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OUR PROGRAMSExplore the programs that bring our mission to life —
leadership development, legacy honors, and community engagement.
The Pauli Murray Awards Foundation supports Black LGBTQ+ communities through initiatives that center equity, visibility, and collective care. Our programs invest in leadership, amplify impact, and build intergenerational infrastructure for change.
PAULI MURRAY AWARDS
The Pauli Murray Awards are the cornerstone of our work — a national recognition program celebrating 40 Black LGBTQ+ leaders under 40 whose brilliance and impact are shaping the future. These awards highlight individuals across arts, business, education, public service, social justice, spirituality, and beyond.
What the Awards Provide
- National visibility and recognition for honorees
- A $1,000 grant (contingent on fundraising)
- Access to the PMA Cohort for mentorship and leadership development
- Opportunities to connect with a powerful intergenerational network
Learn more about eligibility, categories, and the full awards process by visiting the Awards page.
PMA COHORT
Mentorship & Leadership Development
Honorees from the annual Pauli Murray Awards are invited to participate in a yearlong PMA Cohort designed to deepen their impact, expand their network, and build collective power.
Program Elements Include:
- Monthly peer circles and skill-building workshops
- One-on-one mentorship from established leaders
- Wellness support and resource sharing
- Public speaking and media training
Cohort Timeline:
Begins September 2026 and runs through July 2027. Ends just as the next class of honorees is announced.
MOVIE NIGHT WITH PAULI
Movie Night With Pauli is our ongoing series of community screenings and talkbacks centered on the acclaimed documentary, My Name Is Pauli Murray. We host live screenings and facilitated conversations — and we also equip you to host your own gatherings using our downloadable discussion guide.
Host Your Own Screening
We encourage screenings in homes with family and friends, as well as with small groups, community organizations, schools, colleges, and universities. Use our guide to spark meaningful dialogue about Pauli’s life, legacy, and relevance today.
- Download the discussion guide and facilitation tips
- Screen the film with your community
- Lead a talkback using our curated questions
Interested in partnering with PMAF to host a screening and talkback? Email
info@paulimurrayawards.com.
LEGACY KEEPERS
Community & Chosen Family Honors (Coming 2027)
The Legacy Keepers program honors LGBTQ+ elders and chosen family members whose life work and care have shaped the lives of Black LGBTQ+ people.
Honoree Categories:
- Community Mother
- Community Father
- Community Guide (non-binary / gender expansive equivalent)
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Overview
The Pauli Murray Awards Foundation (PMAF) Artist-in-Residence Program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate and sustain Black LGBTQ+ artists across diverse modalities — from drag, DJing, and music to spoken word, sculpture, painting, and beyond. Unlike traditional residencies that are often limited to visual or literary arts, this program embraces the full spectrum of creative expression within Black LGBTQ+ communities.
Legacy
Rooted in the legacy of Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, Esq. — a visionary whose artistry spanned poetry, law, theology, and activism — the program affirms that art is not just cultural expression, but also a tool for liberation, healing, and social transformation. By providing visibility, resources, and platforms for underrepresented artists, PMAF ensures that the brilliance of Black LGBTQ+ creators continues to shape the cultural landscape.
Structure & Impact
- Creative Support: A stipend to support their artistic practice and projects.
- Visibility & Platforms: Opportunities to showcase work through PMAF’s national network, events, and digital channels.
- Community Engagement: Space to mentor, collaborate, and engage with honorees of the Pauli Murray Awards, the PMA Cohort, and broader community audiences.
- Legacy Building: A chance to document and archive their work as part of the ongoing Black LGBTQ+ creative lineage.
PMAF's First Artist-in-Residence
PMAF is proud to announce DJ Honey Café as the inaugural Artist-in-Residence. A cultural curator and sonic architect, DJ Honey Café embodies the spirit of Black queer brilliance that drives our mission — blending artistry with community care, and rhythm with resistance. Their residency will set the tone for how PMAF uplifts artists whose creativity amplifies the visibility, resilience, and joy of Black LGBTQ+ life.