The Native Son Awards, a celebration of Black queer men's achievements and a movement dedicated to their empowerment, is turning 10 years old. This milestone anniversary is marked by a star-studded event, honoring director/producer Anthony Hemingway, singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr, and actor Tramell Tillman. The awards, held on Juneteenth, are a testament to the organization's commitment to visibility, equity, and inclusion. The event, themed 'A Legacy of Pride', is produced by Lena Waithe, a newly appointed Native Son board member. This year, Native Son is expanding beyond the awards, offering a weekend-long experience with programs, initiatives, and a dedicated space called Native Son House, which will host a variety of activities, including conversations, interviews, screenings, performances, and workshops. This expansion reflects the organization's growth and its mission to create spaces where Black queer people can gather, be affirmed, build community, and thrive. The Native Son Awards co-chairs, including Darnell Moore, Yashua Simmons, George M. Johnson, Kyle Hagler, Obio Jones, Jermelle Simone, Andrew McCaskill, and Marcus Johnson-McCaskill, emphasize the importance of this celebration. The event will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person, ensuring accessibility and reach. This celebration is not just about honoring past achievements but also about declaring the importance of Black queer men's stories, voices, and futures. It's a powerful movement grounded in connection, advocacy, culture, and community, and it continues to evolve, creating spaces for Black queer individuals to gather, be affirmed, and thrive unapologetically.
