Center for Black Equity Awards The Center for Black Equity has a longstanding tradition of honoring distinguished Black LGBTQ+ individuals and those who champion the Black LGBTQ+ community. These awards are deeply rooted in our history. In earlier years, several were presented during DC Black Pride and carried the name DC Black Pride Awards. As DC Black Pride is a program of the Center for Black Equity, these recognitions remain firmly within our legacy, continuing today as part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate excellence, leadership, and service within the community. Over the years, certain awards have been presented selectively and are not bestowed annually. Welmore Cook Advocacy & Service Award 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. Ernest Hopkins Public Health Leadership Award 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. Earl D. Fowlkes Jr. President’s Award The President’s Award, renamed in 2025 as the Earl D. Fowlkes Jr. President’s Award in honor of the Center for Black Equity’s founder and first president, 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 and the visionary spirit of Earl D. Fowlkes Jr. Unsung Hero Award 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. Center for Black Equity Leadership Award 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. Center for Black Equity Small Business Award 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.
BE. Icon Award (People’s Choice Award) The BE. Icon Award celebrates an individual who truly embodies the spirit of the BE. Gala: someone whose passion, leadership and impact leave a lasting mark on our community. Nominated and chosen by the public, the recipient inspires others, uplifts those around them, and uses their voice and actions to create meaningful change. It’s a tribute to the everyday hero whose influence may not always make headlines but whose presence is powerfully felt. Alan Sharpe Artistic Excellence Award 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. Curtis L. Etherly Jr. Ally Award 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. Named for Curtis Etherly who was the embodiment of what it means to be an ally in thought, word and deed. Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks Spiritual & Community Leadership Award 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. Eleanor Holmes Norton Civil Rights & Justice Award 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. National Black Pride Image Award 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.
Past CBE award winners: centerforblackequity.org/awards