On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff at the Freedom Center for Social Justice, we hope you have a fantastic time at ICONIC 2024! Your support tonight means the world to us, and we invite you to extend that impact beyond this evening. Becoming a recurring donor means you become an essential part of our mission to create lasting change.

It’s simple to get involved! Just choose your monthly donation amount and select the option to make it a recurring contribution. Your ongoing support will ensure that the vital programs and initiatives you’ve learned about tonight continue to thrive. Together, we can keep the momentum going and strengthen the social impact you’re passionate about! Thank you for always choosing to make a difference!

  • Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Founder and Executive Director of The Freedom Center for Social Justice welcomes all as we embark on a night of celebration and inspiration at ICONIC 2024.

  • As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, join us in reminiscing about the transformative work we've accomplished together over the years. This special segment of the evening will honor our milestones, reflect on our collective impact, and envision the future of our mission.

  • It is with immense gratitude that we present Viiv Healthcare with the ICONIC Corporation Award. As a leader in the fight against HIV, they are committed to advancing healthcare equity and providing innovative solutions that empower individuals and communities. Their dedication to improving health outcomes exemplifies their unwavering commitment to inclusivity and support for all.

  • We are honored to present the ICONIC Non-Profit Award to Beloved Community Center and their Co-Executive Directors Rev. Nelson Johnson and Mrs. Joyce Johnson. With a legacy rooted in activism and social justice, they have been instrumental in fostering community engagement and addressing systemic inequities. Their work in promoting racial and economic justice continues to inspire and uplift marginalized voices.

  • It is with great pride that we recognize the Union of Southern Service Workers with the ICONIC Community Group Award. This organization is dedicated to empowering low-wage workers across the South, advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions. Their collective action is a testament to the strength and resilience of workers united in the pursuit of justice.

  • We are thrilled to present the ICONIC Individual Award to Rhys Chambers, whose tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and community engagement has made a significant impact. Rhys embodies the spirit of activism, continually championing the causes that matter most to our communities. Their passion and commitment inspire others to join the fight for equality and justice.

  • It is with heartfelt appreciation that we honor Rev. Dr. John D. Blackshire with the ICONIC Trans Advocate Award. His unwavering commitment to uplifting transgender voices and addressing the challenges faced by the TGNC community is truly commendable. Through his advocacy, he creates safe spaces and fosters acceptance, paving the way for a more equitable future.

  • We are proud to present the FCSJ Founder’s Award to Rev. Debbie Warren for her outstanding contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS and her compassionate leadership at RAIN. Her relentless dedication to supporting those affected by the epidemic has transformed lives and continues to inspire future generations. Her legacy of advocacy and empowerment aligns perfectly with the mission of the Freedom Center for Social Justice.

  • We are excited to feature Kierra Johnson as our keynote speaker for the night. As a pioneering leader in the LGBTQ+ movement and the Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, Kierra brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our gathering. Her commitment to justice, equality, and empowerment resonates deeply within our community, and her powerful voice will inspire us all to continue the vital work of creating inclusive spaces for every individual. Join us as we hear her transformative vision for the future and how we can collectively work towards a more equitable world.

  • Cassandra Grant, Board Chair of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, will take the stage to share a few heartfelt words with our esteemed guests and provide a meaningful perspective on the evening's significance.

  • Join us as our Executive Director Bishop Tonyia Rawls as she makes a special announcement to all of those gathered tonight.

  • As we conclude this incredible evening at ICONIC 2024, our Deputy Director Cameron Pruette will share more about the powerful vision and impactful work that the Freedom Center will embark in our unwavering commitment to community, equity and justice.

Help Us Reach Our Goal

Join us in making a difference tonight! Your generous donations will help empower the impactful work of the Freedom Center for Social Justice. Let’s celebrate our community and create lasting change together—every contribution counts!

Meet the extraordinary individuals , organzations and businesses who help illuminate the path of freedom and justice for all!

Our ICONIC 2024 honorees are visionaries, innovators, and steadfast advocates for equality in North Carolina. From organizations committed to uplifting communities to individuals dedicated to driving meaningful change, these honorees inspire us all. Join us as we celebrate their remarkable contributions at ICONIC 2024!

  • ViiV Healthcare is a global pharmaceutical company entirely focused on HIV medicines and research. Founded in 2009 through a partnership between GSK and Pfizer, with Shionogi joining in 2012, ViiV is committed to ending the HIV epidemic. They offer 17 HIV-specific prescription medicines and operate the world’s only dedicated HIV research facility. ViiV works to improve access to treatment worldwide, collaborating with organizations like IAS and MPP. Their Positive Action programs support over 300 community projects globally, emphasizing local healthcare solutions to leave no person living with HIV behind.

  • The Beloved Community Center of Greensboro, NC, founded in 1991, is a grassroots organization inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of racial and economic justice. With over 50 years of connected social justice work, the BCC focuses on community building, organizing, and advocacy to create an inclusive society that values the dignity and potential of all people. Their mission is to lead Greensboro and beyond into a new era of equity, peace, and justice that can serve as a model for the nation and the world.

  • Rhys grew up Southern California where they developed a deep sense of justice and desire to invest in their community. After receiving their degree from the University of California - Riverside in 2020 and completing the LA Coro Fellowship in 2022, they moved to North Carolina to begin their work as the Eastern/Southern Coasts Senior Regional Organizing Lead for the Human Rights Campaign. Here they fell in love with North Carolina and have committed much of their work to building community and partnerships across the state, fighting for equality for all North Carolinians, and trying to uplift and connect communities across the Carolinas. They reside in Winston-Salem with their cat Mister and are continuously enchanted by the way trees tell the story of the seasons.

  • The Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW) is a union built by and for low-wage service industry workers, especially in the South. Focused on collective action, USSW is dedicated to transforming low-wage, high-turnover jobs into good union jobs and fighting for dignity, fair pay, health and safety, consistent scheduling, and a seat at the table. Despite the challenges Southern workers face in unionizing, especially Black and brown workers, USSW is committed to building worker power and shifting the balance of power in the South through collective organizing.

  • The Rev. John D. Blackshire, Ph.D., (he/him) serves as There's Room NC’s Lead Pastor and Executive Director, leading their team in North Carolina and beyond. An educator, artist, minister, and social justice coach, John helps There’s Room, individuals, and other organizations identify small yet mighty ways to accomplish radical community goals. As a minister, John feels best when empowering others to leverage their agency to transform their world for good.

The Freedom Center for Social Justice's Founder’s Award is a prestigious recognition presented to a partner organization or individual who has significantly advanced the mission, vision, and values of FCSJ. This award honors those who have demonstrated a deep commitment to advocating for social justice, equality, and empowerment, while fostering meaningful change within marginalized communities. The Founder’s Award celebrates those who, through their collaboration and dedication, have played an integral role in supporting and amplifying the impact of the Freedom Center's work.

This year, the Founder’s Award will be presented to Debbie Warren in recognition of her remarkable leadership and dedication to advancing the mission and values of the Freedom Center for Social Justice. Debbie’s work with RAIN has been instrumental in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, where her compassionate approach replaced fear and prejudice with understanding and care. Together, our organizations have collaborated to tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis and continued to advocate for justice, faith, and equality, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Debbie’s leadership and unwavering commitment over the past three decades have truly aligned with our shared vision of a more just and compassionate world, and we are honored to recognize her extraordinary contributions.

  • Debbie Warren founded RAIN in 1992, mobilizing volunteers and the faith community to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS prevention and end-of-life care during a time of widespread fear and stigma. Recognizing the struggles of those diagnosed, particularly gay men, she fostered a dialogue that replaced judgment with compassion and ignorance with knowledge. As antiretroviral therapies emerged, Debbie led RAIN in shifting its focus from end-of-life care to health education and access to medication. With 30 years of service, her leadership has inspired a compassionate approach to support, empowering individuals in the LGBTQ community to live full lives.

Your support can spark change!

Every donation, big or small, contributes to the transformative work we do at The Freedom Center for Social Justice. Your generosity helps us empower communities, advance social justice, and create a more equitable world.

Join us in our mission! Together, we can make a lasting impact on lives and communities.

ICONIC Keynote Speaker

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Kierra Johnson, President of the National LGBTQ Task Force, will be our featured speaker at ICONIC 2024! Kierra brings an incredible wealth of experience in LGBTQ advocacy, reproductive justice, and leadership. As one of the few queer women of color leading a national LGBTQ organization, Kierra's voice and vision inspire change and empowerment for all. We can't wait to hear her speak and celebrate this special moment with our community!

  • Kierra Johnson (she/they), President of the National LGBTQ Task Force, joined the organization in 2018 as Deputy Executive Director after previously serving on its board of directors. A national expert in queer and reproductive rights, she brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, program development, and youth advocacy. Johnson, a bisexual Black woman, is one of the few out queer women of color leading a national LGBTQ organization. She has testified before Congress and appeared in major media outlets. Johnson has been recognized with several awards for her leadership and is passionate about advancing justice for LGBTQ individuals, particularly the most marginalized.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our ICONIC 2024 sponsors for your unwavering support and commitment to social justice. Your partnership allows us to continue advancing equality and creating lasting change in our communities. Together, we are building a brighter future, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for making this milestone 15-year celebration possible!

About FCSJ

Our focus is creating culture shifts in social justice, civil rights, LGBTQ+ communities and spaces where people of low wealth and racial minorities dwell. We are proud to work in collaboration, across lines of difference, with local and national organizations that fight for equal protection under the law.

Our Board of Directors

  • Cassandra Grant

    Board Chair

  • Anthony Freeman

    Board Treasurer

  • Angel Collie

    Board Member

  • Christina Adelke

    Board Member

  • Herbert Marbury

    Herbert Marbury

    Board Member

  • Jeffrey Foster

    Jeffrey Foster

    Board Member

  • Leslie Collins

    Board Member

  • Monica Stevenson

    Board Member