Past Winners Include:

Goddess Lakshimi - Ms. World 2003................... 2004
Mufasa- Mr. World 2006......................................2005
Scourge & coffee - Dark Connections................... 2006
Blackkat........................................................... 2007
Cain Berlinger- Author & Mr Ebony Producer........ 2008
Rae -Former NELA President.............................. 2010

If you're an African American or involved in the BDSM/Leather lifestyle, you're likely to have heard her name. We call her "Mother" in the African American Leather Lifestyle Community. At Black BEAT 2003, the co founders and guests were honored to meet and embrace this dynamic, articulate, personable, phenomenal woman.

Vi Johnson is our voice, lending over 25 years of history and experience. Vi's two books, Dhampir, Child of The Blood and To Love, To Obey, To Serve, Diary of an Old Guard Slave, are candid novels with kinky literary flair. Her work has been published in Some Women (the Anthology) and various leather magazines. She is published in Dominant Mistique, BLIC, Passion, The Link, Black Mistress Review, Black Amazon Digest, Ouch, Obeya, and Bitches with Whips. Vi's countless educational lectures and presentations across the globe are exemplary leadership examples for others to follow. An award in her honor is a prestigious representation of dedicated service and significant contribution in BDSM. The results and winner/recipient will be announced on Friday, August 12, 2012.

The Vi Johnson Award, will be presented live and in person by the extraordinary Vi Johnson. She will present the award to the winning recipient at Black BEAT 2012 to the person or group exemplifying outstanding leadership or service(s) in the Leather Lifestyle.

Black BEAT Inc. is very proud to announce the Vi Johnson Award which represents superior recognition in the African American experience in BDSM.

AWARD CRITERIA

The Viola Johnson Award is given to a person or group whom has made significant contributions to the African American / People of Color Leather lifestyle. This contribution(s) may include, but is not limited to:

• Sponsoring or promoting leather / fetish events that encourage positive exchanges among People of Color
• Mentoring men and women of color
• Writings that encourage and promote the African American leather lifestyle
• Founding and perpetuating organizations for People of Color in leather
• Producing educational resources unique to People of Color in service to the African American Leather/Fetish community.

Please include the name and contact information for the nominee, a detailed description of their contribution, along with a written explanation regarding why you believe the nominee is deserving of this distinctive award. Nominees must be an active participant in the BDSM or Leather Community and have belonged to an organization(s) for a minimum of one full year.

The nominee* must be able to attend Black BEAT 2012. (Travel/lodging is not provided for recipient.)

* If a group is selected, one (1) member of the group such as the president or selected designee must be available to receive the award on the behalf of the group.

A committee will carefully review all entries, and select the nominee most qualified. A vote will then determine the winner. The results and winner/recipient will be announced during the dinner on Friday, August 17, 2012.

All Nominations are due by April 30, 2012. Please use the form below to submit your nomination. Pictures should be submitted seperately to beatadmin@blackbeatinc.org.