Black Girl Magic Image Awards
& Scholarship Gala 2026

For Immediate Release

2026 Black Girl Magic Image Awards & Scholarship Gala to Honor 47 Extraordinary Women While Investing in the Next Generation

Third Annual Celebration Returns to Suffolk September 13 for an Evening of Black Excellence, Hollywood Glamour, Legacy and Scholarship

SUFFOLK, VA — August 14, 2026 — Forty-eight extraordinary women. One unforgettable evening. One mission that reaches far beyond the awards stage.

The Black Excellence Group will present the 2026 Black Girl Magic Image Awards & Scholarship Gala on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront in Suffolk, Virginia.

Now in its third year, the Black Girl Magic Image Awards has become a signature celebration of women of color whose leadership, service, creativity, perseverance and influence are making an undeniable impact in their professions and communities.

This year's 47 honorees represent an extraordinary cross-section of excellence — educators, entrepreneurs, artists, public servants, community advocates, faith leaders, businesswomen, professionals, creatives and women whose lives exemplify courage, integrity, resilience and purpose.

With a Hollywood Glam theme setting the stage for the evening, guests can expect elegance, celebration and powerful moments of recognition as women who are often busy pouring into everyone else are given an opportunity to be seen, affirmed and celebrated.

But organizers emphasize that the evening is about much more than awards.

More Than Recognition — A Scholarship Mission

At the heart of the Black Girl Magic Image Awards is a commitment to helping the next generation of young women pursue higher education. The annual gala also serves as a scholarship drive, turning an evening of celebration into a direct investment in students and their futures.

The impact of that mission can already be seen. Alexia Burford, the organization's 2024 scholarship recipient, is now entering her senior year at Howard University. Victoria Farrow, the 2025 scholarship recipient, is entering her second year at Virginia State University and is on track to graduate in May 2027.

Their journeys represent exactly why the scholarship component remains central to the Black Girl Magic mission.

"This event was never designed to simply give women awards and send everyone home. Recognition is important, but investment is just as important. When we celebrate women who are making an impact today, we also have a responsibility to reach back and help prepare the young women who will lead tomorrow."

— Latrese B. Carter, Founder, Black Excellence Group

"Alexia and Victoria are living examples of what can happen when a community chooses to invest in a young person's future. We want this year's gala to inspire people not only to applaud our 47 honorees, but to give. Every contribution to our scholarship effort helps us continue creating educational opportunities."

— Latrese B. Carter

Building on a Powerful Legacy

Since its inception, the Black Girl Magic Image Awards has created memorable moments celebrating women whose stories deserve to be told. The awards have recognized women from throughout Hampton Roads and beyond, bringing together generations of leaders and changemakers in one room.

Among the distinguished women celebrated during the awards' first two years were Peggy Britt, recognized as a 2024 Living Legend, and Tony Award-winning actress Adrienne Warren, recognized as Actress of the Year.

The 2025 celebration continued that tradition with 46 women recognized across multiple categories. One of the evening's defining moments came when Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, of the legendary R&B group SWV, received a surprise recognition as the 2025 Music Icon Living Legend. Another powerful moment came with the recognition of Virginia Senator L. Louise Lucas as the 2025 Political Icon Living Legend.

These moments have helped establish the Black Girl Magic Image Awards as more than a ceremony. It has become a space where accomplishments are documented, legacies are honored and women are reminded that their work has been seen.

48 Women. 48 Stories. One Powerful Night.

The 2026 class of honorees continues that tradition. Each woman arrives with a different story. Some have spent decades building careers and serving their communities. Others are emerging leaders whose impact is already being felt. Some have overcome tremendous obstacles. Others have quietly served behind the scenes without seeking recognition.

On September 13, those stories will share one stage.

"Our honorees don't all look alike, work in the same industries or have the same journeys — and that's exactly the point. There are countless ways for a woman to make an impact. Black Girl Magic is about recognizing the gifts, strength, brilliance and humanity in all of those stories."

— Latrese B. Carter

All 47 honorees will receive VIP recognition as part of the 2026 celebration.

Community Support Needed

As preparations enter the final weeks, the Black Excellence Group is inviting individuals, businesses, churches, organizations and community partners to support the mission through sponsorships, souvenir booklet advertisements and scholarship contributions.

Souvenir booklet advertising opportunities are available at:

• Full Page — $150
• Half Page — $100
• Quarter Page — $50

The deadline for souvenir booklet advertisements is Friday, September 4, 2026.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations seeking to align their brands with an event centered on excellence, empowerment, education and community impact.

Most importantly, the organization is asking the community to give to the scholarship drive. No contribution is too small. The goal is not simply to fill a ballroom on September 13. The goal is to create an impact that continues long after the final award has been presented.

Event Information

About the Black Excellence Group

The Black Excellence Group, founded by Latrese B. Carter, creates platforms designed to recognize achievement, preserve legacy and invest in future generations. Its signature awards programs include the Black Girl Magic Image Awards, Black Men Rock Image Awards and Black Kids Rock Image Awards, collectively celebrating excellence across generations. Through awards programs, scholarships and community-centered initiatives, the Black Excellence Group seeks to intentionally amplify positive stories, recognize individuals making meaningful contributions and create opportunities for the leaders of tomorrow.

48 Women. One Stage. Countless Stories.
Celebrating Today's Excellence. Investing in Tomorrow's Legacy.