{"id":2987,"date":"2017-06-22T16:36:57","date_gmt":"2017-06-22T16:36:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tenzmag.com\/?p=2987"},"modified":"2017-06-26T10:51:36","modified_gmt":"2017-06-26T10:51:36","slug":"native-son-awards-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"NATIVE SON AWARDS 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In celebration of Pride month and continuing the movement to uplift and empower Black Gay men,\u00a0on Wednesday, June 21st, journalist, content creator and LGBT activist Emil Wilbekin returns with the Second\u00a0Native Son Awards honoring renown contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley; successful business managementconsultant and renown philanthropist, Reggie Van Lee; and creative strategist, advocate and President of Next\u00a0Model Management, Kyle Hagler in New York City. Additionally, the event will showcase a rare performancefrom Miss Lawrence, actor, TV personality, celebrity hair stylist who appears on Lee Daniel&#8217;s hit show STAR onFOX.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"3006\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2746\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498075329&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;70&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2746\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3006\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?resize=1200%2C800\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2746.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Launched last November, the Native Son Awards was created by Wilbekin to honor and celebrate the\u00a0achievements of Black gay men who have broken down barriers, defied stereotypes and made a cultural impact not only in the LGBT community, but also in the world. Past honorees have included Don Lemon, George C.\u00a0Wolfe and DeRay Mckesson.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe goal of Native Son since we\u2019ve launched is to create a safe space where the black gay male community can\u00a0fellowship, celebrate and empower each other, and\u2014most importantly\u2014see themselves\u201d said Wilbekin. \u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0remarkable to see how many positive responses we\u2019ve received since we\u2019ve launched and I\u2019m excited that we\u00a0can continue to celebrate individuals in our community whose achievements are beyond inspirational.\u201d<\/p>\n<div data-carousel-extra='{\"blog_id\":1,\"permalink\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tenzmag.com\\\/native-son-awards-2017\\\/\"}' id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-2987 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-medium'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2989\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_1943\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498070832&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;33&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;640&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_1943\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_1943.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2994\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2109\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498071816&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;33&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2109\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2109.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2990\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2007\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498071209&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;33&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;640&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2007\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2007.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"223\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?fit=300%2C223&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?w=4912&amp;ssl=1 4912w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?resize=300%2C223&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?resize=768%2C570&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?resize=1024%2C760&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2992\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2088\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?fit=4912%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4912,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498071678&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;28&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2088\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?fit=300%2C223&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2088.jpg?fit=1024%2C760&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2991\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2052\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498071538&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;35&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;640&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2052\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2052.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2995\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2183\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498072287&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;35&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2183\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2183.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?fit=300%2C213&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?w=5128&amp;ssl=1 5128w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?resize=300%2C213&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?resize=768%2C546&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?resize=1024%2C728&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2996\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2259\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?fit=5128%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5128,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498072669&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;33&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2259\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?fit=300%2C213&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2259.jpg?fit=1024%2C728&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"215\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?fit=300%2C215&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?w=5090&amp;ssl=1 5090w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?resize=300%2C215&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?resize=768%2C550&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?resize=1024%2C734&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"2999\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2562\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?fit=5090%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5090,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498074366&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;28&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;640&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2562\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?fit=300%2C215&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562.jpg?fit=1024%2C734&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>A longstanding advocate for LGBT issues, Wilbekin is passionate about showcasing greater and more diverse\u00a0representations of black gay men in America. The Native Son Awards is part of a larger, grassroots, multifaceted\u00a0initiative, which will include national empowerment workshops and talks, networking events, influencer\u00a0dinners\u2014all with the mission of connecting those within the often under- and\/or misrepresented community of\u00a0Black gay men. Forthcoming in 2017 will be the Native Son digital platform\u2014an extension of the World of\u00a0Wilbekin site\u2014which will further connect the community and highlight upcoming events, and initiatives.<\/p>\n<div data-carousel-extra='{\"blog_id\":1,\"permalink\":\"https:\\\/\\\/tenzmag.com\\\/native-son-awards-2017\\\/\"}' id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-2987 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-medium'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"3002\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2071\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;6.3&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498071618&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2071\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2071.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"3004\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2631\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498074906&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2631\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2631.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?ssl=1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?w=5472&amp;ssl=1 5472w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?resize=760%2C510&amp;ssl=1 760w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?w=2400&amp;ssl=1 2400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?w=3600&amp;ssl=1 3600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" data-attachment-id=\"3005\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/native-son-awards-2017\/img_2483\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?fit=5472%2C3648&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"5472,3648\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1498074003&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;640&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_2483\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2483.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cThe duality of being Black and gay today is sometimes challenging and oftentimes heavy\u2014homophobia, racism,\u00a0incarceration, mortality and issues of identity can weigh on our spirit, our feelings of self-worth and our very\u00a0existence,\u201d noted Wilbekin. \u201cI think that we\u2019re at a very important juncture in our community\u2019s collective\u00a0history\u2014one in which it is imperative to have a platform that uniquely speaks to our community and its needs\u2014that\u2019s how Native Son was born.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Second Native Son Awards are made possible by the generous support of corporate partners who believe\u00a0strongly in supporting black gay men and the LGBTQ communities. Native Son is proud to be a part of Cadillac&#8217;s\u00a0mission to #DareGreatly, Hilton&#8217;s LGBTQ initiative #HiltonCelebrates, with additional support from HBO and Belvedere Vodka\u00a0who will provide cocktails.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about Native Son, please follow \u201cNative Son Now\u201d on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat: @Native Son\u00a0Now, and Facebook.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In celebration of Pride month and continuing the movement to uplift and empower Black Gay men,\u00a0on Wednesday, June 21st, journalist, content creator and LGBT activist Emil Wilbekin returns with the Second\u00a0Native Son Awards honoring renown contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley; successful business managementconsultant and renown philanthropist, Reggie Van Lee; and creative strategist, advocate and President of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[104,30],"tags":[157,156,155,153,160,159,164,165,158,152,161,163,154,162],"yst_prominent_words":[268,266,262,255,252,263,260,267,269,256,191,270,258,253,254,264,257,265,261,259],"class_list":["post-2987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-news","tag-belvedere-vodka","tag-black-gay-men","tag-cadillac","tag-emil-wilbekin","tag-kehinde-wiley","tag-kyle-hagler","tag-memsor","tag-merrell-hollis","tag-miss-lawrence","tag-native-son","tag-reggie-van-lee","tag-ricky-day","tag-the-native-son-awards","tag-ty-hunter"],"views":507,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tenzmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_2562-1.jpg?fit=5090%2C3648&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p86sOI-Mb","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2987"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3007,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2987\/revisions\/3007"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2987"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tenzmag.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=2987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}