08/19/2026
ST. LOUIS… THE 2026 PARAGON AWARDS & SOIREE IS COMING. AND WE’RE LEVELING UP!
In 2018, we set out to do something simple but important: give Black men their flowers. Not someday, but THEN AND NOW!!!!
So, on October 22, 2026, the Phirst Phamily Paragon Awards & Soirée returns for its 4th edition, presented through the partnership of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated® — Epsilon Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® — Omicron Eta Omega Chapter in collaboration with the Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, Incorporated and Ivy Foundation of St. Louis.
Together, we’re celebrating Black men across the St. Louis region who are leading, serving, building, creating, mentoring, protecting, healing and making a difference. And this year? The community showed up!!!! We received a record number of public nominations across eight award categories:
🌟 Community Impact
🌟 Education & Youth Empowerment
🌟 Game-Changer
🌟 Arts, Culture & Creative Expression
🌟 Economic & Entrepreneurial
🌟 Health & Wellness
🌟 Service & Public Safety
🌟 Lifetime Achievement — The Apotheosis Award
But Paragon is bigger than an awards program. It’s about changing the narrative. Celebrating excellence. And creating a space where Black men are seen, appreciated and honored. ✊🏾 And none of this happens without people and organizations willing to invest in the purpose.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to receive financial support from individuals, organizations, and businesses of all sizes such as Armstrong Teasdale Law Firm, Holland Law Firm, KSDK 5 On Your Side, Andy’s Seasoning, Midland States Bank, Sterling Bank, Busey Bank, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Mason & Associates, Portfolio Art Gallery, Ulett Tree & Landscaping, and Haywood Hoosman Realty, and many others along with generous families, entrepreneurs, and again, individual supporters from diverse backgrounds.
To every past sponsor and supporter: THANK YOU!!! You helped build this.
Now we’re looking for our 2026 Paragon Partners.
And you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to make an impact.
Own a small business? Lead a big company or department? Have a law, real estate, insurance, investment, accounting or marketing firm? Run a restaurant, fitness company, landscaping business, detailing company, funeral service, dentistry, medical, nonprofit or other enterprise?
Or maybe you're simply an individual, family or group of friends who believes Black excellence deserves to be celebrated.
There’s a place for you at this year's Paragon Awards and Soiree.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 or higher if you want to be a title sponsor.
We want to thank those again who have already committed and secured their sponsorship!
If you would like a sponsorship package or have questions, inbox me.
