2026 Legacy Awards Ball

The Col. Eugene Derricotte Legacy Award in Aviation honors a local community member who exemplifies the pioneering spirit, courage, and excellence of Col. Derricotte, the first African American military aviator in the United States Air Force Medical Corps and a trailblazer among the Tuskegee Airmen. This award recognizes an individual currently living in the San Antonio region who has made a significant impact in the field of aviation or aerospace—whether through flight, engineering, education, innovation, advocacy, or mentorship. The recipient must demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity and opportunity within aviation, particularly for African American and underserved communities. Nominees should exhibit leadership, integrity, and a sustained record of service that inspires future generations to pursue careers in aviation. Military and civilian aviators, educators, engineers, or industry professionals are eligible.

The Ella Austin Legacy Award in Community Care honors a San Antonio community member who reflects the compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to service embodied by Ella Austin, a pioneer in social welfare and education for African Americans in the early 20th century. This award recognizes an individual currently making a meaningful and sustained impact in the areas of community care, social services, health equity, youth development, or elder support. The recipient should demonstrate a deep commitment to uplifting underserved populations, fostering empowerment, and building stronger, more resilient communities. Nominees may serve through nonprofit work, grassroots organizing, faith-based initiatives, education, healthcare, or volunteerism. Above all, the honoree must embody the values of empathy, equity, and service that continue Ella Austin’s legacy of transforming lives through care and advocacy.

The Jessie Mae Hicks Legacy Award in Beauty Entrepreneurship honors a current San Antonio community member whose work in the beauty industry reflects the creativity, determination, and community-centered values of Jessie Mae Hicks, a pioneering Black businesswoman and beauty salon owner. This award recognizes an individual who has achieved excellence in cosmetology, barbering, skincare, or beauty product innovation while using their platform to uplift others and contribute to the cultural and economic empowerment of the African American community. Nominees should demonstrate entrepreneurial success, a commitment to professional development, and a passion for mentoring or educating the next generation of beauty professionals. The recipient must also exemplify leadership, resilience, and service—continuing Hicks’ legacy by making beauty a space not only for self-expression and confidence, but also for entrepreneurship, legacy-building, and community care.

The Ezekiel “EZ” Allen Legacy Award in Volunteerism honors a current San Antonio community member whose selfless service and unwavering dedication to others reflect the spirit of EZ Allen—a beloved community advocate known for giving his time, talents, and heart to countless causes without seeking recognition. This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to volunteerism across sectors such as education, health, cultural preservation, youth engagement, or neighborhood revitalization. Nominees should consistently show up as reliable, compassionate, and action-oriented contributors who strengthen the fabric of the community through their service. Whether organizing behind the scenes, mentoring youth, supporting nonprofits, or caring for elders, the recipient must embody the quiet yet powerful leadership that defines true volunteerism. Their legacy is measured not in titles, but in lives touched and needs met. This award uplifts those whose everyday acts of service make extraordinary impacts.