The Maurice Cherry Standard Bearer Award for Design Storytellers Honor celebrates the remarkable contributions of individuals who have dedicated themselves to amplifying the voices and accomplishments of Black designers and creatives. Maurice Cherry, the visionary founder of The Revision Path Podcast, has been a pioneer in this space, showcasing Black designers, artists, and creative professionals to a global audience for over a decade. His work has elevated the narratives of Black design professionals, cementing a greater appreciation for their contributions to the field of design.
This award was established to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation, documentation, and sharing of Black design history and narratives. This award honors those who have used storytelling, media, or creative platforms to elevate the work of Black designers, foster a deeper understanding of their contributions, and inspire future generations of creatives.
the Maurice Cherry Standard Bearer Award for Design Storytellers
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Maurice Cherry Standard Bearer Award for Design Storytellers Honor is open to individuals from a variety of fields—including design, media, education, and creative arts—who have demonstrated a strong commitment to telling the stories of Black designers and expanding the knowledge and appreciation of Black design history. Nominees or applicants should have a proven track record of using storytelling as a tool to elevate Black designers and creatives.
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Applicants or nominees must demonstrate a commitment to documenting, sharing, or preserving the history and accomplishments of Black designers. This could be through various media, including podcasts, documentaries, written publications, exhibitions, digital platforms, or other storytelling mediums.
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Nominees or applicants must show evidence of the impact their storytelling has had on the design community. This could include expanding public awareness of Black designers, contributing to the historical record, or inspiring future generations of designers through their work.
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Applicants or nominees should demonstrate creativity and innovation in their approach to storytelling. This could involve the use of new media platforms, innovative narrative techniques, or unique approaches to archiving and sharing the stories of Black designers.
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The nominee or applicant must demonstrate leadership in amplifying Black design voices. This could include creating platforms that highlight Black designers, organizing events or exhibitions that celebrate their work, or contributing to educational initiatives that increase knowledge of Black design history.
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The award is open to both emerging and established storytellers who have at least 3 years of experience in a relevant field (e.g., design, media, education, archival work). Applicants or nominees should have a proven track record of success in elevating Black design stories.
The award will include a monetary grant or stipend to support the recipient’s storytelling work, as well as a feature in the State of Black Design publication, highlighting their achievements and contributions to Black design history.
the awardee will have the opportunity to share their storytelling journey through a keynote presentation or panel discussion at the State of Black Design event, providing a platform to inspire others and continue their role as a visionary leader in the industry.
Through this award, the State of Black Design aims to foster a greater interest in and appreciation for the expanding history of Black design, encouraging more storytellers to follow in Maurice Cherry’s footsteps and continue amplifying the voices of Black creatives.
Application and Nomination Process
Applicants for the Maurice Cherry Standard Bearer Award for Design Storytellers Honor may be nominated by peers, colleagues, 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 storytelling, and a brief biography.
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A portfolio showcasing the applicant’s or nominee’s storytelling work that focuses on Black designers and creatives. This portfolio could include podcast episodes, articles, documentaries, exhibits, interviews, or other media that demonstrate their contribution to expanding knowledge of Black design history.
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A 750- to 1,000-word statement detailing the applicant’s or nominee’s approach to storytelling, the impact of their work on the design community, and their commitment to documenting Black design stories. This statement should highlight their leadership in creating platforms for Black designers and discuss their future goals for continuing this work.
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Two to three letters of support from colleagues, peers, or collaborators who can speak to the applicant’s or nominee’s impact on the design community through their storytelling work.
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Links to any digital media (e.g., podcasts, videos, articles) that support the application or nomination, allowing the selection committee to review the nominee’s or applicant’s body of work.