AFM Recognizes 2026 Diversity Award Recipients

July 1, 2026

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The AFM Diversity Awards, launched in 2005, recognize outstanding examples of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the AFM. The awards are presented at the AFM Convention to musicians and locals who advance these values within their communities and the labor movement.

Presidents’ Local Award: Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL)

The Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL), was honored with the 2026 Presidents’ Local Award in recognition of its leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).

Local 10-208 has built diversity into its institutional foundation, with a board that is 43% female, 29% Black, and 14% LGBTQ+, spanning generations and artistic disciplines. The local has championed the AFM’s #NotMe app, launched a mentorship program, and expanded outreach to hip-hop, house music, and freelance jazz musicians historically excluded from equitable representation. It is now pursuing the organizing of Chicago’s predominantly Black worship musicians, partnering with community organizations to address improper classification and lack of benefits.

“Our focus is not only limited to creating greater racial equity within our union, but uplifting all marginalized groups,” says Local 10-208 President BJ Levy. “To receive this award is a tremendous honor, but we must be clear-headed in acknowledging that the work is never done.”

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Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award: Meryl Trimble Johnson, Local 4 (Cleveland, OH)

Union and community activist Meryl Trimble Johnson, a member of Local 4 (Cleveland, OH), received the 2026 Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award for her lifelong dedication to diversity, education, and social justice.

Johnson spent 40 years teaching in Cleveland public schools and 16 years as the Cleveland Teachers Union (CTU) director of community engagement. Twice elected to the Ohio State Board of Education, serving from 2017 to 2024, Johnson is also a longtime Local 4 delegate to the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor. There, she was appointed to the executive board and chaired the Cultural Diversity Assembly 2023-2024. She remains active on the CTU Retirees Committee and currently serves as education chair of the NAACP Cleveland Chapter. She leads efforts in support of DEIA initiatives and public education, instead of voucher programs.

As an active member of Local 4, Johnson maintains a longstanding regular presence at the union’s organizing and community events.

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Charles McDaniel Youth Award: Jay Julio, Local 802 (New York City)

This year’s Charles McDaniel Youth Award honoree is first-generation Filipino-American violist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator Jay Julio, a member of Local 802 (New York City) and Local 77-274 (Philadelphia, PA). Currently assistant principal violist of the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra, Julio has performed with chamber and contemporary orchestras, including the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, while building a parallel career as a mentor and advocate for young musicians from underrepresented communities.

Through teaching, sliding-scale fees, scholarship access, and initiatives such as Sound Off: Music for Bail, Julio has created pathways for students who might otherwise lack access to professional music training and performance opportunities.

“Jay’s leadership extends beyond the classroom into community initiatives and performance programs that center diverse voices and encourage participation from all backgrounds,” says Local 802 President Dan Point. “Their advocacy for fair opportunity, coupled with their dedication to artistic excellence, embodies the spirit of the Charles McDaniel Award.”

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