locsanity community impact awards

Presented by Locsanity in partnership with LOCnificent

Recognizing the changemakers, healers, and community builders, in the loc’d community and beyond, whose work moves the culture forward — because the people who show up for others deserve to be celebrated too.

Three women standing with large ceremonial checks at an event. The woman on the left holds a colorful trophy, wears a black leather jacket, and has styled black hair. The woman in the middle wears a vibrant pink, yellow, and purple patterned dress, and the woman on the right wears a white shirt with an orange and patterned fabric underneath. They are smiling in front of a brick wall and a screen displaying event information.

🏆 2nd annual nominations

Nominations are open now through Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11:59pm. Two individuals will be honored live on stage at LOCnificent on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Atolye NYC, Brooklyn, NY — each receiving a $1,500 cash prize and a premium quality trophy.

About the Award

This award was created because recognition is part of the work. Too many people give tirelessly to their communities without ever being seen. This initiative exists to change that.

Each year, two individuals are honored across two categories:

  • Loc Legacy Community Impact Award — for a loc wearer making a profound, measurable impact within the locs and natural hair community through education, innovation, or advocacy. Locs required.

  • Crowned in Community Award — for a leader creating exceptional positive change across any industry, with a strong emphasis on empowering Black and Brown communities. Open to all hair types.

Eligibility

  • Nominees must be actively serving their community in the New York City area

  • Self-nominations and nominations by others are both welcome

  • Nominees must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Nominees do not need to be affiliated with Locsanity or LOCnificent

  • One award per category

  • Nominees should be available to attend LOCnificent on October 18

  • Selection is based entirely on the strength of the application — not the number of nominations received

🏆 Meet the 2025 Recipients

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the 7th Annual LOCnificent in Brooklyn, NY, two extraordinary individuals were honored live on stage with the Locsanity Community Impact Award — each receiving a $1,500 cash prize, a handcrafted art glass trophy, and a commemorative certificate.

LOC LEGACY AWARD
Keisha Charmaine Felix | 2025 Loc Legacy Award Recipient

CROWNED IN COMMUNITY AWARD
Marcelle Lashley-Kaboré | 2025 Crowned in Community Award Recipient

Nominate someone
A woman with dark skin and styled dreadlocks holds a colorful glass award. She is smiling and wearing a black leather jacket, hoop earrings, a necklace, and a black skirt. Behind her, a screen displays the word 'Locsanity' and a cartoon girl with puffy hair and a polka dot headband.
A woman holding a large ceremonial check and a trophy, standing in front of a stage with a brick wall. The check is made out to Keisha Charmaine Felix for $1,500 for a community impact award, dated October 5, 2025, from Locsanity.
A woman with dark curly hair smiling, holding an award, wearing a brown dress with a colorful scarf, gold jewelry, and a white shirt underneath. She stands in front of a screen displaying a logo.
Two women standing in front of a large check and a backdrop. One woman is holding the check, and the other woman is holding a colorful trophy. The woman holding the check is dressed in a pink dress with a crochet top, and the woman holding the trophy is wearing a white shirt paired with a vibrant, multicolored patterned skirt and matching sash. The backdrop features a projected image on a brick wall, and there is a DJ in the background.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is the Locsanity Community Impact Award?
This annual award, presented by Locsanity in partnership with LOCnificent, recognizes two individuals making a significant positive impact in the community: one in the loc community (Loc Legacy) and one working within beauty, fashion, retail, creative industries, or broader community-focused spaces (Crowned in Community).

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Any individual, 18+ years of age, actively serving their community in the New York City area. The Loc'd Legacy category requires locs and an emphasis on empowering the loc community. Crowned in Community is open to all hair types and all industries, with a focus on individuals whose work carries a strong commitment to supporting Black and Brown communities.

Can I nominate myself or more than one person?
Yes to both. Self-nominations are welcome — just make sure your work clearly aligns with one category's requirements. To nominate more than one person, submit a separate application for each, indicating the category for each nominee.

Does receiving more nominations increase my chances of winning?
No. Selection is based entirely on the merit and depth of impact demonstrated in the application, not on the number of nominations received. One well-detailed application is sufficient.

What is the prize for award recipients?
Each recipient receives a $1,500 cash prize and a premium quality trophy.

Where and when will the award be presented?
At the 8th Annual LOCnificent on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Atolye, Brooklyn, NY.

What is the deadline for submitting applications?
Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:59pm.

Who reviews applications, and what are they looking for?
A selection committee — including representatives from Locsanity, the LOCnificent organizing team, and respected community figures — reviews all applications using a structured scoring system. Evaluation is based on the depth and clarity of demonstrated impact, alignment with the award's mission, and quality of the application. Supporting documentation, links, testimonials, and press coverage strengthen a submission.

When will finalists be notified?
Finalists are contacted privately in late September 2026 and asked to attend LOCnificent on October 18 for the live presentation. No public announcement is made in advance — winners are revealed live at the event.

About Locsanity

Locsanity is dedicated to providing high-quality, natural hair care products formulated for the unique needs of locs and natural hair. Founded with a deep passion for healthy hair and the natural hair community, Locsanity empowers individuals on their natural hair journey through nourishing products and a supportive community.

Our Partnership

True community impact isn't just about individual success — it's about pulling others up as we climb. Locsanity was a proud lead sponsor of LOCnificent in 2023, and in 2025 launched the Locsanity Community Impact Awards alongside LOCnificent to honor the entrepreneurs, creators, and advocates who form the backbone of our community. Now in its 2nd year, the awards expand our reach to amplify those driving economic and social progress across every industry — with a dedicated focus on supporting and empowering Black and Brown communities and the ecosystems that sustain them.

The Locsanity Community Impact Award is presented in partnership with Locsanity and LOCnificent by Culture Unloc'd LLC

nominate someone