2024 VIZAZI AWARD
AWARDEES
THE 2024 VIZAZI TORCH AWARDEES
AWARDEE BIOS
Louanda James
Owner of Poquets Disability Social Services
FLAME
Louanda has been the heart of providing services for the disability community for well over 10 years. A persevering breast cancer survivor, Louanda has successfully opened up one of the first homes for the disabled LGBTQ+ community. Thru hard work and determination, she has helped countless disabled individuals seek jobs, learn basic learning skills while promoting the importance of self-awareness and value. Currently living in Dayton Ohio, Luanda started the U-Fight We Worry Foundation to ensure that people living with breast cancer have needed resources while they endure their treatments and regimens. She has also created the Pocquets Disability Social Services to help disabled individuals make their own life choices. Louanda is so deserving of these accolades and more.
Brandon Brown
PrEP Navigator at Caracole
EMBER
Brandon Brown has done outstanding work in the community surrounding the awareness of PrEP and HIV-preventive education. Brandon is an invaluable employee at Caracole and a pillar in the Cincinnati LGBTQ community as well as an important player of serving people of color, making PrEP accessible for over 100+ plus clients who need it since his start with the organization in 2021.
Jamie Tolbert aka Dj Trub
Disc Jockey Extraordinaire and MC
EMBER
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Jamie Tolbert (aka Dj Trub) has been a pillar of the community for many years, providing safe spaces and parties for all the community to attend and participate. From supporting and standing up for issues, to helping businesses with marketing and event planning, she’s made her mark in this world. She deserves her flowers and to be recognized to the fullest extent!
Melachi Carroll
Program Manager for Gender Affirming Care Health Navigation
FLAME
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Melachi Carroll has been blazing the trail for Black Trans Men for quite a few years. He has served on numerous boards, traveling to different states to make sure laws and regulations are put in place for trans men that ensure the safety and care they deserve. He has made resources and safe spaces available for Trans Men while working as a Program Manager for Gender Affirming Care Health Navigation, providing health services and support trans and NB Patience and Clients throughout Ohio. Mel has also worked for Equitas Health for 7years, sits on several boards including the Black Trans Men of Ohio as well as being a founding member of Dayton Black Pride. More recently Mel is part of The Monica Roberts Freedom Black Trans Leadership Cohort, and the hosting committee of The National Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Awards Gala. While he’s not out advocating for others, Mel enjoys dancing and spending time with family..
Derek Guy
Program Manager, LGBTQ+ Center at University of Cincinnati
EMBER
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Derek Guy has dedicated his entire life to serving his community in any way he can, working at the LGBTQ+ Center at UC where he organizes events and programs such as World AIDS Day, UC Drag, Queer Prom, Lavender Celebration, and many more. Derek has devoted his personal and professional life to increase the quality of life for queer and trans folx, specifically students and youth. During his free time Derek has run a mentorship program for trans youth and also serves as a mentor himself. He is an example of what it means to be a thriving, successful, and generous human being.
Jisenia Black
Certified Public Accountant and Vice President at her company
EMBER
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Jisenia is known not only for her professional acumen but also for her personal integrity and character. From Deloitte to Xavier University, her colleagues and peers speak highly of her authenticity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right. These qualities make her not only a respected leader but also a role model for all who aspire to make a positive impact in their careers and communities. Jisenia’s career as a Certified Public Accountant is marked by her exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to her profession. Her journey began at Xavier University, where she not only excelled (with honors) academically but also demonstrated a deep commitment to the principles of integrity and ethical practice. Her certification as a public accountant further solidified her expertise and positioned her as a trusted professional in her field. Jisenia embodies the spirit of the Vizazi Award through her professional excellence, leadership, LGBTQ community involvement, and personal integrity.
Meeka Owens
Cincinnati City Councilwoman
RAFIKI
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Councilmember Meeka D. Owens, whose personal mantra is “to continue to make the Cincinnati community a better place to live, work, and play,” was elected to City Council in 2021 and is currently the Chair of the Climate, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee, one of the first local government committees in the nation to prioritize climate change. Meeka sits on the Budget and Finance Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Equitable Growth and Housing Committee. She has been a fierce advocate and dedicated public servant for the last ten years. Councilwoman Owens goes out of her way to fight for the most marginal groups in our city, and we know that often means black LGBTQ+ people. Through her work on city council, she has advanced the Green Cincinnati Plan and passed the Cincinnati Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights, ensuring that our city is sustainable and prepared to tackle the effects of climate change for every Cincinnatian. She recently passed a Resolution recognizing Melanin Magic, the only all black drag show in Cincinnati, for their work in highlighting black artists and the black queer community. Everyday Meeka is fights for more affordable housing and for the rights of tenants to be recognized and expanded to prevent evictions and create a healthier housing ecosystem. Meeka is now working to organize black women to vote and volunteer for the Harris-Walz campaign and has also served on the boards of Women Helping Women, Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Programs (UMADAOP) of Ohio, the YWCA, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and MUSE Women’s Choir.
Shane Brouman aka Dj Boywife
Cincinnati Celebrity Disc Jockey and Host
RAFIKI
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You venture into any major club in Cincinnati these days and it highly likely that Dj Boywife has either left his indelible musical mark or is still there continuing to swirl the kids with high energy tunes! Voted Best in Cincinnati by City Beat magazine, DJ Boywife is a one of a kind nightlife fixture that can’t be replicated. From his mixes and his fashion, to the intimate connection he forges with his audiences, Boywife is the complete package. Want to know more? Check out Dj Boywife's regular residencies at Alice or Bloom or Birdcage and so many more!
Bruce Preston
Board President, Cincinnati Men's Chorus
RAFIKI
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Bruce Preston is the President of the board for The Cincinnati Men’s Chorus. He has been active with the chorus for over 30 years and has even invited Cincinnati Black Pride to speak and table at their concerts on multiple occasions. Bruce is a consistent supporter of the organization and checks in with board members on how either he or CMC can support Cincinnati Black Pride. His history of being an ally to the Black LGBQ+ community goes all the way back to his days of bartending at The Pipeline. Always kind, always smiling it’s an honor to nominate Bruce Preston for the Rafiki Award.
Brandy Adams
Vice President, Cincinnati Black Pride
EMBER
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Brandy Adams is the Vice President of Cincinnati Black Pride. She has a love for her community which can be seen in the work she has done. Recently Brandy sat on the Cincinnati Pride Board as one of the festival chairs and that is no small feat. She did this while being the VP for Cincinnati Black Pride and working in leadership in other various organizations. She headed along with Cincinnati Black pride organized its first Healthfair for the LGBTQ community. She has collected and donated over 100 duffle bags of foster kids coming into the system. She is a dedicated mother, mentor to LGBTQ teenagers. an obedient student, a trusted leader and a loyal friend.
Jayy Rogerz
Drag Entertainer for Cincinnati and beyond
EMBER
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Jayy Rogerz is a local drag performer, choreographer, producer and foodie. Jayy loves his work and has fun when he performs which can be seen by the smile that is always displayed on his face during performances. He is creative with his costumes, music choices and even the shows he helps produce like The Main Attraction Season 1 & Season 2 and The Main Baddie. A member of the cast at The Main Event, Jayy is always the life of any celebration, even dressing as SpongeBob Squarepants to celebrate the birthday of show director Rahanna Mitchell-St. James..
Linda Seiter
Executive Director Caracole
RAFIKI
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Linda Seiter has served as Caracole’s Executive Director for almost 17years. She holds a BA from the University of Cincinnati and, prior to Caracole, worked in the fields of domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse. In the early days of Caracole, Linda served on the board and as president and was the first Executive Director of AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati (AVOC). Linda has a deep passion for nonprofit work, human rights and social justice. Under her leadership at Caracole, the agency has grown from a small, grass-roots organization to a regional non-profit providing comprehensive housing, prevention and care for those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Marcia Clark
Ballroom Performer & Entertainer
MHENGA
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Marcia Clark was a member of our community. She was a Black woman of trans experience who excelled as a member of the ballroom community. She was beloved by friends and family, and would encourage others in the community. She was known for her kindness, a sweet smile and her infectous laughter. Marcia passed away on September 8, 2024. She will truly be missed..
Evan Millward
Anchor, WCPO 9 News
RAFIKI
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Evan Millward spent the past 10 years as an anchor and reporter at WCPO 9 News. In that time, he helped launch the nationwide Scripps Pride employee resource group and led station-level Pride efforts each year, highlighting and platforming diverse LGBTQ+ community leaders and stories. He is currently the president of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences - Ohio Valley (EMMY) board, recognizing excellence in video content and supporting upcoming visual storytellers.
David Copeland
Founder, Live Without Regrets
EMBER
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David Copeland is a certified and trained death doula, LGBTQIA+ advocate, and missionary on a purpose to empower families by ensuring that their loved ones receive the best possible care in the final moments of their lives and ensuring that the dying person's wishes are fulfilled within the resources available. David actively campaigns to make our society a better place for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, and religion and leads an effort to stop trans mis-gendering deaths. David is also a board member of the TreeHouse Cincinnati, a writer and member of The Rapha Center, a Black affirming LGBTQ organization based in Miami, Florida, serves at the Hospice of Cincinnati and volunteers in Madison nursing homes, hospitals, and other hospices.
Dalicious Milian
Drag Performer & Entertainer
SPARK
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Dalicious Milian is an amazing drag performer and seamstress with a long history in Cincinnati. Dalicious is known for their extravagant performances which include innovative costumes, and is an accomplished pageant performer with numerous wins, using their talent to also help Cincinnati Black Pride with fundraising. Along with being a seasoned entertainer, Dalicious is an amazing cook with their own catering business highlighting their culinary skills.
Jen Scott
Field Manager, Equality Ohio & Board, Cincinnati Pride
RAFIKI
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Jen Scott does amazing work throughout Greater Cincinnati. From her work with Cincinnati Pride to her work with Equality Ohio, Jen Scott is an individual deserving of high recognition. Jen is dedicated to her work with the LGBTQ+ community, as shown by her diligence in looking out for marginalized members of the community. If we had more people like Jen Scott, we would be able to accomplish so much more within our community.
DeAndre True Perry aka Crystal Cavali
Drag Performer & Entertainer
EMBER
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While the community at large may not recognize the name DeAndre True-Perry, they will surely know his alter ego Crystal Cavali. Crystal is a accomplished drag performer and spectacular seamstress. A true talent with the needle and thread, Crystal has created costumes for many of the drag performers in Cincinnati as well as across the country. Known for amazing dance moves, Crystal strives to be the show stopper on the floor. Crystal offers mentoring and guidance with the newer group of drag performers. Like a true artist, Crystal is working to motivate others with their work.
Manuka Honey Stix-Chimera
Drag Performer & Entertainer
SPARK
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Manuka Honey Stix-Chimera is a local drag performer and an outspoken activist. Affectionately known as Honey, they are a talented performer who has done work all over the city. They are dedicated to their craft with imaginative makeup and innovative costumes. As a budding activist Honey has stood up for those who need to be heard. They are dedicated to being the change they want to see in the world. This can be seen by how they and Vanta Black worked together on Melanin Magic to recognize drag performers of color. Honey deserves this recognition
Vanta Black
Drag Performer & Entertainer
EMBER
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Vanta Black is a local drag performer and activist. Vanta is a talented drag performer and I love seeing the content they come up with but I am most impressed with their work as an activist for accessibility. I applaud the work that I’ve seen them do in this community. I’m even prouder of how they and Manuka Honey Stix-Chimera have put together Melanin Magic highlighting the work of drag performers of color.k.
Randy True-Perry aka Ravyn Valentino
Drag Performer & Entertainer
EMBER
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Ravyn Valentino is a local drag performer and the “mother” of the house of Valentino. As a “mother” Ravyn is building a house of drag performers. Performing all around the city as well as the surround areas even for big events like Pride Night at Kings Island. Ravyn has been a mentor, pageant contestant, choreographer, show director and competition judge. Ravyn is out here inspiring others through their work and performances.
