Inaugural Black Storytellers Awards; statewide and county-level candidates confirmed
DALLAS — The Dallas County Democratic Party and the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats – Dallas Chapter will host the 2026 Juneteenth Burger Bash on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center in Dallas.
In its centerpiece program, DCDP will present the inaugural Black Storyteller Awards to five distinguished Black media figures whose work has documented, defended, and amplified the voices of Black communities in Dallas County and beyond:
Cheryl Smith, Publisher, Texas Metro News — The Luminary Award
Jessica Washington, The Dallas Weekly — Community Voice Award
DeDe McGuire, Host, K104’s DeDe in the Morning — The Changemaker Award
Tashara Parker, The Tashara Parker Show — The Truth-Teller Award
Mollie Belt, Publisher, The Dallas Examiner — The Legacy in Media Award
The celebration takes place inside a historic WWII aircraft hangar at Dallas Executive Airport. The evening will include a buffet, live music, and guided tours of vintage aircraft.
Confirmed Speakers
Hon. Kardal Coleman, Chair, Dallas County Democratic Party
Kendyll Locke, 2026 Burger Bash Event Chair
Senior Pastor Marcus D. King, Disciple Central Community Church
Senior Pastor Christopher K. Wesley, Antioch Fellowship Church
The five Black Storyteller Award honorees
Confirmed Democratic Candidates
Vikki Goodwin, Democratic Nominee for Texas Lieutenant Governor
Sarah Eckhardt, Democratic Nominee for Texas Comptroller
Amber Givens, Democratic Nominee for Dallas County District Attorney
Damarcus Offord, Democratic Nominee for Dallas County Clerk
