The Antionette D. Carroll Standard Bearer Award for Design Community Catalyst celebrates individuals who have made profound contributions to their communities through design activism and entrepreneurship. This award honors individuals who, like Antionette, act as catalysts for change in their communities, using design as a tool to dismantle systemic inequities and empower marginalized groups. Recipients of this award are recognized for their commitment to leveraging design for social good, creating transformative change in the communities they serve.
By honoring the work of community leaders like Antionette D. Carroll, the State of Black Design seeks to inspire other designers to see themselves as agents of change and to continue using their talents to create a more just and equitable society.
The Antionette D. Carroll Standard Bearer Award for Design Community Catalyst
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Antionette D. Carroll Standard Bearer Award for Design Community Catalyst is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated a strong commitment to using design to create meaningful change in their communities. Nominees or applicants should have a proven track record of using design to address social, racial, or health inequities and should be recognized as leaders or catalysts within their communities.
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Nominees or applicants must demonstrate leadership in their community, using design to address social justice, racial equity, or health equity. This could include work in nonprofit organizations, activism, or community-based design initiatives aimed at dismantling systemic oppression.
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The nominee or applicant must use design as a primary tool for creating change in their community. This could involve design thinking, human-centered design, or social innovation practices that address the needs of marginalized populations and reimagine oppressive systems.
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Applicants or nominees should have a demonstrated impact on advancing racial or health equity through their work. This could include projects that improve access to healthcare for marginalized communities, create equitable educational opportunities, or address racial disparities in public health and social systems.
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The nominee or applicant must show a commitment to empowering marginalized communities, either through direct service, advocacy, or systemic change efforts. This includes amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, facilitating community-led initiatives, and designing programs that uplift those most affected by inequity.
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The award is open to both community leaders and design entrepreneurs who have founded or led initiatives that use design to create social impact. Applicants or nominees should demonstrate entrepreneurship and innovation in developing solutions that address systemic issues and inspire lasting change.
The award will include a monetary grant or stipend to support the recipient’s ongoing community initiatives, as well as a feature in the State of Black Design publication, highlighting their achievements and contributions to advancing racial and health equity.
the awardee will have the opportunity to share their community impact journey through a keynote presentation or panel discussion at the State of Black Design event, providing a platform to inspire others and continue their work as a catalyst for change.
This Award celebrates the power of design to create social impact and drive systemic change. By honoring the contributions of individuals like Antionette D. Carroll, this award seeks to elevate those who are using design to dismantle systems of oppression and empower marginalized communities.
Application and Nomination Process
Applicants for the Antionette D. Carroll Standard Bearer Award for Design Community Catalyst may be nominated by peers, community members, or industry leaders, or they may submit an application on their own behalf.
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A completed application or nomination form, which includes personal information about the nominee or applicant, background in community leadership or design activism, and a brief biography.
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A portfolio showcasing the nominee’s or applicant’s work as a community catalyst, with examples of design projects or initiatives that have had a measurable impact on racial or health equity. The portfolio should include case studies, images, or documentation of community-centered design initiatives.
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A 750- to 1,000-word statement detailing the nominee’s or applicant’s approach to using design for social change. This statement should highlight their leadership in addressing systemic oppression, their commitment to racial or health equity, and the impact they have made in their community.
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Two to three letters of support from community members, colleagues, or collaborators who can speak to the nominee’s or applicant’s leadership, impact on racial or health equity, and role as a catalyst for change.
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Links to any digital media (e.g., articles, videos, project websites) that support the application or nomination, allowing the selection committee to review the nominee’s or applicant’s work in more detail.