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Three Black women in sparkling outfits sing into microphones, illustrating the historical perception of Black women's societal voice primarily in entertainment, as highlighted by the Candace Awards article.
A collage of photos shows various Black women and men at formal events, including one image with a '1986 candace award' sign, celebrating the achievements recognized by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
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The Candace Awards 🏆

The Candace Awards were given from 1982 to 1992 by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) to "Black role models of uncommon distinction who have set a standard of excellence for young people of all races".

Candace (pronounced can-DAY-see) was the ancient Ethiopian title for queen or empress.

The awards ceremony was held each year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Past recipients were too many to mention but among them were Maya Angelou, Margaret Walker Alexander, Ella Baker, & Althea Gibson.

“The voice of the Black woman isn’t only heard in the entertainment industry but in all industries.”

#ncbw

4/24 Edited to

... Read moreThe Candace Awards stand as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and recognition for Black women who have excelled in various fields. Beyond the brief decade during which these awards were given, their impact continues to resonate today. The name Candace, an ancient Ethiopian royal title, beautifully symbolizes the dignity and leadership celebrated by the awards. In addition to legendary recipients like Maya Angelou and Althea Gibson, the awards highlighted the groundbreaking achievements of women who broke barriers across disciplines—from literature and politics to sports and activism. For example, Alice Walker, mentioned in the historic OCR content, exemplifies this impact; winning a Pulitzer Prize for literature, she used her voice to empower and inspire through storytelling. Holding the ceremony annually at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art further underscored the prestige and cultural significance of the event. It provided a prestigious platform to honor women whose accomplishments often advanced societal progress and expanded opportunities for others. Reflecting on the Candace Awards also invites us to consider the ongoing need to celebrate Black excellence in every industry. These honors helped shift the narrative by showcasing that the influence of Black women extends far beyond traditionally recognized fields like entertainment, reaching into judiciary roles, leadership positions, and more. As someone who deeply values the power of representation, I find the legacy of the Candace Awards inspiring. They serve as a beacon, reminding us to recognize and uplift diverse voices. Today’s movements for equality and inclusion can look to the Candace Awards as an early, vital example of celebrating Black women not only for their achievements but also as role models who pave the way for future generations.