Today, The Red Door Foundation (TRDF) announced that WWAV’s Deon Haywood will be a recipient of the 2018 Flame Thrower Awards. A formal ceremony will take place this summer at the organization’s Saving Ourselves Symposium, which will be held June 6-10, 2018 at the Sheraton Birmingham and is an annual conference designed to to educate, encourage, and empower the Black LGBTQ community. The theme is “The Time Is Always Now!”
“The honorees hail from different backgrounds and represent the pioneers of social justice within the Black LGBTQ community. Their works from the past, in the present, and yet to come speak with an unapologetic voice to empower our communities that seek and deserve equality and equity. With deep respect, I am humbly honored to embolden their work as an example of true leadership and service to and for us all,”said Marvell Terry II, founder and visionary of TRDF. “With this award, we tip our hats to their dedication.”
Deon Haywood will be honored alongside an esteemed group of leaders in the field:

• Carmarion Anderson
• A. Cornelius Baker
• Brenda Cummings, MSW
• Cecilia Chung
• Valerie Rochester, MPA
• Reverend Elder Kevin E. Taylor
• The Counter Narrative Project

Full bios are here. 
The individuals and organization receiving the awards work aggressively in the advancement of resources for people living with HIV and AIDS in the South, fight vigorously for expanded healthcare among marginalized populations, and strive to improve the self-efficacy of the Black LGBTQ community.

Red Gala Information Date and Location:

Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Sheraton Birmingham

Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm CST | Cocktail Hour, Dinner & Presentation

Cost: In – Advance: $75.00,

At the Door: $100.00 limited space

Table: $450.00 (10 seats)

Attire: Black Tie with African Accents