OUR WORK
The Pauli Murray Awards Foundation honors the legacy of Pauli Murray by celebrating and supporting Black LGBTQ+ leaders who are transforming their fields and communities. We center the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and justice to build a more liberated and equitable future.
OUR STORY
Named in tribute to the indomitable Pauli Murray, the Foundation emerged from the need to recognize and amplify the vital work of Black LGBTQ+ changemakers. Our programs and awards platform their brilliance while resourcing their growth.
OUR NAMESAKE
Pauli Murray was a poet, priest, lawyer, and prophetic voice for justice. As a Black, queer, nonbinary trailblazer, their work challenged the boundaries of race, gender, and power long before the world had language for it.
Graduating first in their class at Howard Law School, they co-founded the National Organization for Women, and were the first Black person assigned female at birth to be ordained in the Episcopal Church.
Pauli’s legal theories were the foundation of the arguments behind Brown v. Board of Education and inspired Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s work on sex discrimination. Their sermons offered a radically inclusive vision of faith, rooted in justice.
PMAF is proud to honor their name—and carry forward their legacy.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Leading with Vision and Commitment
The Pauli Murray Awards Foundation is governed by a national Board of Directors committed to the vision, values, and stewardship of this work. Each member brings lived experience and professional expertise in service of our mission.
Meet the visionaries guiding the Foundation’s direction and integrity. Our Board of Directors holds fiduciary responsibility for the Foundation and plays a vital role in shaping our long-term strategy, financial stewardship, and institutional accountability.
Officers: Cory L. Scott — Chair • Nyron Rouse, LL.M, MPA — Vice Chair • Karyden Roberts — Secretary • Darnell Riley, M.Ed, Ed.S — Interim Treasurer
MEET THE BOARD
ADVISORS TO THE BOARD
Our Advisors bring depth, wisdom, and creative perspective to PMAF. They come from diverse backgrounds across the arts, academia, health, and culture; they serve as thought partners and advocates who enrich the Foundation’s strategy and impact. (Advisors are non-voting.)
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
At the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation, leadership is more than a title — it’s a commitment to building a future where Black LGBTQ+ brilliance is visible, celebrated, and supported. Whether through governance on our Board of Directors or creative collaboration in our advisory committees, we invite dedicated changemakers to step forward and help shape the vision, sustainability, and impact of this movement.
JOIN PMAF's BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We’re building a bold, visionary board of individuals committed to the liberation, celebration, and advancement of Black LGBTQ+ communities. If that resonates with you, we invite you to explore what it means to serve on our Board of Directors.
What We’re Looking For:
- A demonstrated commitment to racial, gender, and queer justice
- Professional and/or lived experience relevant to our mission
- A collaborative spirit and deep integrity
- Capacity to engage meaningfully and consistently in board service
Board Members Are Expected To:
- Attend quarterly board meetings (virtually or in person)
- Participate on at least one committee
- Contribute to the Foundation’s fundraising and development efforts
- Serve as public ambassadors for the organization
- Uphold fiduciary, legal, and strategic oversight
Support & Orientation:
- A comprehensive orientation and onboarding experience
- Access to our Board Engagement Guide (linked below)
- Ongoing mentorship and support
- An annual board retreat (virtual or hybrid)
DOWNLOAD BOARD ENGAGEMENT GUIDE
JOIN AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Make an Impact Without Governance Duties
Our advisory committees offer opportunities to contribute skills, strategy, and creativity without the legal responsibilities of a board seat. These groups are project-based and deeply collaborative, focused on areas like communications, public engagement, fundraising, and honoree experience.
You might be a good fit if you:
- Bring experience in event planning, media, storytelling, or social impact
- Want to support from your city, campus, or digital community
- Are energized by uplifting Black LGBTQ+ brilliance
Committee Focus Areas:
- Honoree Selection Committee – Leads the evaluation and interview process for PMA nominees
- Fundraising & Development Committee – Supports donor outreach, events, and strategic partnerships
- Programs & Cohort Committee – Advises on honoree programming and year-round engagement
- Communications & Visibility Committee – Helps shape media, storytelling, and public engagement
- Legacy & Archives Committee – Supports preservation and celebration of Black LGBTQ+ histories
DOWNLOAD ADVISORY COMMITTEE OVERVIEW