The Stage was Set
For two and a half hours, our honorees transformed this stage into a moment of true historic significance. Never before has such a confluence of Black innovative talent stood together in one place, illuminating the breadth, depth, and brilliance of our collective inventive legacy. What unfolded was more than a ceremony — it was a landmark gathering that affirmed the enduring impact of Black creativity on the world and set a new standard for how innovation is celebrated.
Past Legends
The descendants of Walter Linc Hawkins, Charles F. Page, and C. R. Patterson were on hand to accept awards on their behalf
Young Innovator Award
Ms. Eniola Shokunbi stole the night with a mic dropping speech that left the audience in awe
Present Day Honorees
Seven industry leaders were part of this year's Class of 2026. They each presented a message for the ages to inspire future generations of young innovators
Class of 2026
From Left to Right Rear - Philip Hawkins, Jesse Russell, Eraka Bath, Carolyn Ogelsby, Hakeem Oluseyi, Lonnie Johnson, Eniola Shokunbi, Sir Cato Laurencin, Mae Jemison, L - R Front Jaiden Kaine, James Howard, Lanny Smoot, Joseph Page, Peg Carpenter Patterson. Not present - Prof. Emeritus James West and Marian Croak