AFM Diversity Awards­—Recognizing Outstanding Examples of Diversity

January 1, 2022

Lovie Smith-Wright  -  AFM Diversity Committee Chair and Member of Local 65-699 (Houston, TX)

The AFM International Convention is a time for us to look forward. Key issues facing member musicians are discussed and resolved. Officials are elected to ensure the AFM’s continued longevity and success. But the convention is also a time to reflect and honor locals and members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty as musicians and community members.

The AFM Diversity Awards were created in 2005 to recognize outstanding examples of diversity in the Federation. For every action there is a reaction, which over time becomes our history. That was the basis for creating the awards.

Nominations for the three awards to be presented at the 102nd AFM Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, are now being accepted. The awards to be presented are: the Presidents’ Local Award, the Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award, and the Charles McDaniel Youth Award.

The Presidents’ Award is given to a local that demonstrates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) via a diverse executive board, articles in the local’s newsletter, a local diversity committee, or events sponsored by the local that display diversity in various genres of music. Locals that have previously won the Presidents’ Award are not eligible.

The Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award is for any member who has shown dedication to both union and community issues throughout their lifetime.

The Charles McDaniel Youth Award is for anyone between 16 to 35 years old who has shown accomplishment as a young, upcoming musician in their local and throughout their community.

While the application procedures are standard, the applications differ in criteria. The mechanisms are designed to invoke a sense of thoughtfulness and effort by the applicants. The first stage of the application process ends February 4, 2022 and the second stage ends April 15, 2022. Final applications are criteria certified by the Diversity Awards committee and judged by independent judges. The AFM fully supports this program and wants to encourage as many locals to participate as possible.

All applications must come from the local. Locals must have an awards nomination/review committee, which consists of at least three people or the local’s executive board. All applications must be submitted from the local to the AFM President’s Office.

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