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Kulture Awards

NOMINATIONS OPEN THRU MARCH 31, 2025

Submit a Nomination for
The Kulture Awards

The Kulture Awards recognize exceptional individuals Regionally and Nationally who embody excellence in categories such as innovation, mentorship, professionalism & presentation, outstanding story- and truth-telling, creativity, cultural tradition, artistry, community activism, and humanitarianism.

The Kulture Awards Gala: Honoring Excellence in Black and Brown Culinary Culture

As part of the “State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition” conference, the Kulture Awards Gala is a premier black-tie event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of Black and Brown culinary professionals. Held in the spirit of elegance and celebration, the evening begins with a glamorous red-carpet reception, setting the tone for a night dedicated to honoring leaders who have elevated culinary culture through innovation, mentorship, artistry, and community impact.  GET GALA TICKETS>>

Kulture Award honorees are nominated by their peers and thoughtfully selected by the State of Black Food Executive and Steering Committees. This peer-driven process ensures that the awards reflect the voices of the community and the values of the State of Black Food conference.

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REGIONAL AWARDS

Six awards are presented to culinary leaders from Chef Kulture’s four U.S. regions—East, West, South, and Midwest. These awards spotlight local champions who are driving change and excellence in their communities.

Thomas Downing Innovator's Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Thomas Downing
Innovator's Award

Honoring culinary professionals who transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Like Thomas Downing, who turned humble oyster cellars into New York’s finest establishments, these innovators redefine culinary possibilities with creativity and bold vision.

James Hemmings Uplifter Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

James Hemmings
Uplifter Award

Celebrating culinary mentors who selflessly share their expertise and uplift others. Inspired by James Hemmings, a Paris-trained Chef de Cuisine born into slavery and head chef for Thomas Jefferson, this award honors individuals who embody mentorship, teaching, and a commitment to empowering their peers despite great challenges.

Uncle Nearest Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Uncle Nearest
Award

Inspired by Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first African-American master distiller in the United States, this award honors individuals who embody his legacy of creativity and excellence, celebrating the rich history and innovation of Black and Brown contributions to the spirits industry.

Return to Eden Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Return to Eden
Award

Celebrating culinary professionals who unapologetically showcase African diasporic foods and traditions. These individuals boldly honor their heritage while pushing boundaries to bring cultural flavors to the world stage.

Charleszetta Waddles Dignity Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Charleszetta Waddles
Dignity Award

Recognizing those who restore dignity through food. Inspired by Mother Waddles, who served meals with grace and respect, these chefs bring compassion and humanity to their culinary endeavors.

The Augustus Jackson Joy Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Augustus Jackson
Joy Award

Celebrating pastry chefs, bakers, and confection creators who elevate the art of desserts with unparalleled innovation, creativity, decadence, and mass appeal. Inspired by Augustus Jackson, who revolutionized ice cream by pioneering eggless recipes and introducing rock salt to the ice in the churning process, this award honors those who bring joy, sweetness, and delight to the world.

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NATIONAL AWARDS

Five prestigious national awards honor culinary professionals who have demonstrated unparalleled influence and impact on a broader scale.

Georgia Gilmore Revolutionary Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Georgia Gilmore
Revolutionary Award

Honoring culinary professionals who use food as a tool for activism and justice. Like Georgia Gilmore, who fueled the Montgomery Bus Boycott with her meals, these individuals use their culinary talents to drive change in their communities.

Lena Richard Trailblazer Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Lena Richard
Trailblazer Award

Highlighting culinary pioneers who take their art to uncharted territories. From pop-ups to food demos, these trailblazers bring Black and Brown culinary traditions to new spaces and audiences.

The Afro-Futurism Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Afro-Futurism
Award

Celebrating culinary innovators who blend history and imagination, creating visionary food experiences. These avant-garde creators push boundaries to reimagine Black identity and agency in the culinary arts.

Dr. Leni Sorensen Kulture Champion Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Dr. Leni Sorensen
Kulture Champion Award

Honoring writers, bloggers, and authors who champion Black and Brown food culture. These storytellers preserve and share the rich histories and truths of culinary traditions through their words and passion.

Hercules Posey Influencer Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

Hercules Posey
Influencer Award

Our highest distinction, this award celebrates culinary professionals who set the standard for excellence. Like Chef Hercules, America’s first celebrity chef, these leaders embody leadership, professionalism, artistry, and transformative influence, inspiring others to reach new heights in the culinary world.

Uncle Nearest Award_Kulture Awards Icons_State of Black Food_SOBF_200 x 200

August Jackson
Joy Award

“Our Table” represents building a space where Black and Brown culinary professionals are valued and empowered. Instead of waiting for an invitation, we’re creating a community-driven ecosystem that supports our lives, businesses, and dreams, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and welcoming culinary industry.

Questions & answers

Have any questions? Find answers here!

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Thanks to Our Sponsors & Partners

We are incredibly grateful to our event sponsors for their generous support in making the “State of Black Food: Black Wall Street Edition” possible. Their commitment helps celebrate and uplift Black and Brown culinary professionals nationwide.

Interested in getting involved? Learn more about becoming a sponsor, exhibitor, or advertiser, and join us in creating an unforgettable experience!