Celebrating Black LGBTQ+ Excellence & Leadership

2026 Passing the Torch Awards:
Our Community.
Our Power.

Passing The Torch

The Passing the Torch Awards, hosted by Better Brothers Los Angeles, champions the next generation of Black LGBTQ+ leaders. This celebratory event honors their achievements across business, education, law, the arts, and beyond.

Building on the spirit of the Truth Awards,  this event creates a space for changemakers, tastemakers, and visionaries to be inspired and foster meaningful connections.

Better Brothers Los Angeles:

Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black LGBTQ+ individuals through education, mentorship, and community engagement. BBLA provides scholarships, professional development, and cultural programming to ensure Black LGBTQ+ voices are seen, heard, and celebrated.

BBLA provides scholarships, professional development, and cultural programming to ensure Black LGBTQ+ voices
are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Event Host & Talents

Kalen Allen
Kalen Allen Host
Shar Jossell
Shar Jossell Host
India Shawn
India Shawn Performer
Jus10
Jus10 Performer
Cameron Wright
Cameron Wright Performer
Hourglass
Hourglass Music Curator
DJ DarJar
DJ DarJar Music Curator

2026 Honorees & Awards

Dewayne Perkins

Breakout Star Award

Sydney Colson

Sydney Colson

Courage Award

Jordan E. Cooper

Jordan E. Cooper

Passing The Torch Award

Eric Hart Jr.

Eric Hart Jr.

Media & Arts Award

Willie Green

Willie Greene

Social Influencer Award

2025 Honorees & Awards

Amber Whittington

Barbara Jordan Civic Leadership Award

Preston Mitchum

Barbara Jordan Civic Leadership Award

Terrell Grice

Social Influencer Award

James Bland, II

Passing the Torch Award

2024 Honorees & Awards

BreZ

Bre-Z

Breakout Star Award

Tobias Gilbert

Tobias Gilert

Social Influencer Award

Shar Jossell

Shar Jossell

Passing the Torch Award

AHRTC Grant

The Ailey Hemphill Riggs True Colors Grant

For the first time, the Ailey Hemphill Riggs True Colors Grant will award $5,000 to a Black LGBTQ+ creative making an impact in their field.

Legacy & Purpose: This grant honors the legacies of Alvin Ailey, Essex Hemphill, and Marlon Riggs while supporting the next generation of visionaries.

Ticket Tier & Details

Legacy Pass

$ 50
  • Access to the Passing the Torch Awards
  • Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres
  • Live DJ and special performances
  • Post-event reception
  • All proceeds go to Better Brothers LA

Torchbearer Pass

$ 25
  • Access to the Passing the Torch Awards
  • Complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres
  • Live DJ and special performances
  • Post-event reception
  • All proceeds support Better Brothers LA

True Colors Weekend Pass

$ 450
  • Everything included in the Torchbearer Pass
  • A ticket to the 11th Annual Truth Awards
  • Truth Awards: Dinner, Open Bar and Live Acts
  • Digital Recognition at Passing the Torch
  • Acknowledgment by the Host

Still Have Questions?

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