This award, the highest honor presented, recognizes professionals who have contributed outstanding expertise and exceptional dedication to African and African American focused institutions, nationally and internationally, through a career spanning 20 years or more.

The JOHN & MARJORIE KINARD Award

This award recognizes an extraordinary individual who may not work directly in an African American museum or cultural institution, however, they have demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to sustaining African and African American focused museums nationally and internationally.

The MUSEUM LEADERSHIP Award

This award recognizes museum professionals, in the field for 10 years or more, who have displayed exceptional leadership in museum work and particularly in the advancement of African and African American focused museums nationally and internationally.

The PACE SETTER Award

This award recognizes museum professionals who, in the filed for less than 10 years have demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to sustaining African and African American focused museums nationally and internationally.

The BILL BILLINGSLEY Award

This award recognizes an extraordinary volunteer at a AAAM Institutional museum who has demonstrated exceptional innovation and dedication to sustaining African and African American focused museums nationally and internationally.

Award Recipients will be notified of their selection no later than June 15, 2025 and special recognition conferred during the 2025 Awards Luncheon on Friday of the conference at the host hotel.