The Native Son Awards marked a thrilling return on Wednesday evening with a celebration of Black queer excellence at New York City’s iconic IAC Building.
With over 300 guests in attendance, the ceremony recognized a standout class of honorees who are reshaping culture, politics, and the arts.
This year’s honorees were Colman Domingo, costume designer Paul Tazewell, choreographer Sean Bankhead, artist Derrick Adams, National Black Justice Coalition CEO and executive director Dr. David J. Johns, and founder of the Black AIDS Institute Phill Wilson being honored for their celebrated work and contributions to the Black queer community.
The night was hosted by journalist Don Lemon and also included performances by Grammy award-nominated singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr and The Voice contestant Deon Jones.
One of the major moments of the evening came when Global Editorial Director of Vogue and
Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast Anna Wintour made a suprise appearance to present Colman Domingo his Native Son Award.
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Along with Wintour, a star-studded list of presenters attended the event to present awards to the Native Son Awards nominees. Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and producer Cynthia Erivo presented Paul Tazewell his award. Writer, curator, and activist Kimberly Drew presented to Derrick Adams. Award-winning activist, educator, and writer Brittany Packnett Cunningham was the presenter for Dr. David J. Johns. And philanthropist, arts advocate and Executive Partner and Managing Director of AlixPartners
Reggie Van Lee presented to Phill Wilson.
And in an exceptionally moving moment, Debora Bankhead, the mother of honoree Sean Bankhead, presented her son his Native Son Award.
“This is what the intersection of being Black and Queer looks like,” said Emil Wilbekin, Native Son founder. “Celebrating the best and the brightest in the worlds of Hollywood, Broadway, Social Impact, Entertainment, and Visual Arts is a testament to the power of the Black queer community. Colman Domingo, Paul Tazewell, Derrick Adams, Dr. David Johns, Derrick Adams, and Sean Bankhead represent the Black Queer Excellence of the highest order. This is how we celebrate Pride and Juneteenth with a safe space the elevates Black joy!”
Part of the evening also featured social impact moments led by former Native Son Awards honorees Rashad Robinson, Alphonso David, and Keith Boykin. These moment provided an opportunity to highlight Native Son’s continued work to empower the Black queer community and provide a platform that highlights the experiences of Black queer men.
This year’s Native Son Awards was an glorious recognition of the power, resolve, and creativity of Black queer men and the Black queer community. And to celebrate the extraordinary evening, we’ve pulled together photos of some exciting moments from the big night.
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