Celebrating Black LGBTQ+ Excellence & Leadership

2025 Passing the Torch Awards: Spark of Legacy

Passing The Torch

The Passing the Torch Awards, hosted by Better Brothers Los Angeles, champions the next generation of Black LGBTQ+ leaders. This celebratory event honors their achievements across business, education, law, the arts, and beyond.

Building on the spirit of the Truth Awards,  this event creates a space for changemakers, tastemakers, and visionaries to be inspired and foster meaningful connections.

Better Brothers Los Angeles:

Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black LGBTQ+ individuals through education, mentorship, and community engagement. BBLA provides scholarships, professional development, and cultural programming to ensure Black LGBTQ+ voices are seen, heard, and celebrated.

BBLA provides scholarships, professional development, and cultural programming to ensure Black LGBTQ+ voices
are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Event Host & Talents

Archie Jay
Archie Jay Host
Cameron J. Ross
Cameron J. Ross Red Carpet Correspondent
V. the Martian & B.R.K.
V. the Martian & B.R.K. Live Performances

2025 Honorees & Awards

Amber Whittington

Barbara Jordan Civic Leadership Award

Preston Mitchum

Barbara Jordan Civic Leadership Award

Terrell Grice

Social Media Influencer Award

James Bland, II

Passing the Torch Award

AHRTC Grant

The Ailey Hemphill Riggs True Colors Grant

For the first time, the Ailey Hemphill Riggs True Colors Grant will award $5,000 to a Black LGBTQ+ creative making an impact in their field.

Legacy & Purpose: This grant honors the legacies of Alvin Ailey, Essex Hemphill, and Marlon Riggs while supporting the next generation of visionaries.

Ticket Tiers & Details

Legacy Pass

$ 50
  • Access to the Passing the Torch Awards
  • Complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres
  • Live DJ and special performances
  • Post-event reception
  • All proceeds go to Better Brothers LA

Torchbearer Pass

$ 100
  • Everything included in the Legacy Pass
  • VIP access to the Welcome Reception
  • Complimentary valet parking
  • Red carpet access and engagement
  • Editorial experience with top creatives

True Colors Weekend Pass

$ 450
  • Everything included in the Torchbearer Pass
  • A ticket to the 11th Annual Truth Awards
  • Truth Awards: Dinner, Open Bar and Live Acts
  • Digital Recognition at Passing the Torch
  • Acknowledgment by the Host

Still Have Questions?

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