A local hip-hop artist, a national reporter and a professional athlete were among this year's honorees at the Esteem Awards, held July 6 at Sidetrack bar.
Nearly 100 people attended the Sunday afternoon event, which included performances, food and vendors.
"Sometimes we don't say thank you enough, but today we're going to say thank you," said Phil Esteem, who founded the awards.
Now in its 7th year, the Esteem Awards honors those who have made significant contributions to Black LGBTQ communities. The ceremony is held in conjunction with Black Gay Pride events.
This year's list included 25 honorees, and recognized both local and national honorees.
"Nothing feels as good as being honored by your own," said writer/ activist Kenyon Farrow, who was among the list of national honorees to attend the event.
Local honorees included, Tim'm West, Jane M. Saks, Z Jae Williams, Anthony Singleton, Center on Halsted, DIFFA-Chicago, Positively Aware Magazine, Laura Washington, The Anna DeShawn Show, Coquie Hughes and the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
Performers included Tim'm T. West, Yolo Akili, LOVE The Poet, KOKUMO, The Brian-Alwyn, Ken J. Martin and Sampson McCormick.
Langstan Smith emceed.