2026
HONORING EXCELLENCE
AND LEGACY
Jericho Palace
216-08 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428
Black Kings Gala
Thursday, June 18, 2026
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Black Kings Gala
Jericho Palace
216-08 Jamaica Ave, Queens Village, NY 11428
Black Kings Gala
Thursday, June 18, 2026
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
ABOUT
Juneteenth NY will host the signature event, “The Celebration of Black Kings.” Inspired by the Kwanzaa Principles, this Awards Reception Juneteenth NY will honor influential male leaders who have significantly impacted the New York community through their personal and professional endeavors.
2026 SPONSORS
DISTINGUISHED MEN
2025 BLACK KINGS👑
Keith Little
Executive Leader
Kujichagulia
(Self-Determination)
Tyrone Richardson
Minister, Musician & Gospel Leader
UMOJA
(Unity)
Atiba Edwards
President & CEO, Brooklyn Children’s Museum
UJIMA
(Collective Work and Responsibility)
Gerard Williams
Media Personality, Gaming Innovator & Cultural Trailblazer
KUUMBA
(Creativity)
Tru Osborne
Creative Director, Educator & Experience Designer
KUUMBA
(Creativity)
Angus Fischer
Community Advocate, Executive Leader & Cultural Strategist
UJAMAA
(Cooperative Economics)
Noble Brown
Advocate, Entrepreneur & Community Voice
UMOJA
(Unity)
Samuel Pierre
Entrepreneur, Educator & Community Leader
NIA
(Purpose)
Jermaine Henderson
Bishop, Community Leader & Transformational Pastor
IMANI
(Faith)
Paul Muhammad
Community Advocate & Neighborhood Leader
IMANI
(Faith)
Ishmael Levi
Musician, Vocalist & Cultural Artist
KUUMBA
(Creativity)
Brian Saunders
Community Advocate & Civic Leader
UMOJA
(Unity)
Kirk Dunbar
Entrepreneur, Faith Leader & Community Builder
NIA
(Purpose)
Elon Gibson
Financial Professional, Faith Leader & Community Builder
UMOJA
(Unity)
David Allen
Educator, School Leader & Literary Artist
UJIMA
(Collective Work and Responsibility)
Harold Monroe
Veteran, Community Servant & Faith Leader
NIA
(Purpose)
Chris Banks
Public Servant, Community Advocate & Civic Leader
UMOJA
(Unity)
Leroy Comrie
Public Servant & Community Advocate
NIA
(Purpose)
Our Core Principle Awards...
Unity award UMOJA
Recognizes an outstanding Change Agent or Serviceman that is bridging the gap between the community and their peers.
Collective Award UJIMA
Recognizes an outstanding community leader who has made a significant contribution to solving a community problem.
Purpose Award NIA
Recognizes an outstanding mentor, father, or father-figure that has restored people to their purpose.
Creative Award KUUMBA
Recognizes a designer, architect, or artist that has impacted the community.
Determination Award KUJICHAGULIA
Recognizes an outstanding leader that continues to use their voice & influence for community issues.
Economics Award UJAMAA
Recognizes an outstanding business owner that has grown their business while supporting other community businesses.
Faith Award IMANI
Recognizes a leader in faith community that has impacted the community
Our Core Principle Awards...
Unity Award UMOJA
Recognizes an outstanding Change Agent or Serviceman that is bridging the gap between the community and their peers.
Collective Award UJIMA
Recognizes an outstanding community leader who has made a significant contribution to solving a community problem.
Purpose Award NIA
Recognizes an outstanding mentor, father, or father-figure that has restored people to their purpose.
Creative Award KUUMBJ
Recognizes a designer, architect, or artist that has impacted the community.
Determination Award KUJICHAGULIA
Recognizes an outstanding leader that continues to use their voice & influence for community issues.
Economics Award UJAMAA
Recognizes an outstanding business owner that has grown their business while supporting other community businesses.
Faith Award IMANI
Recognizes a leader in faith community that has impacted the community
Honorees will have to meet the following criteria:
Recognizes an Outstanding Leader
Recognizes an outstanding leader that continues to use their voice & influence for community issues.
Complete the nomination form
Essay (200-500 words) or video clip (3 minutes or less) that describes 2-3 contributions to the community & why they should receive the award.
Details:
1. Individuals can be nominated for more than one category, select the box.
2. Honorees will be granted 2 complimentary tickets to the celebration (for them and a guest).
3. Honorees will be shared on the Juneteenth NYC social media accounts with over 25k weekly impressions.
Event Highlights
Honorees will have to meet the following criteria:
Outstanding Leader
Recognizes an outstanding leader that continues to use their voice & influence for community issues.
Complete the nomination form
Essay (200-500 words) or video clip (3 minutes or less) that describes 2-3 contributions to the community & why they should receive the award.
Details:
1. Individuals can be nominated for more than one category, select the box.
2. Honorees will be granted 2 complimentary tickets to the celebration (for them and a guest).
3. Honorees will be shared on the Juneteenth NYC social media accounts with over 25k weekly impressions.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Black Kings Gala
TBD
TBD
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Black Kings Gala
TBD
TBD