Allen, III is a religious trailblazer, author, human rights advocate, an international and community leader and entrepreneur. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community Partnerships and over 25 years of work experience in public health, social work education, community engagement, capacity building, group facilitation, outreach and recruitment, planning, community organizing, and mobilization.īishop O.C. Mary Anne Adams is Founder and Executive Director of ZAMI NOBLA-National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging dedicated to building a national base of power for Black lesbians 40 + centering Service, Advocacy, and Community-Action Research. Angelica is the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, a company that empowers transgender and gender nonconforming people through on-the-job training in leadership and workplace skills, creating a social impact and bringing economic empowerment to marginalized communities. “We are thrilled to highlight TGNC, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ Georgians who are making our state, and our world, a better place.”įrom the board room, to film sets, to the White House, Angelica Ross is a leading figure of success and strength in the movement for trans and racial equality. “With the announcement of OUT Georgia’s 2020 Most Influential LGBTQ+ Georgians list falling during Transgender Awareness Week, we had a special emphasis on spotlighting Transgender and Gender Nonconforming honorees from our community,” said Chris Lugo, Executive Director of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance. OUT Georgia’s Most Influential project and list is anticipated to evolve each year, with a small committee charged with establishing ongoing selection criteria and priorities.
“It is our honor to recognize these Georgians who are using their influence to impact the lives of countless LGBTQ+ people, here in Georgia and beyond,” said Michael Daniels, Board President of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance.Īfter welcoming nominations from the community, Daniels and OUT Georgia’s executive director Chris Lugo took on the task of finalizing the inaugural Most Influential LGBTQ+ Georgians list, which was unveiled November 17, during the chamber’s 2020 LGBTQ+ Business Summit & Community Honors, presented by Georgia Power. He is survived by wife Shannon, children Lowe and Grey, sister Edwina and parents Nee and Eunice.ATLANTA, Ga., Novem–– OUT Georgia Business Alliance is proud to reveal its first-ever Most Influential LGBTQ+ Georgians list for 2020, highlighting 100 LGBTQ+ trailblazers who are making a true difference in their community.įrom business and community leaders to entrepreneurs, young people, and celebrities, this diverse list features 100 Georgians who exemplify integrity and progress through their leadership, voice, visibility, and action. “We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”Ībloh was often hailed as one of the most influential designers in the fashion industry but was also a DJ, artist and had degrees in civil engineering and architecture.
“He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations. “Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. “Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. It added: “He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture. “The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother or their friend.”Ī statement on Abloh’s Instagram page described him as “a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.” “Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. “We are all shocked after this terrible news. He was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma – a rare, aggressive form of cancer in 2019, it has been revealed.Ī statement from LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault said: “LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off-White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh on Sunday November 28 of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years. The US designer first came to prominence as rapper Kanye West’s creative director but later made history as the first African-American to lead French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. Virgil Abloh, the influential Louis Vuitton menswear designer and founder of fashion label Off-White, has died at the age of 41 after a private battle with cancer, the design house’s parent company LVMH has announced.