The 2026 2nd Annual Distinguished Black Classical Excellence Awards will present Clinton and Beverly Byrd and family with the Inaugural Humanitarian and Philanthropy Award for Artistic Service and Community Impact, honoring their decades of philanthropy, cultural stewardship, and public education through the Montague Collection.
Award Citation Presented to: Clinton and Beverly Byrd and Family
For sustained philanthropic leadership, transformative community impact across Tallahassee and other cities, and national education in Black history through high‑level exhibitions and public programming. The Byrd family’s stewardship of the Montague Collection, recognized as the largest African American collection of art in the United States, has expanded access to rare works, supported new commissions, and deepened public understanding of Black artistic contributions.
Awards Chair: “We are proud to honor the Byrd family for their extraordinary commitment to art, education, and community. Their work has changed how institutions and communities see and teach Black history.”
About the Byrd Family and the Montague Collection
The Byrd family are the owners and stewards of the Montague Collection, a nationally recognized assemblage of African American art and historical materials. Their philanthropy has supported exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community partnerships that bring Black history and contemporary Black art into classrooms, museums, and public spaces. Through acquisitions, commissions, and outreach, the Byrds have helped preserve cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for artists and scholars.
Learn more about our special guests performers.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS — Pre-MLK Celebration
Platinum Sponsor — $52,000
Benefits:
• Presenting sponsor naming rights for the 2026 Awards & Concert (Pre-MLK Celebration).
• Listed as Presenting Sponsor in Comcast television commercial (408 spots across the Comcast network).
• Recognition in all press releases, interviews, and official publications. • Prominent logo placement on all marketing materials, step & repeat banner, and on-site signage.
• Private photo shoot prior to the concert for sponsor representatives and award recipients. • 20 VIP Prime seats for the awards ceremony and concert.
• On-stage acknowledgment during the live ceremony.
• Opportunity for a corporate video or executive remarks (up to 2 minutes) during the event broadcast.
• Full-page color ad (inside front cover) in the digital and printed souvenir magazine for VIP guests.
• Sponsor logo placement and link on the official event website and social media. • Option to host a branded display table in the VIP lobby area.
• Featured in post-event media coverage and city website broadcast credits.
Diamond Sponsor — $40,000
Benefits:
• Recognition as Diamond Sponsor across event promotions.
• Prominent logo placement on marketing materials, signage, and website. • Private photo shoot with award recipients.
• 15 VIP Prime seats for the awards ceremony and concert.
• On-stage verbal acknowledgment and inclusion in the pre-show video reel. • Full-page color ad in the souvenir magazine.
• Inclusion in selected media interviews.
Gold Sponsor — $25,000
Benefits:
• Recognition as Gold Sponsor in event programs, website, and social media. • Prominent logo placement on marketing materials, signage, and website. • 10 VIP Prime seats for the awards ceremony and concert.
• Option to provide branded guest gift bags for VIP attendees.
• Half-page color ad in the souvenir magazine for VIP guests.
• On-stage acknowledgment during the event.
• Corporate logo featured on select promotional materials and banners. • Invitation to a pre-event photo opportunity with award recipients.
Silver Sponsor — $10,000
Benefits:
• Recognition as Silver Sponsor in the souvenir magazine and on the event website. • 5 VIP Prime seats for the awards ceremony and concert.
• Quarter-page ad in the souvenir magazine.
• Logo inclusion on select signage and digital promotions.
• Option to include branded materials in attendee gift bags.
Supporter — $5,000
Benefits:
• Recognition as Supporter in the program and on the event website.
• 10 VIP Prime seats for the awards ceremony and concert and access to the private reception.
• Logo featured on select digital event materials.
• Invitation to the donor appreciation luncheon.
Community Partner — $1,000
Benefits:
• Recognition as Community Partner in printed and digital programs. • 5 concert tickets.
• Inclusion in the community thank-you segment during post-event video highlights. Additional Opportunities
Custom partnership options are available for corporations seeking year-round collaboration with Javacya Arts Conservatory, including:
• Title sponsorship of youth outreach programs.
• Branded music education initiatives.
• Named scholarships for under-resourced students.
To sponsor or request a customized package, contact the Javacya Arts Conservatory development team for availability and benefits alignment.
The Distinguished Awards Is A Program of Javacya Arts Conservatory
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Support our mission by becoming a sponsor today.
We kindly appreciate your donations. No amount is too small to give.
About the Distinguished Black Classical Excellence Awards
The Distinguished Black Classical Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Black classical musicians, educators, and cultural leaders whose work has opened doors for future generations. Through this event, we honor excellence, ignite inspiration, and uplift the enduring legacy of Black and ethnically diverse classical artistry on stages and in communities across the nation.
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