2024 VIZAZI AWARD
AWARDEES
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SPARK
EMBER
FLAME
KIBURI
RAFICKI
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.
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.