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The Welmore Cook Advocacy & Service Award honors exceptional advocacy and service that have made a lasting impact on the lives and visibility of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Recipients demonstrate an unwavering commitment to advancing equity, creating meaningful change, and ensuring that Black LGBTQ+ voices are heard and respected in all arenas of society. Welmore Cook is one of the co-founders of Black Lesbian & Gay Pride Day which is now known as DC Black Pride.
2021
DeMarc A. Hickson PhD
Angela Brown2019
Bishop Allyson N. Abrams
Bishop Emeritus Diana Williams
Nii-Quartelai Quartey2018
Anthony Fox
Anika Simpson, Ph.D.2017
Countess Clarke Cooper
Daryl Wilson2016
Aisha C. Moodie-Mills
Darrin Glymph2015
Steven Walker
Eboné F. Bell
2014
Patricia Corbert
Rahim Briggs2013
Dr. Imani Woody
Courtney Williams2012
Leandra Gilliam2011
Khadijah Tribble
Ron Collins
2010
Charlotte Smallwood
Jeffrey Richardson2004 Carlene Cheatam
Otis “Buddy” Sutson
2003 Barbara Ann Chinn
Ron Lewis
2002 Rev. Dyan McCray
Ron Simmons
2001 Toni Collins
Donna Payne
2000 Cassandra McFerson
Dr. Theo Hodge
1999 Earline Budd
Everett E. Hamilton, Jr.
1998 Rayceen Pendarvis
Robyn C. Holden
1996 Vicki Harris
Michael Saint-Andres
1995 Wanda Alston
Thomas Gleaton
1994 Michelle Parkerson
Aundres Scott
1993
Ric Irick
Willette Griffin -
The Ernest Hopkins Public Health Leadership Award celebrates a visionary leader in national HIV/AIDS advocacy whose lifelong dedication to public health has strengthened and empowered Black LGBTQ+ communities. This honor recognizes the courage, expertise, and persistence required to address one of the most urgent health challenges of our time while championing equality and dignity for all. Ernest Hopkins is one of the co-founders of Black Lesbian & Gay Pride Day which is now known as DC Black Pride.
2021
Ernest Hopkins -
The President’s Award is presented at the discretion of the President & CEO of the Center for Black Equity to honor an individual whose exemplary contributions over the past year have strengthened and advanced Black LGBTQ+ communities. Recipients embody excellence, dedication, and leadership that reflect the mission and values of the Center for Black Equity.
2021: Stephaun Elite Wallace
2019: Derrick Johnson
2018: Chambers-Woods
2017: Aaron Bryant
2016: Kenya Hutton -
Honors individuals whose tireless, behind-the-scenes efforts have quietly but powerfully advanced the betterment of the Black LGBTQ+ community. Established in 2017, this award celebrates everyday heroes whose impact is deeply felt, even if not always visible.
2019
Steven Wilson
2018
Mary Bowman
Achim Jeremiah Howard
2017
Shannon Garçon
SaVanna Wanzer -
The Center for Black Equity Leadership Award honors Black LGBTQ+ leaders whose professional excellence and strategic vision drive progress within their industries and communities. This award recognizes individuals who lead with integrity and innovation, creating pathways for representation, equity, and empowerment. Recipients inspire others not only through advocacy, but through transformative leadership that changes systems, builds opportunity, and strengthens community resilience.
2021
TAG: The Alliance Group at University of DC
2019
Kahlib Barton-Garçon
2019
Queen Adesuyi
2018
Impulse Group DC
2017
Check It Enterprises, LLC
2016
Guy Anthony
Victoria Kirby York
2014
AJ King -
The Center for Black Equity Small Business Award honors a business whose dedication to community investment, authentic representation, and economic empowerment has made a significant impact in LGBTQ+ spaces. This recognition highlights the essential role of entrepreneurship in driving progress and visibility.
2021: Greg Evans Real Estate Group
2019: Michael Beale / Mb Staffing Services2018
D.C. Allen - The Crew Club
Everett E. Hamilton / Octane Public Relations
2004
Shaka King
2003
|Nob Hill -
Recognizes outstanding leadership within the Black transgender community. Named for Earline Budd, a longtime advocate for transgender and civil rights, this award honors those who demonstrate courage, resilience, and transformative leadership.
2018: Lisa Monet Dupree
2019: Shi-Queeta-Lee
2021: Charmaine Eccles -
The Charlotte Smallwood Volunteer Service Award honors the invaluable contributions of DC Black Pride volunteers whose time, energy, and commitment help make the celebration possible. Named for longtime volunteer Charlotte Smallwood, this award recognizes individuals whose spirit of service reflects the heart of Pride — giving generously of themselves to uplift, support, and strengthen the community.
2021: Jaye Wynn
2019: Derrick “Strawberry” Cox
2018: Kathy Neal
2017: David Maurice Parker
2016: Jason Lyric
2015: Genise Chambers-Woods
2014: C. Hawkins
2013: Donald Burch, III -
The Alan Sharpe Artistic Excellence Award honors the power of art as a vehicle for change. Recipients are recognized for their transformative artistic contributions and compelling storytelling that illuminate Black LGBTQ+ experiences, preserve cultural narratives, and inspire new generations to embrace authenticity and creativity.
2021: Courtney Baker-Oliver III
2019: Alan Sharpe -
The Curtis L. Etherly Jr. Ally Award is presented to an individual whose unwavering allyship and steadfast support have significantly advanced the well-being of Black LGBTQ+ communities. Through inclusive policy initiatives, philanthropic leadership, and meaningful partnerships, recipients embody the true spirit of solidarity and shared purpose.
2021
Brian K. Bond
Channing Wickman
2019
Gail Oliver
Peggielene Bartels “King Peggy”
2018
Curtis L. Etherly Jr. (Posthumously) -
The Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks Spiritual & Community Leadership Award recognizes a lifetime of spiritual and community leadership dedicated to creating inclusive spaces of faith, healing, and support for Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Honorees embody compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to bridging the gap between spirituality and full acceptance.
2021: Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks -
The Eleanor Holmes Norton Award honors steadfast advocacy for justice, equality, and the protection of civil rights for LGBTQ+ communities. Recipients embody courage and conviction, advancing policies and initiatives that safeguard freedoms and promote true inclusion for all.
2021: DC Attorney General Karl A. Racine
2018
Congressman John Lewis
Washington DC Councilmember Anita Bonds
2016
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser
2011
Washington, DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray
2010
Washington, DC City Council
2004
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton -
Recognizes an organization whose leadership, creativity, and service have created meaningful change in the lives of Black LGBTQ+ people. Named for pioneering lesbian activist Ruth Ellis, this award honors collective action that advances equity and belonging.
2014: DC Metropolitan Police Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU)
2004: Adodi - DC
2003: ZAMI
2002: Jackson State University/Mississippi Urban Research Center
2001: Gay Men of Africa Descent
2000: Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League -
Presented by the president of the executive board of Black Lesbian & Gay Pride Day, Inc. (now DC Black Pride) to a board member whose dedication and service have advanced the mission of DC Black Pride. Named for Tina Tealsey, an exceptional activist and former BLGPD board member, this award honors those who exemplify integrity, stewardship, and commitment to community.
2004 Eric E. Richardson
2003 Clarence Fluker
2002
Cheryl Dunn
Toni Collins
2001
Ronnie Foster
2000
Melody Lawson
1999
Cheryl Head
1998
Robert Jones
1996
Tina Teasley -
Recognizes individuals or organizations in the creative arts, humanities, or media whose work has created positive and affirming images of Black LGBTQ+ communities. This award celebrates the power of representation to inspire change and pride.
2003: Emil Wibekin
2002: E. Lynn Harris
2001: r. erica doyle
2000: Reggie Ray -
Celebrates an individual — LGBTQ+ or ally — who has worked tirelessly to uplift Black LGBTQ+ communities and serves as a role model of integrity, leadership, and advocacy. This award highlights visible contributions that inspire others to follow.
2003: Mary J. Blige
2002: Patti LaBelle
2001: Archishop Carl Beam
2000: Ruth Ellis -
Presented to a corporation that has demonstrated meaningful support for Black LGBTQ+ communities through investment, partnership, and leadership. This award recognizes the role of the private sector in advancing equity and inclusion nationwide.
2003: MAC Cosmetics
