The city of Las Vegas has been hosting events in celebration of Black History Month for the past 48 years. Over the past 12 years, the city has hosted the annual African American Trailblazer Service Awards, which recognizes trailblazers in the Las Vegas valley who have demonstrated superior civic engagement and have made outstanding contributions to the community.
The 13th annual African-American Trailblazer Service Awards will honor residents of the Las Vegas Valley in the following categories:
- Business and Economic Advancement Award – This award recognizes local business professionals who have displayed entrepreneurial character, high standards, innovative professional practice, and a committed support of their local community.
- Community Activism and Politics Award –This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated through his or her achievements the ability to advocate, organize and engage citizens, and inform public policy on issues that improve the quality of life for the community.
- Educator Award – This award honors those who, as a teacher, instructor or school administrator, have demonstrated excellence in mentoring, guiding and preparing students to achieve their full potential.
- Tyrone Thompson Emerging Leader Award – This award celebrates an up-and-coming individual who demonstrates a commitment to leadership and substantial potential for innovation, creativity, vision and positive influence.
- Spiritual Community Award – This award will be presented to a spiritual leader who has transcended organizational boundaries to promote spiritual and religious growth, partnership, and engagement through inspired action and visionary leadership.
- NEW Arts & Culture Award – This award will recognize arts professionals, artists, media, photography and cultural leaders who demonstrate artistic excellence, creativity, innovation and leadership.
Below are submission guidelines to keep in mind when completing this form:
- An individual may not nominate himself or herself.
- An individual may only nominate one person.
- Complete the nomination form in full.
- A bio will not be accepted in lieu of completing a nomination form.
- To be considered, nomination form entries must be received electronically by 5 p.m. PDT Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
To submit your nomination, click here.
To learn more about the 2026 award winners, click here.
The city of Las Vegas has been hosting events in celebration of Black History Month for 48 years. To learn more about past African American Trailblazer Award recipients, click here.
2025 Winners
Bobbie G. Mullins - Business and Economic Advancement Award
Capucine Holmes - Community Activism and Politics Award
Ayoka Snipes - Educator Award
Alma Faye McDonnell - Spiritual Community Award
Avree Walker - Tyrone Thompson Emerging Leader Award
Kimberly Bailey Tureaud - Impact Award