The Richmond Region Tourism Foundation has unveiled the finalists for the first BLK RVA Community Awards, celebrating individuals and businesses that bolster Black tourism in the Richmond area.

The awards ceremony will be presented 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, Radio personality “Miss Community” Clovia Lawrence will host the event at the Hippodrome Theater.

Public voting for the awards is open until Aug. 4 at 11:59 p.m.

Residents and supporters can cast their votes on the official BLK RVA website. Finalists for the Rising Community Impact Award and the Rooted Community Impact Award were announced recently.

The Rising Community Impact Award, sponsored by Wells Fargo, recognizes Black businesses and initiatives that have recently made their mark on Richmond’s cultural scene. Finalists in this category include the Arthur Ashe Boulevard Initiative, Ashley Williams of BareSOUL, Brandi Brown of Ms. Bee’s Juice Bar, Liberated Arts Foundation, Luise ‘Cheezi’ Farmer of Black Pride RVA, Mike King Biz, RVA Explore Tours, RVA Hot Wheelz and RVA’s Black Farmers Market.

The Rooted Community Impact Award, presented by Altria Client Services, honors established Black businesses and individuals who have been pillars of the community for over a decade. Finalists in this category include Duron Chavis of Sankofa Orchard, Janine Bell of Elegba Folklore Society, Amiri and Cindy Richardson-Keys of The ARTS Community Center, James Holland (Chesterfield County Supervisor), Ron Carey of Tilt Creative + Production, Randy Cooper of Richmond Heritage Federal Credit Union, historian Elvatrice Parker Belsches and Kelli Lemon of Like the Fruit, LLC.

The BLK RVA Community Awards aim to highlight the contributions of Black-owned businesses and initiatives to Richmond's tourism sector and overall cultural landscape. For more information about the awards or to purchase tickets to the ceremony, see visitblkrva.com.