The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA) has announced the winners of the 2025 Black Excellence Awards, honoring and celebrating Chicago theatre, dance, music, film, literary, and visual artists. The 24th annual event was held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. in Chicago.
Throughout the evening, Special Honor Awards were presented to: Pemon Rami (Excellence in Film); Eve L. Ewing (Excellence in Literature); and Professor Roxanne Stevenson (Excellence in Music and Music Education).
The complete list of 2025 Black Excellence Awards winners is as follows:
Dance
- Outstanding Achievement in Dance – Overall Performance: Praize Productions - Complexions
- Outstanding Achievement in Dance – Choreographer: Rasheida Smith, Love Jones - Move Me Soul
Literature
- Excellence in Community Engagement – Literature: The Underground Bookstore
Music
- Outstanding Achievement in Music – Male Performer: Gregory Gibbs
- Outstanding Achievement in Music – Female Performer: Lucy Smith
Theater
- Outstanding Achievement in Theater – Production: If You Think You’re Lonely Now - Theater 47
- Outstanding Achievement in Theater – Director: Daryl D. Brooks, That’s What Friends Are For: Gladys, Dionne, and Patti - Black Ensemble Theater
- Outstanding Achievement in Theater – Male Performer: Ronald L. Conner, Fat Ham - Definition Theatre
- Outstanding Achievement in Theater – Female Performer: Rhonda Preston, Blue Eyed Soul Song by Brown Eyed People - Black Ensemble Theater
- Special Recognition Theater – Director: Malika Stampley, Primary Trust - Goodman Theatre
- Special Recognition Theater – Performer: Gregory Fenner, Topdog/Underdog - The Gift Theatre
Visual Arts
- Outstanding Achievement in Visual Arts – Artist: Dayo Layo - “Watercolors”
- Outstanding Achievement in Visual Arts – Gallery Exhibition: Faie African Art Gallery
Special Honor Awards:
- Special Recognition Excellence in Literature – Fiction: Eve L. Ewing
- Special Recognition Excellence in Film: Pemon Rami
- Special Recognition for Excellence as a Music Director and Jazz Educator: Professor Roxanne Stevenson
About The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago
The mission of the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago is to collectively advance excellence in the work of the Black arts and culture sector. The Alliance works to increase interaction, communication and development of black arts organizations and artists, while delivering programs that increase their visibility, marketability, stability, and sustainability.
Founded in 1997 as the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago and rebranded the
Black Arts & Cultural Alliance of Chicago (BACA) in 2023, BACA offers a diverse range of events and programs that celebrate the rich heritage of the Black arts community in Chicago. Events and programs are designed to engage, educate, and inspire individuals (artists and patrons) who are passionate about Chicago’s Black arts and culture.
With new leadership in November 2024, the organization has been reorganized and revitalized, including a return to its original mission and a new focus in building the Board and programming, increasing membership, and creating websites that appropriately support BACA’s mission and purpose.
BACA is going strong after 28 years, with a full slate of events and programs celebrating the rich heritage of the Black arts community in Chicago.
In August 2025, BACA launched the Black Arts Directory of Chicago to serve as a vibrant online hub for African American and minority performing arts and culture in Chicago and beyond. The directory spotlights theatre, dance, music, and cultural events to celebrate rich artistic traditions. BACA prioritizes connecting audiences with diverse cultural experiences, showcasing the talents of Black and Brown artists that showcase the dynamic ingenuity and creativity of Chicago’s Black artists and organizations. It celebrates the rich narratives, historical relevance and artistic expressions that define African American and minority performing arts.
To find out more and view the Black Arts Directory visit https://www.blackartsdirectory.org/. The Black Arts Directory is made possible by an Arts Recovery Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
The BACA staff is Executive Director Luther Goins, Grants Writer & Development Manager Ilesa Duncan, and PR, Marketing & Design Director Doc Wheeler. The Board of Directors includes President Jackie Taylor, Vice President Sydney Chatman, and members Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Troy O. Pryor, Portia McFarland, William Gill, Ericka Ratcliff, Shawn Wallace, Daryl D. Brooks, and Roxanna Conner.
Upcoming BACA Events and Programs include:
Martin Luther King Celebration: The Black Arts & Culture Town Hall
January 19, 2026
This celebration and panel discussion honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and discusses the challenges and commonalities faced by Black artists and arts organizations and will launch the 2026 Black to Black Workshop Series.
Black to Black Series: Entertainment Business for the Black Artist
March 2026
Workshops
Black to Black Series: Working & Thriving in Chicago
May 2026
Panel Discussion
Cookout In The Blackyard Summer Networking Event
August 2026
Join BACA for an amazing networking opportunity featuring barbecue, drink, music, and fun.
Black to Black Series: History & Fundamentals of Black Organizations
October 2026
Workshops & Auditions
Black Excellence Awards
November 2026
Black Arts Hall of Fame 2026
November 2026
About Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA)
The mission of the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago is to collectively advance excellence in the work of the Black arts and culture sector. The Alliance works to increase interaction, communication and development of black arts organizations and artists, while delivering programs that increase their visibility, marketability, stability, and sustainability.
For tickets, event updates, and more information about the Black Arts and Culture Alliance of Chicago, visit https://www.bacachi.org/.