100 to Watch

NBJC’s “100 Black LGBTQ+/ Leaders to Watch” campaign highlights the contributions and leadership of Black LGBTQ+/SGL students, young and emerging professionals. 

Since its launch in 2015, many leaders on the watch list have established or managed organizations and campaigns increasing life outcomes and opportunities for our community. Examples include Texas State Representative Venton Jones; Maryland Delegate Gabriel Acevero;  Toni-Michelle Williams, Executive Director of SNaPCo; DaShawn Usher, Founder of MOBI and senior leader at GLAAD; Sixto Cancel, Founder and CEO of Think of US; and Preston Mitchum of MTV’s Summer House Martha’s Vineyard. 

A new generation of emerging leaders represents the Millennial and Z generations, who have earned recognition and additional support.  Amplifying early achievements affirms the reality that Black queer, transgender, and gender-expansive talent has always been here, and we deserve opportunities to thrive. Anyone suggesting they cannot find Black queer talent is telling a white lie.