June 13th 2024.
On June 12th, the Native Son Awards took place, shining a light on the achievements and contributions of Black Queer men to society. The ceremony, organized by the Native Son organization, recognized individuals who have made a significant impact by "rewriting narratives and shifting the Black queer voice and visibility and how they show up in the world." Among the distinguished honorees were Law Roach, Jeremy Pope, Bill T. Jones, Chris Chambers, Keith Boykin, and Gabriel Maldonado.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Native Son Awards were founded in 2017 by Emil Wilbekin, a professor and community organizer. Wilbekin expressed his pride in the growth and success of the event over the past seven years, stating, "In the seven years since the inception of this Awards show, we've seen it grow, exponentially, to become a most anticipated tradition in the community." The Native Son Awards serve as a platform to not only celebrate the excellence of Black queer individuals but also to acknowledge and celebrate the joy within the community.
Wilbekin continued, "We are so excited to recognize these 2024 honorees - an amazing group of men who truly personify the spirit of Black Queer Excellence in all that they do." The Native Son press release described the organization as a "movement that exemplifies the duality of being Black and gay in a society that often shuns and belittles their unique experiences." The goal of Native Son is to create a safe and empowering space for Black gay men to connect and celebrate their achievements in various fields, including arts, business, media, fashion, politics, and healthcare.
The list of honorees includes some notable names such as Law Roach, a renowned celebrity stylist who has worked with A-listers such as Zendaya and Megan Thee Stallion. Roach also made history by becoming the first person to receive the CFDA's Stylist Award in 2022 and becoming the editor of British Vogue. Jeremy Pope, a multi-talented artist, also received recognition for his work as a Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, and two-time Tony Award nominee. Bill T. Jones, a two-time Tony Award winner, is a choreographer, director, dancer, and writer. Chris Chambers, the founder and CEO of The Chambers Group, has made a name for himself as a Public Relations and communications professional, working with artists like Chaka Khan and Usher. Keith Boykin, a New York Times best-selling author and television and film producer, is also known for his political commentary on various networks. Gabriel Maldonado, the CEO of TruEvolution, an organization focused on LGBTQ+ justice and HIV+ equity, is an activist and organizer.
The Native Son press release states, "The annual Native Son Awards celebrates Black gay and queer men who are maverick and trailblazers and who have broken barriers - both professionally and personally." The organization's mission is to empower Black gay and queer men, elevating their voices, visibility, and lived experiences. The event, hosted by former CNN anchor Don Lemon, will feature awards presented by TV and film star Nicholas L. Ashe, fashion designer LaQuan Smith, the President of Color of Change Rashad Robinson, and writer and thought leader Darnell L. Moore, who is also the 2024 Native Son Gala co-chair. The ceremony, presented by Cadillac and Gilead Sciences, will be available for viewing on the Native Son accounts on Facebook and YouTube.
In addition to the award ceremony, Native Son has also caught the attention of the fashion world, with rapper Yung Miami showing her support for the LGBTQ+ community by releasing a Pride capsule collection. With the continued efforts of organizations like Native Son and influential figures like Yung Miami, the celebration and support for the Black queer community are sure to grow stronger.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
