Charlotte Smallwood Awardee

Jason Lyric is a New York native who began his service to the community as a 16-year-old performer traveling his home state to present a play about AIDS to teenagers.  His commitment to making an impact in the lives of others continued as an adult, and after 20 years of running his own mentoring program for inner-city males he remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of other LGBT people.

Motivated by the desire to let members of the LGBT community know that God loves them and does not judge them, he uses his music to bridge the gap created by some churches that have adopted anti-LGBT agendas.  In addition, he has expanded his mission and developed a more focused agenda through his work with DC Black Pride.  As such, he uses his volunteerism with the program to shed light on the high rate of suicides among the young LGBT and to educate others about HIV and the importance of getting tested.

Jason is unwavering in his commitment to DC Black Pride, and he returns year-after-year to volunteer.  He serves as a good will ambassador and advocate for the event on Memorial Day weekend and throughout the remainder of the year.

About the Award

The Charlotte Smallwood Award is presented to the DC Black Pride volunteer of the year. This award is named after long time DC Black Pride volunteer, Charlotte Smallwood. More information about DC Black Pride Awards.