2023 CINCINNATI BLACK PRIDE
VIZAZI AWARDS
VIZAZI: A SWAHILI WORD
MEANING GENERATIONS
In celebration of the rich legacy and promising future of the Black LGBTQ+ Families in Greater Cincinnati, we are hosting the annual Vizazi Torch Awards. This event will be held on
Friday, June 16th, and more details will be available soon.
The awards seek to honor Black Greater Cincinnatians committed to improving the quality of life for Black Queer and Trans folks. Are you, or do you know someone who has made a positive impact on our community? Submit a nomination using the link below:
The selection committee is seeking nominations in the following 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.
OTHER CATEGORIES
THE KIBURI AWARD:
A SWAHILI WORD MEANING PRIDE.
For the second year we are offering 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.
THE MHENGA AWARD:
A SWAHILI WORD MEANING ANCESTOR.
For a second year we are offering 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. In 2020 we celebrated two Black trans women, Riah Melton and Monica St. James. Going forward we honor ancestors whose memories live in the hearts and minds of so many.
Feel free to read the full bios of our 2023 winners HERE
2022 Flames:
Lynn Love, Fred Pierce, Jaraje Rashad Spencer
2022 Embers:
Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Dr. Durell Callier, Alex Cameron, Jamond Foree, Shandra Ingram, LaToya Watson
2022 Sparks:
Freda Epum, Jas Hubbard, Loren McCauley
2022 Kiburi Award:
Melanie Willingham-Jaggers
2022 Mhenga Award:
Kori Raishon, Mama Gloria Allen
(New) 2022 Rafiki Award:
Joel Lam, Mikhaila Henderson, Joshua Kayes