initiative, and resilience.

Flame

The light of flames guide the way.

This award recognizes members of our community age 50 and above. These individuals are history bearers, trailblazers, and wisdom carriers. They inspire us to continue carrying the

torch forward.

2020 HONOREES ANNOUNCED

AWARD PRESENTATION

FRIDAY • JUNE 26, 2020

7:30PM - 10:00PM EST

RSVP HERE

NEW IN 2020, INTRODUCING THE:

THE KIBURI AWARD:

A SWAHILI WORD MEANING PRIDE.

This year we are introducing the Kiburi Award. Many native Cincinnatians with strong roots and deep connections to the city and our community have moved away. Some have returned and others stay where they are and continue to make Cincinnati proud with their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. So we honor the movers and shakers from Cincy who are proud to honor their roots here. They say "wherever you go, there you are"; and we are proud of these amazing leaders who share the best of who we are with the world.

2020 KIBURI HONOREES

THE MHENGA AWARD:

A SWAHILI WORD MEANING ANCESTOR.

This year we are also introducing the Mhenga Award. This award is given to people in Cincinnati who have passed on and who will continue to watch over and love us. Each year we will honor ancestors, and though we;ve lost both Riah and Monica this year way too soon, the impact they had on so many lives is no less valuable. Riah has taught us that Black Lives don't matter if we aren't fighting for Black Trans Lives. Monica graced the stages as a drag performer and DJ, reminding us all that tomorrow isn't promised and to embrace joy each moment.

2020 MHENGA HONOREES