Open Call for Submissions: B Free Awards 2024

The B Free First Amendment Award is given for work that has advanced or strengthened the notion of Free Speech in the community. The show could document outside work around the First Amendment or be a program which pushes the limits of Free Speech.

The B Harmonious Award honors excellence in music programming, celebrating the outstanding presentation of live music, music videos, and music talk shows. This award recognizes creators who bring exceptional made for television musical experiences to audiences through innovative and captivating content.

The B Hilarious Award honors excellence in engaging comedy performances, recognizing outstanding achievements in stand-up, sketch comedy, and scripted comedy. This award celebrates performers and creators who bring joy, laughter, and entertainment through their exceptional comedic talent, timing, and creativity to television.

The B Informed Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated excellence in providing informative and insightful media content that educates, empowers, and enlightens the community. This award honors those who play a vital role in keeping the community informed and engaged.

The Community Voices in Podcast award celebrates the power of podcasting as a platform for amplifying diverse voices and fostering community engagement. This award recognizes podcasters who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, creativity, and authenticity in sharing the stories, perspectives, and experiences through Brooklyn Free Speech Radio.

The Global Voices in Media award recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated exemplary efforts in using media to celebrate and preserve the diversity of languages and cultures within community media. This award honors those who have made significant contributions to promoting cross-cultural understanding, linguistic diversity, and multiculturalism through media content.

Welcome to the highly anticipated ”Hip-Hop U” B Free Awards category, where we delve into the intellectual battleground of hip-hop!

This year, the spotlight is on two titans of the genre: Drake and Kendrick Lamar. These legendary artists have not only dominated the cultural conversation with their lyrical prowess and dynamic performances but have also engaged in a thought-provoking rivalry that has challenged and enriched the hip-hop community.

The category of Hip-Hop U focuses on the fifth element of hip-hop: knowledge. In this spirit, we explore the profound insights and lessons gleaned from the epic Drake vs. Kendrick showdown. This battle has been more than just a clash of egos and styles; it’s been an educational journey that has pushed fans and fellow artists to think deeper about the art form, the culture, and the messages that resonate through their music.

At the heart of this intellectual and lyrical duel emerged a masterpiece that captured the essence of their rivalry and the zeitgeist of the moment: ”They Not Like Us.” This track quickly ascended to become the song of the summer, and potentially, the song of the year. With its sharp lyrics, infectious beat, and powerful commentary, ”They Not Like Us” is a testament to the enduring impact of their creative conflict.

As we celebrate this category, we honor not just the artistry of Drake and Kendrick Lamar but also the knowledge and critical thinking they have inspired within the hip-hop community. Their battle has reminded us that hip-hop is more than just music; it’s a platform for dialogue, learning, and growth.

So, with KNOWLEDGE, the 5th Element of Hip-Hop in mind — what did you learn from the Drake v. Kendrick battle?

For Creators 17 Years Old & Younger
The NextGen Award celebrates the remarkable contributions and achievements of young individuals who are making a significant impact in the field of media. This prestigious accolade recognizes the talent, creativity, and dedication of youth who are harnessing the power of community media.

The Youth Contribution to Media Award honors the courage, creativity, and resilience of young media professionals who are leading by example and inspiring others to follow their passions and pursue their dreams in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of community media. Their dedication serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations of storytellers and creatives.

The Production Craftsmanship Award celebrates creators who demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation in the field of media production. This award recognizes excellence in production. Recipients of this prestigious award exemplify mastery in their craft, combining technical expertise with artistic vision to produce impactful content.

Are you a content creator on TikTok, Instagram, or any social media platform making a positive impact on society? The 11th Annual B Free Awards is proud to introduce the Social Media: Social Impact category, celebrating creators who use their platforms to drive meaningful change and inspire their communities.

Who Should Enter:

• TikTok Creators: Showcase how your short-form videos are raising awareness, educating, and motivating your followers on important social issues.
• Instagram Creators: Highlight your powerful visuals and stories that advocate for social justice, environmental sustainability, mental health, and more.
• Social Media Change-Makers: Whether you’re on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or any other platform, if your content is making a difference, we want to see it!

We know how excited you are about the 11th Annual B Free Awards and so are we. We don't want you to just sit at home and watch the B Free Awards, we want you to be a part of the B Free Awards. Make your voice heard with Brooklyn Free Speech TV & Radio People's Choice. Vote for your favorite Brooklyn Free Speech film, short, series, or podcast and your favorite may end up winning B Free Awards People's Choice.

Vote up to five (5) times a day, everyday until voting closes on B Free Awards night, Saturday, November 2, 2024, 7:30PM. Winner will be announced live at the B Free Awards shortly after public voting ends.