The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards
A Juneteenth Virtual Celebration by Conversations in Color
Submissions Open May 1–30, 2026
No Cost to Enter • Open to Community Voices
All you need is a smartphone and a conversation between two or more people.
Simply record a 2–7 minute video conversation on your phone.
No studio, podcast setup, or editing experience required.
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards is a virtual Juneteenth celebration honoring everyday voices that shape our communities. Through short recorded conversations, this initiative uplifts the stories of educators, students, artists, business owners, organizers, and neighbors whose lived experiences often go unheard.
Rooted in conversation, connection, and cultural memory, the Awards preserve authentic stories while creating space for reflection, celebration, and collective progress.
Submission categories include:
• HBCU & BSU Conversations (campus life, alumni voices, student reflection)
• Black-Owned Brilliance (entrepreneurship, leadership, business stories)
• Our Future: Gen Z Speaks (young voices, emerging perspectives)
• Community Conversations (local reflection, neighborhood dialogue)
• Generational Wealth & Wellness (financial thinking, health, family legacy)
• It’s Good to Be Black (joy, pride, affirmation)
• The Gumbo Pot (open-topic storytelling)
Submission is open to individuals 18 and older. Submissions will be reviewed for originality, authenticity, and category relevance.
Winners will be featured during the Juneteenth livestream and receive official recognition.
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards is a free, community-centered initiative open to voices across generations, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
The Conversations Already Happening in Black Communities Matter | #TapestryOfBlackVoices
Your Phone Is Your Studio | Tapestry of Black Voices Awards #Shorts #BlackStorytelling #BlackVoices
Why the Tapestry of Black Voices Awards Matters
Conversation has long been one of the ways Black communities preserve memory, share wisdom, and move forward together. From hush harbors to barbershops, kitchen tables to digital platforms, storytelling has allowed knowledge, wisdom, and encouragement to pass from one generation to the next.
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards continues this tradition by creating a shared space where stories are honored, archived, and celebrated as part of our living history.
View 2026 Initiative Materials
For those who want a deeper look at the broader vision behind this year’s initiative.
There is a place for every voice in this tapestry.
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards is an initiative of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating uplifting, community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices. Through storytelling, digital media, and collective reflection, Conversations in Color works to preserve everyday stories and strengthen connection across generations.
EMAIL SUBSCRIBE
Receive updates on submissions, community spotlights, and the June 19 virtual premiere.