Vote – The Trailblazer Awards

1. Excellence in New Media AwardWe originally created this Trailblazing Broadcasting Award to honor excellence principally in radio and television broadcasting. But we've now expanded it to include online media. This should be someone whose example and contributions have paved the way for others. Nominees can be anchors, disc jockeys, producers, writers, directors, even technical people. Their impact should extend not just locally or regionally, but nationally and/or globally,

Vicki YatesRingo TVCultfigga TVCharleston WhiteCathy Hughes

2. Gospel Music AwardThis is designed to highlight groundbreaking and visionary achievements by songwriters, publishers, performers, labels, writers or producers in the various fields of spiritual and inspirational music. The nominations can also include arrangers, composers and orchestrators, as well as choral directors.

IUICJeffery Thomas

3.Black Impact AwardThis award honors the broad scope of a career, and can spotlight either individuals, businesses or teams. But the key is to recognize those who've made extensive and comprehensive impact within the culture, and helped discover and foster greatness in others.

Dr. Virginia A CaineShanel PooleTamika CatchingsKiahna W. DavisAndre GivensRon RiceLaDeanaDr. Alicia RamseHomer Hans Bryant

4. Pioneering and Excellence AwardA specialty award that highlights the specific fields of art and illustration. We're focusing on those who have made major achievements as art directors, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, artists, directors, or producers. It also recognizes film creators and/or institutions whose works have been particularly inspirational and motivational.

Nicole Kearney – Sip & Share vegan WinesJace Wallace – Directed by Jace (film director/videographer/mediaCoretta (CoCo) Cuffy, Trailblazer, Stylist, Interior Designer, Personal Stylist

5. Strategic Investors HonorThis award recognizes an individual or family whose track record of exceptional generosity and direct financial support has resulted in significant fiscal benefit to the community. They will have consistently demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and a willingness to give without hesitation that has encouraged others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, national and/or international level.

Kelli Jones – Founder/CEO of Be Nimble Co/68 CapitalAmp HarrisGinoMarvin Johnson – light/heavyweightLamon Brewster – heavyweight

6.Trailblazing Entrepreneurship RecognitionWe honor entrepreneurs and companies whose visionary ideas have proven extremely influential, and also have created and/or marketed innovative products or services. These award winners have used their strong leadership skills to inspire others.

Katina Washington – S.H.E. ExperienceTariq “Coach T” Al Nasir – Founder/Owner of Stemnasium (S.T.E.M./Robotics/Engineering/etc.Michaela Shiloh – Founder/Owner of HRDRV (the New music industry)Ryan Freeman – FREE JuicePicture Paul – plant based pizza shopPoe – Cul de Sac KitchenCorey McDaniels – The Food ArchitectRadio – Earth Life Store/Good Vegan, Bad VeganLaquita Barnes – TrichologistTedd Hardy – N.D.O. (No Days Off)

7. Impact Fashion AwardThese are trend setters, individuals and/or companies who are always ahead of the curve in terms of creativity and craftsmanship. They consistently demonstrate boldness and futuristic thinking through their creations, providing the fashion world with stylistic elegance and excellence.

Indy StyleMaxie – Nap or NothingBerney MartinNikki Blaine

8. Community Activism AwardThis honor recognizes and celebrates people the late John Lewis would say always got in "good trouble." They are change agents, folks whose work paved the way to greater social and economic justice for underserved communities. This is someone with a deep passion and desire to combat injustice, and has dedicated their life to improving the conditions of others through collaborative action.

Nicole Carey- Founder/CEO of The Indy EquitySibeko Jywanza – Director of Community Access & EngagementTedd HardyAshley GurvitzCEO of United Northeast

9. Icon AwardOur career lifetime achievement award, celebrating vital contributions made across multiple industries. This is Everything Underground's most prestigious individual Trailblazer honor. The winner will have been a prominent Trailblazer over multiple decades.

Phyllis Hackett – Riverside Community Legend (Prominade sidewalk named after her)Barbra Boyd Indianapolis media and trailblazer icon turned 94 this past AprilBill Mays (postmortem)DuJuan McCoy – Wish TV owner

10. The People’s AmbasadorThe night's biggest organizational award. It is designed to honor a corporation that does much more than merely make money off the Black community, devoting an equal amount of time and commitment to providing opportunities and services for neighborhood residents.

Judith B Thomas – Deputy MayorMax Siegel (born December 31, 1964) is an American corporate CEO, president, entertainer executive, multicultural activist, and attorney.City-County Councilor La Keisha Jackson – for her efforts bringing resources to the Far Eastside of Indianapolis for 21 years.

11. Impact AwardThis celebrates a special person in the field of Hip-Hop who has made an exceptional contribution to the genre. The honoree will be someone who's demonstrated extraordinary leadership and exemplary achievement while also expanding opportunities for others.

“Needles” – for his major work in music productionTheRealDananetwork.comDJ Jazzy JeffBlack to Africa

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