Native Son, an influential movement committed to uplifting and recognizing Black queer men, is marking its tenth year with a significant celebration. The festivities include the prestigious Native Son Awards and the debut of Native Son House, a weekend-long series of engaging programs and experiences, all designed to amplify the voices and contributions of Black queer individuals.

A Decade of Dedication: Native Son's Milestones

Native Son, an organization committed to empowering and recognizing Black queer men, is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a landmark event. This milestone will be marked by a weekend-long experience, running from June 19-21, culminating in the esteemed Native Son Awards. The event is themed "A Legacy of Pride," reflecting a decade of dedication to fostering visibility, equity, and inclusion within the Black queer community. The celebration will take place at NYC's Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, promising a star-studded affair to honor significant figures who have contributed to the movement's mission. This expansion beyond a single awards ceremony into a multi-day event underscores the organization's growth and its ongoing commitment to creating impactful spaces for its community.

The Native Son Awards will specifically recognize the exceptional achievements of director and producer Anthony Hemingway, singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr, and actor Tramell Tillman, known for his role in "Severance." Adding to the prestige of the event, Lena Waithe, who recently joined Native Son's board of directors, will serve as a producer for this special Pride Month gathering. In addition to the awards, the organization is launching Native Son House, an innovative concept that will transform The Maison Project event space. This hub will host a diverse array of activities, including insightful curated conversations, live interviews with prominent figures, film screenings, vibrant performances, wellness activations, educational workshops, dynamic marketplaces, and immersive experiences, all designed to engage and inspire attendees.

Empowering the Future: The Vision of Native Son House

To commemorate its tenth anniversary, Native Son is expanding its reach beyond the annual awards with the introduction of Native Son House, a weekend-long experience from June 19-21. This initiative aims to deepen the organization's impact by providing a comprehensive platform for Black queer men to connect, learn, and thrive. The Maison Project event space will be transformed into a dynamic hub, offering a rich tapestry of programs that include thought-provoking discussions, candid live interviews, exclusive screenings, captivating performances, and vital wellness activities. These varied offerings are designed to cater to the diverse interests of the community, fostering both personal growth and collective empowerment. The expansion into a full weekend experience signifies Native Son's evolving commitment to creating sustained engagement and support for Black queer individuals.

Emil Wilbekin, the founder of Native Son, emphasized the significance of this expansion, stating that for a decade, the organization has been instrumental in creating spaces where Black queer men are fully seen and celebrated as leaders, creatives, visionaries, and changemakers. He highlighted that at a time when communities face increasing challenges to visibility and inclusion, this anniversary serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a firm declaration that the stories, voices, and futures of Black queer individuals are paramount. What began as a visionary concept has blossomed into a powerful movement rooted in connection, advocacy, culture, and community. The launch of Native Son House and the extended weekend programming reflect the organization's continuous growth and its unwavering dedication to cultivating environments where Black queer people can gather, find affirmation, build strong communities, and unapologetically flourish.