Nominations open for the 2025 Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow award

BLOOMINGTON– The City of Bloomington’s Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award. This prestigious award honors two exceptional African American individuals—one male-identifying and one female-identifying—across two categories: high school students and adults aged 30 or younger.

The awards will be presented at the annual Black History Month Gala Celebration in February, highlighting the achievements of those who have made a positive, meaningful impact in the Bloomington community through leadership, academics, and community involvement.

High School Category

  • The nominee must be an African American student currently enrolled in high school.
  • Must demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and/or significant involvement in initiatives that have visibly improved the Bloomington community.

Adult Category

  • The nominee must be an African American individual aged 30 or younger.
  • Must showcase exceptional leadership, scholarship, or professional and personal contributions that have made a meaningful impact on the community.

Additional Requirements

  • All nominees must have been Monroe County residents for at least one year prior to nomination.

How to Nominate

The nomination deadline is Tuesday, February 11, 2025. To nominate an individual, visit the CSBM website at bloomington.in.gov/csbm and complete the online nomination form.

For additional information or questions, please contact Andrew Shannon, Director of Safe and Civil City, at andrew.shannon@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3559.