The countdown is on.  Wichita’s BlackOut ICT Awards Show is back and it’s just weeks away. 

There will be ladies and gents in their finest apparel and socialization with Who’s Who in Wichita, with red-carpet picture opportunities culminating with an enjoyable, well-produced show that reveals the top award winners in 30 categories. 

The third BlackOut ICT awards show, recognizing the outstanding achievements of Wichta’s Black professionals, is set for Sat., Sept. 7.  After selling out the Crown Uptown Theater last time out, they’re moving the event to a bigger venue – Wichita State University’s Metroplex. 

With doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the show starting at 6 p.m., there’s plenty of time for pre-event socialization.  General admission attendees can gather in the main lobby and yes, there will be a cash bar, but drinks cannot be taken into the auditorium. 

While general admission offers a good vibe, if you want to step it up a notch, consider purchasing a VIP ticket.  This experience includes a pre-event reception in the VIP lounge with a free welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres, VIP seating and an after-party following the show. 

General admission tickets are $65 and VIP tickets are $125.  Tickets can be purchased online @ https://ticketstripe.com/theblackoutict.

Since its debut in 2019, this prestigious event has offered an unparalleled platform to celebrate local talent.

“This event is about more than just awards,” said Ashlee Norris, one of the four event organizers and owner of Simply Beautiful Hair Salon. “It’s about celebrating the hard work, creativity, and impact that these individuals have on our community. It’s a moment for us all to come together and recognize excellence in our own backyard.”

Joining Norris in executing the Awards program are her friends and fellow cosmetologists:  Julia Brown, owner of Bijoux Beauty Bar; Erin Garcia, owner of Erin E’Nae Hair & Beauty; and Paris Walker, co-owner of Mark Paris the Shoppe.

While they promise this year’s event will deliver, they aren’t revealing much about what this year’s attendees can anticipate from the show.  Here’s the only hint they shared, is that this year’s show is geared towards iconic Black movies. 

The nomination process is over as is voting by the public.  This year, awards will be given in 30 categories:

Poet Award

Braider Award

Loctician Award

Esthetician Award

Male Actor Award

Female Actor Award

Good Eats Award

Boutique Award

DJ Award

Barber Award

Cosmetologist Award

Nail Tech Award

Mental Health Champion

Makeup Artist Award

Athletic Trainer Award

Fitness Instructor Award

Sports Organization Award

Videographer Award

Photographer Award

Lash/Brow Tech Award

Podcast Award

Gallery Art Award

Realtor Award

Custom Design Award

Dance Award

Drink Up Wichita Award

Broadway Actor Award

Broadway Actress Award

New Business Award

Since 1996, Bonita has served as as Editor-in-Chief of The Community Voice newspaper. As the owner, she has guided the Wichita-based publication’s growth in reach across the state of Kansas and into...

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