GRIOT AWARDS
Honoring the Keepers of Culture
The annual Griot Award recognizes individuals whose lives and accomplishments embody the spirit of the griot tradition — custodians of culture, champions of truth, and voices of wisdom.
The Friends of the African American Heritage Trail Presents
2026 Griot Awards
Honoring Charles Smith — renowned ceramicist and sculptor
DETAILS
Thursday, November 12, 2026
7:00–9:00 pm · VIP Reception 5:15 pm
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USA Alumni Center (University of South Alabama),
McGhee Grand Ballroom
100 Alumni Dr, Mobile, AL 36688
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Attire: Festive
General Admission: $75
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VIP: $100
Entry to the VIP reception with complimentary drinks, the opportunity to meet the honoree, keynote speaker and panelists, and reserved seating.
Honoree and Keynote
Renowned Ceramicist & Sculpter
Charles Smith
Author of "How the Word Is Passed"
Clint Smith
Photo by Elizabeth Gelineau,
shot for Mobile Bay Magazine.
Interview Panelists
Cynthia Tucker (2018 Honoree)
& Frye Gaillard
Live Music
Dennis "Finger Roll" Nelson
Spoken Word Performance
Huggy Bear da Poet
Attire
Festive
THE GRIOT TRADITION
Storytellers, Historians &
Keepers of Memory
The griot has long held a sacred and respected role within African and African American communities — a keeper of history, culture, wisdom, and collective memory. Traditionally, griots served as storytellers, historians, educators, and advisors who preserved the achievements, struggles, and values of their people through oral tradition.
Today's griots continue this work — through education, public service, the arts, advocacy, scholarship, and community leadership — connecting the past to the present while shaping a more informed future.
HONOREES
Griot Award Recipients
AUTHOR
American writer and documentary filmmaker, known for her 2013 novel Wash, a runner-up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.
2013
Margaret Wrinkle
2016
MOTOWN ICON
Martha Reeves
Lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas — 'Dancing in the Street,' 'Heat Wave' — and a former Detroit councilwoman.
2017
Marine Corps Major General
J. Gary Cooper
Marine officer, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, and U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica.
2018
PULITZER PRIZE JOURNALIST
Cynthia Tucker
Won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
2019
NFL HALL OF FAME
Robert Brazile
Houston Oilers linebacker, 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, and later a special-education teacher.
2023
MUSICIANS
The Excelsior Band
A historic Mobile, AL, ten-piece brass marching and jazz band founded in 1883.