by Khalilah Jones

Presented by United Way in partnership with Vinegar Hill Magazine and Soul of Cville, with generous support from the Minority Business Alliance. Produced by Chic & Classy Image Consulting.

Listen up, Cville family—get ready to mark your calendars, shine up those all black fits, and show out in full Black excellence, because the 2025 Best In Black Cville Awards are coming  back like they never left!

We’re pulling up real strong this year at the historic Paramount Theater on Friday, August 15th from 7–10 PM, and trust us…you do NOT want to miss this. From the red carpet feels to “have to be there” performances, we’re taking it to the next level with more magic, more elevation, and a whole lot of Black Joy.

This event is for, by and about US…honoring the trailblazers, the visionaries, and the everyday heroes who keep the culture flourishing in Charlottesville and beyond.

Marquee Sponsor Shoutout: Big love to United Way for leading the charge as our presenting sponsor.

Special thanks to our partners Vinegar Hill Magazine and Soul of Cville, with generous backing from the Minority Business Alliance.

And you already know—it’s all being brought to life with that Chic & Classy flair from Chic & Classy Image Consulting.

What’s Poppin’ This Year?

Nominations open June 2nd – Think you or someone you know deserves the crown? Nominate yourself, your business, or your favorite Black changemaker.

Voting closes July 15th – Once voting starts, it’s go time! Vote for your favorites or if you’re nominated, vote for yourself, then share that link, post it up, tell your mama, cousin, and coworkers—it’s time to rally your village.

Live Winners Reveal – Winners will be crowned LIVE at the Paramount. No early spoilers, no peeking…just pure celebration under the spotlight!

Wanna Get Involved?

We’re still accepting a few performers and vendors to bless the evening. If you’ve got talent, goods, or services that reflect the excellence of our community, we want to hear from you!

Email: [email protected]

Stay Tuned

Details on tickets and the full 2025 Soul of Cville lineup are dropping soon. And let’s just say…this year’s festival is about to hit different. From August 10 through August 17 it’s going to be a whole vibe.

Follow Soul of Cville on facebook, or IXArtPark.com/SoulOfCville and Vinegar Hill Magazine on socials so you won’t get caught sleeping!

Let’s continue to build, uplift, and celebrate Black brilliance together.