Locsanity and LOCnificent bring back community impact awards

Locsanity and LOCnificent will honor two NYC-area changemakers with $1,500 awards at LOCnificent in Brooklyn on Oct. 18, 2026. Nominations are open through Aug. 21 for the annual program, which recognizes leaders serving Black and Brown communities.

Why it matters: - The award puts cash and public recognition behind local community work that often goes unseen. - Two honorees will each receive a $1,500 prize and a handcrafted art glass trophy. - The program spotlights people whose leadership creates lasting change in NYC-area communities.

What happened: - Locsanity announced the return of the second annual Locsanity Community Impact Award in partnership with LOCnificent by Culture Unloc'd LLC. - The awards will be presented live on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at the annual LOCnificent event in Brooklyn, New York. - Nominations for the 2026 awards are open and close Friday, Aug. 21. - Community members can nominate someone else or apply themselves through the nomination form.

The details: - The award is open to two categories: the Loc Legacy Award and the Crowned in Community Award. - The Loc Legacy Award honors individuals with locs who actively serve the loc and natural hair community. - The Crowned in Community Award recognizes a creator or entrepreneur of African heritage doing impactful work in any business space, including beauty, wellness, tech, trade and beyond. - Eligible nominees must be at least 18 years old. - Nominees must live in or serve the NYC area. - Nominees should reflect the award mission of empowering Black and Brown communities. - Eligible backgrounds include stylists, educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, advocates, wellness professionals, healers and creatives. - A selection committee of Locsanity representatives, the LOCnificent organizing team and respected community figures will review nominations by category. - The inaugural award cycle was presented on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, at the 7th Annual LOCnificent event in Brooklyn. - The 2025 honorees were Keisha Charmaine Felix for the Loc Legacy Award and Marcelle Lashley-Kaboré for the Crowned in Community Award.

Between the lines: - The expanded eligibility and streamlined nomination process suggest the program is trying to widen participation after its first year. - Locsanity and LOCnificent are using the awards to tie brand visibility to community investment and cultural recognition. - The focus on Black and Brown communities positions the program as both a local award and a broader statement about representation. - Charmaine James, founder and CEO of Locsanity, said recognition is part of the work and that many community contributors are never seen. - Lovaeta Amoako, founder of LOCnificent, said the partnership is meant to shine a light on people doing the work every day to uplift the community.

What's next: - Organizers will review nominations ahead of the October event. - Two winners will be announced and celebrated live on stage in Brooklyn. - The award program is expected to continue as part of LOCnificent's annual celebration.

The bottom line: - Locsanity and LOCnificent are using their October Brooklyn event to recognize grassroots leadership with money, visibility and a public मंच for community impact.