The 2025 Native Son Awards to Honor Colman Domingo, Paul Tazewell, Dr. David J. Johns, Sean Bankhead & more!
- Mykel Montana Hilliard
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
Entertainment News
Native Son, the leading organization dedicated to empowering Black gay and queer men, is holding its annual Awards ceremony and gala in honor of Pride Month. The Native Son Awards 2025, presented by Gilead Sciences, will be hosted by Don Lemon and is set to take place on June 9 in New York City at the IAC Building.
This year, the event celebrates the achievements of changemakers who have made an undeniable and lasting impact through their work and advocacy in their respective industries, the community, and the world.
This year’s honorees include: acclaimed two-time Academy Award nominated actor Colman Domingo; Academy Award, Tony and Emmy-winning designer Paul Tazewell; famed multidisciplinary artist and curator Derrick Adams; CEO and Executive Director of the civil rights organization National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) Dr. David J. Johns; celebrated choreographer, director and creative director Sean Bankhead; and internationally recognized HIV/AIDS advocate and activist and Founder of the Black AIDS Institute Phill Wilson.
Presenters for the evening include: Grammy, Emmy, Tony award winning and 3x Oscar-nominated actress, singer, and producer Cynthia Erivo; renowned mixed media artist Mickalene Thomas; philanthropist, arts advocate, and Executive Partner and Managing Director of AlixPartners, Reggie Van Lee; and award-winning activist, educator and writer, Brittany Packnett Cunningham.
The gala is set to kick off with a red carpet and cocktail pre-reception followed by dinner and the awards ceremony with special performances by GRAMMY-nominated record artist Durand Bernarr - and singer, social activist, and The Voice contestant Deon Jones. Legendary deejay, remixer, and producer Bill Coleman will provide the music for the official after party.
Created by Native Son founder Emil Wilbekin, the event serves as the organization’s annual fundraiser in support of its programs and initiatives held throughout the year to amplify Black gay and queer voices.
“As Native Son looks toward our milestone 10th anniversary next year, it is incredible to think about not only how much the movement has grown but how much it was and continues to be needed in this community,” said Wilbekin.
He continued saying, “The work that we are doing and the safer spaces we have created are especially critical as we think about the countless challenges we are facing at this moment in our country’s history. Our community is seeing erasure, rollbacks of important protections, and, in general, the enforcement of anti-LGBTQ legislation. "
Darwin Thompson, Senior Director, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences expressed his excitement about the ceremony.
“Gilead is proud to partner with Native Son – an impactful organization that consistently works to champion and uplift Black gay and queer voices.”
He continued saying, “By empowering and educating these communities about HIV/AIDS and working to stop stigma, we can help end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere.”
The 2025 Native Son Gala Co-Chairs are: Kyle Hagler, Darnell L. Moore, and Yashua Simons
For additional information on Native Son and its Pride events and initiatives, you can visit: www.Nativeson.us
