Media Partner

2024 FINALISTS

BOSKO
KANTE

SHELENE
HUEY-BOOKER

ASHARA
EKUNDAYO

DAMIEN
POSEY

DONALD
FRAZIER

PHYLLIS JA MAVA
WHITE

KEVIN L.
NICHOLS

TYRONE “CHAMP”
STEVENSON JR.

JAMEELAH
HANIF

IN THE

PRESS

To be an activist is to be a visionary.

Black Joy Parade is teaming up with Comcast to recognize activists icons yet to be crowned.

Upon selection, Icons will receive a $5,000 contribution to a nonprofit of their choice to recognize their commitment and contribution to creating more space for Black joy to thrive.


WHO DO WE

CELEBRATE?

To be eligible, nominees must be:

  • Primarily based in the Bay Area (9 counties)

  • Been engaged in social equity work elevating the community for at least 7 years

  • Their work must be tied to an official organization (preferably a nonprofit but not mandatory) in good standing

  • Contribution will be gifted to a 501c3 of their choice, in good standing

  • Their work has been primarily focused on and benefiting the Black community

Recipients of this recognition will be selected based on the tenure and impact of their work by a panel of Black Joy Parade and Comcast leadership. The top 3 finalists will be crowned as Icons, and announced in just a few months.

MEET OUR 2023

ICONS

Antoine Hunter
Founder / Director, Urban Jazz Dance Company

Dr. Angela Wellman
Founding Director, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music

Chef Mimi
Founder, The Black Food and Wine Experience


MEET OUR 2022

ICONS

Adamaka Ajaelo
Founding Executive Director - Self Estem

LaNiece Jones
Executive Director - Peralta Colleges Foundation

Milan R Balinton
Executive Director, African American Community Service Agency


MEET OUR 2021

ICONS

Ben McBride
CEO, Empower Initiative

Cathy Diane Adams
President & CEO - Oakland African America Chamber of Commerce

Maurice Woods
Executive Director & Founder, Inneract Project

CELEBRATING BLACK JOY

CELEBRATING BLACK JOY