AWARD nominationS
Welcome to the nomination page for the prestigious awards presented by Imagine Black and Imagine Black Futures.
These awards honor individuals and groups who exemplify exceptional leadership, progressive advocacy, and unwavering commitment to Black communities in Oregon.
We invite you to nominate deserving candidates for the following awards:
Robin M. Johnson Award
Rutherford Award
Black Radical Imagination Award
Community Care Award
Oregon Accomplice Award
Nominate multiple individuals or groups who you believe embody the spirit of these awards and have made significant contributions to their communities.
Nominations open on April 5, 2024, and close on May 17, 2024.
Join us in celebrating and honoring those who are dedicated to advancing equity, justice, and empowerment for Black Oregonians. Thank you for your participation in recognizing outstanding leadership and advocacy.
Robin M. Johnson Award
The Robin M. Johnson Award honors an individual who has displayed remarkable leadership as a member of a Board of Directors within Oregon's Black-led and/or Black-serving nonprofit sector. Recipients of this prestigious award demonstrate an unwavering dedication to enhancing the welfare and empowerment of Black communities through their innovative leadership, strategic foresight, and impactful initiatives.
Nominees for this award should possess a proven track record of effecting positive change, fostering collaboration, and advocating for equity and justice within their organizations and the wider community. Their contributions should reflect a commitment to driving meaningful progress and creating lasting impact for Black Oregonians.
Rutherford Award
The Rutherford Award acknowledges a visionary Black leader whose progressive social justice advocacy has left a lasting impact on Black communities in Oregon.
Nominees for this esteemed award demonstrate exceptional dedication, creativity, and resilience in their endeavors to empower Black communities and confront systemic injustices. They serve as catalysts for change, utilizing their leadership to enact tangible improvements in community development, advocacy, and the advancement of equity and justice for all.
Black Radical Imagination Award
The Black Radical Imagination Award recognizes individuals who harness the transformative potential of Black radical imagination and Afrofuturism to shape a more equitable and empowered world for Black communities. Grounded in the principle of Black radical imagination, this accolade celebrates those who envision a revolutionary and liberated future for Black communities. Nominees exhibit creativity, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to fostering liberation within Black communities.
Black radical imagination, as articulated by Robin D.G. Kelly, encapsulates the act of envisioning a future that breaks free from oppressive systems. This tradition dates back to ancient times, where Black imagination served as a counterforce to Western criticism and propelled resistance against systemic injustices. Moreover, Afrofuturism intersects with the Black imagination, providing a framework for exploring alternate realities, reclaiming lost histories, and cultivating hope for tomorrow.
Community Care Award
The Community Care Award celebrates individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to promoting healing justice and community care within Black Oregon.
Nominees for this award prioritize the holistic well-being of Black communities, offering support, resources, and spaces for healing and resilience. Their efforts nurture a culture of care, solidarity, and mutual support, strengthening the social fabric and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
Accomplice Award
This award celebrates Non-Black individuals or groups who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to strengthening Black communities and advancing social justice at the grassroots level in Oregon.
Nominees for the Oregon Accomplice Award exhibit a deep understanding of Black community needs, actively engage in advocacy or activism, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to effect positive change. Their initiatives prioritize the voices and experiences of marginalized Black communities, leading to measurable improvements in community well-being and the advancement of social justice causes.