SOLD OUT! The most iconic Black Queer Excellence celebrations happening in the heart of the District is only one week away from its prominent weekend commencement.
One of the top leading digital impression black LGBTQ+ community organizations, SPEAKOUT Inc. is thrilled to return for the second year in counting its highly anticipated Black-Tie Gala entitled the, “I AM Awards” powered in the capitol city of the United States of America, Washington D.C. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 6pm at the prestigious downtown, Grand Hyatt Hotel.
This year’s the coveted “I AM Awards” will hosted by “P-Valley’s” star actor Nicco Annan and Ballroom Icon, Jack Mizrahi to curate a stellar weekend steeped in its mission to inspire equality, justice, progressive change, empowerment and celebrate the quintessential spirit of black queer excellence.
The Board of Directors and the entire planning committee has been working all year to curate a one-of-a-kind celebratory weekend designed to commemorate and acknowledge individuals who are normally not recognized and to give our community an opportunity to connect, rejuvenate and motivate each other toward a greater commitment to excellence and service. -Antonio Driver, Founder and Executive Director
Full List of Honorees: Judge Greg Mathis (The Ally Award), Hope Giselle (The Cultural Influencer Award), Gabriel Maldonaldo (The Trailblazer of Excellence Award), Shi-Queeta Lee (The Legacy Award), Robert Matthews (The Community Visionary Award), Obio Jones (The Influencer of Excellence Award), Brothers of Influence Inc. (The SpeakOut Vanguard Award), Bishop O.C. Allen (The Revolutionary Leadership Award), Ebone’ Bell (The Writer of Achievement Award), Darwin Thompson (The Humanitarian Award) and Patrik-Ian Polk (The Lifetime Achievement Award)
Shhhhh… The final announcement for the WINNER of the “People’s Choice Award.” The evening will bne fully packed with multiple surprises.
Other celebrity and influencer guest appearances includes: Cam Anthony, Terrell Carter, Greg Mathis jr. and Elliott Cooper, Twiggy Garcon, George M. Johnson, Phillaye, Monroe Alise, the full cast of Noah’s Arc to name a few. This upscale Black tie elite event is designed to be an imperial evening of recognition, inclusion, representation and celebrity engagement. This is the premiere weekend for the black LGBTQIA+ community to unite as one to boldly declare, “I AM” collectively and individually.
“I AM Awards” Main List of Events
Thursday, April 20th
7:00PM | Private Screening “Roux’s Blues: Promise Me, You’ll Be There”
Friday, April 21st
7:00PM | SpeakOut Inc. “I AM Awards” Weekend Welcome Reception
The Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Saturday April 22nd
11:30AM | A Conversation with Cast and Creator of Noah’s Arc hosted by Nicco Annan
The Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
6PM | SpeakOut Inc. “I AM Awards” Black Tie Gala
The Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001
