The Vanguard of Change Award is meant to honor local community leaders and grassroots projects that SPARK believes exemplifies our vision of a world where economic, social and cultural equity, restorative justice, body autonomy, and comprehensive reproductive and sexual freedom exists; where all people are empowered, valued, and able to make liberatory decisions about their communities, families, and lives.
Meet this year’s awardees!
Tamika Middleton
Tamika Middleton is an organizer, birthworker, and homeschooling mama. She is passionate about and active in struggles that affect Black women’s lives. She sometimes performs as a member of The NALO Movement. She is also passionate about birthing and healing, and is the coordinator of Kindred Southern Healing Justice Collective.
Web | Facebook | @KindredSHJC
Southern Fried Queer Pride
Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP) is a radical arts, music, and culture festival browned to perfection on stonewall weekend, annually.
Saturated in the oils of our transcestors and forequeers (Stonewall Riots, ACT UP, and the civil rights movement) we cook up a heaping platter of workshops, performance art, parties-with-a-purpose, and more. All local, well-spiced ingredients that highlight the South as a radical political home for culture foodies fighting transphobia, white supremacy, sexism, hetero-sexism, and other over salty dishes.