Categories: Articles, Audrey Bernard,
Four years ago the Black Women on Broadway Awards (BWOB) were created to celebrate the artistry, leadership, and impact of Black women on Broadway. Now some four years later, the esteemed sisterhood is stronger than ever and celebrating its fourth annual Black Women on Broadway Awards ceremony which were held on June 2, 2025 at Current at Chelsea Piers in New York City. All the beautiful ladies came dressed to impress and armed with their Black is Beautiful fans they waved high with pride as they greeted each other and recognized this year’s revered award recipients.
BWOB Co-Founders, Jocelyn Bioh, Danielle Brooks, and Amber Iman kicked off the program welcoming guests to the Fourth Annual Black Women on Broadway Awards. The powerful program began with Danielle Brooks presenting her friend and The Color Purple co-star, Cynthia Erivo, with the organization’s first ever special citation, the Lena Horne Luminary Award. The award honors a multi-disciplinary artist who has broken barriers in multiple mediums in theatre. Actor, singer, and dancer Storm Lever presented Khaila Wilcoxon with the Florence Mills Shining Star Award, which recognizes an early-career talent – or a rising artist whose brilliance is just beginning to be widely seen.
Other high moments included Tony award-winner Kecia Lewis’ presentation to LaChanze with the Kathy A. Perkins Behind The Curtain Award, which recognizes an artist whose work backstage shines brightest on stage. The incomparable LaTanya Richardson Jackson was presented with the Audra McDonald Legacy Award by actress, vocalist and a classically trained pianist Pauletta Washington. The award recognizes an artist who has a storied career and significant theatre achievements.
“We are so incredibly proud of this organization and the community we are celebrating. There are so many amazing Black women who make these shows possible every week and they more than deserve to be recognized for their contributions” said co-founders Danielle Brooks, Amber Iman, and Jocelyn Bioh. “It was an absolute honor to present LaTanya Richardson Jackson, LaChanze, Khaila Wilcoxon, and Cynthia Erivo today. It’s invigorating to see the impact of BWOB come to life with this ceremony each year and we’re excited for the powerful future ahead as we continue to uplift and honor Black women on and off the stage.”
Black girl magic whelmed the atmosphere defying gravity! Over 200 artists, advocates, and industry leaders brought all their fabulousness to support and celebrate the organization’s mission to honor the achievements and amplify the voices of Black women in the theater industry. The celebrated guess list was a who’s who on Black Broadway and included: Adrienne C. Moore, Adrienne Warren, Aisha Jackson, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Amber Gray, Anika Noni Rose, Cynthia Erivo, Debra Martin Chase, Dede Ayite, Grace Hodgett Young, Irene Gandy, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jordan Tyson, Joy Woods, Kara Young, Kelly McCreary, Lynn Nottage, Michelle Williams, Natalie Venetia Belcon, Natasha Yvette Williams, Nikiya Mathis, Nikki Renee Daniels, Rashidra Scott, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Solea Pfeiffer, Susan Kelechi Watson, Qween Jean, and Whitney White. Also other current Broadway cast members, producers, directors, casting directors, set designers, lighting designers, choreographers, hair and makeup artists, stage managers, playwrights, and more. (Photo Credit: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Black Women on Broadway)
