locsanity community impact awards

Presented by Locsanity in partnership with LOCnificent Fest

Recognizing the changemakers, healers, and community builders within the locs and natural hair community — because the people who show up for others deserve to be celebrated too.

Three women standing in front of large checks and a screen at an indoor event. The woman on the left wears a black jacket, has curly hair styled in retro rolls, and holds a trophy. The woman in the middle wears a colorful African print dress with curly hair styled in coils. The woman on the right wears a white shirt and a vibrant African print skirt and holds a trophy. Background includes a brick wall, two men at a DJ booth, and a screen displaying event details and sponsors.

🏆 Meet the 2025 Recipients

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the 7th Annual LOCnificent Fest in Brooklyn, NY, two extraordinary individuals were honored live on stage with the Locsanity Community Impact Award — each receiving a $1,500 cash prize, a handcrafted art glass trophy, and a commemorative certificate.

LOC LEGACY AWARD Honoring an individual with locs making a significant impact in the loc and natural hair community

Keisha Charmaine Felix | 2025 Loc Legacy Award Recipient

CROWNED IN COMMUNITY AWARD Honoring an individual with loose natural hair whose work uplifts those around them

Marcelle Lashley-Kaboré |2025 Crowned in Community Award Recipient

About the Award

This award was created because recognition is part of the work. Too many people give tirelessly to their communities without ever being seen. This initiative exists to change that.

Each year, two individuals are honored across two categories:

  • Loc Legacy Award — for individuals with locs making meaningful impact in the loc and natural hair community

  • Crowned in Community Award — for individuals with loose natural hair (afros, protective styles, and more) whose work uplifts those around them

Nominees may be stylists, educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, advocates, wellness professionals, healers, or creatives. There is no age requirement — this award uplifts both seasoned changemakers and rising youth leaders alike.

🔁 Coming Back in 2026

The Locsanity Community Impact Award is returning.

Nominations will open later this year. Follow us on Instagram @locnificentfest and check back here to be the first to know when applications go live — and start thinking about who in your community deserves to be seen.

A woman with dark skin and styled dreadlocks holds a colorful glass award. She is smiling and wearing a black leather jacket, hoop earrings, a necklace, and a black skirt. Behind her, a screen displays the word 'Locsanity' and a cartoon girl with puffy hair and a polka dot headband.
A woman holding a large ceremonial check and a trophy, standing in front of a stage with a brick wall. The check is made out to Keisha Charmaine Felix for $1,500 for a community impact award, dated October 5, 2025, from Locsanity.
A woman with dark curly hair smiling, holding an award, wearing a brown dress with a colorful scarf, gold jewelry, and a white shirt underneath. She stands in front of a screen displaying a logo.
Two women standing in front of a large check and a backdrop. One woman is holding the check, and the other woman is holding a colorful trophy. The woman holding the check is dressed in a pink dress with a crochet top, and the woman holding the trophy is wearing a white shirt paired with a vibrant, multicolored patterned skirt and matching sash. The backdrop features a projected image on a brick wall, and there is a DJ in the background.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q: What is the Locsanity Community Impact Award? This annual award, presented by Locsanity in partnership with LOCnificent Fest, recognizes two individuals making a significant positive impact in the community — one in the loc community (Loc Legacy) and one in the broader natural hair community (Crowned in Community).

Q: Who is eligible? Any individual with locs or natural hair who is actively serving the community and lives and/or works in the New York City area. Nominees may be stylists, educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, advocates, wellness professionals, healers, or creatives. There is no age requirement, and self-nominations are welcome.

Q: What does each recipient receive? Each recipient receives a $1,500 cash prize, a handcrafted art glass trophy, and a commemorative certificate — and is celebrated live on stage at LOCnificent Fest.

Q: When will 2026 nominations open? Nomination details will be announced later this year. Follow @locnificentfest on Instagram and check back here for updates.

Q: Who reviews nominations? A selection committee of representatives from Locsanity, the LOCnificent Fest organizing team, and respected figures within the natural hair community reviews all nominations within their respective categories.

Q: Who is Locsanity? Locsanity is dedicated to high-quality, natural hair care products formulated specifically for locs and natural hair. Founded with a deep passion for healthy hair and community, Locsanity has been a proud partner of LOCnificent Fest and co-presents this award as part of its ongoing commitment to the natural hair community.

The Locsanity Community Impact Award is presented in partnership with Locsanity and LOCnificent by Culture Unloc'd LLC.