2019 Awardee: Ms. Zakia McKensey
Zakia is one of the inaugural recipients of the Minister Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Award (2019). Her acceptance message is to the left with transcript below. Congratulations, Zakia!
Transcript:
Hi. Good morning my name is Zakia McKensey. I am from Richmond Virginia. I am the executive director of Nationz Foundation in Richmond, Virginia and we're a nonprofit organization that provides education and information related to HIV prevention and overall health and wellness, while inspiring the community to take responsibility for their health and make healthier lifestyle choices.
I'm very ecstatic and thankful to Transfaith for honoring me this year as a recipient of the Minister Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Award. This award is in loving memory of Minister Bobbie Jean Baker who transitioned in 2014 and this award was designed to support the leadership of Black trans women.
A special thank you to Transfaith for selecting me as a recipient of the of a grant for 2019 and it's amazing to have an organization to plant seeds in the development of Black trans leaders. So thank you Transfaith for honoring me with this Memorial Award in honor of Minister Bobbie Jean Baker. Thank you so much. Sending love, light, and hope from the state that is made for lovers. Signing off from Virginia and I thank you.
“A staunch advocate and role model, Minister Bobbie Jean Baker worked with trans women overcoming substance abuse, homelessness and more. In memory of Minister Bobbie Jean Baker’s robust Christian leadership, the Minister Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Fund, by Transfaith. It is awarded yearly to individuals to supports the leadership of Transgender women of color in Christian faith communities, by Transfaith. ”
MINISTER BOBBIE JEAN BAKER MEMORIAL FUND
The Minister Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Fundsupports the Minister Bobbie Jean Baker Memorial Award and the leadership of Transgender women of color.