Utah is one of the last places you would believe a prevalent black presence is, but there is one! Not only is the presence there, but the exemplary black people who are there are doing the damn thing in their respective industries and communities.

When IMPACT attended Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, we became aware of some amazing black men and women who are doing groundbreaking work in Utah. The work that they are doing is not only serving the community in Utah, but the work is felt around the country.

People like Alyssha Dairsow who is a visionary and builder doing vital work for black girls and young women with her company, Curly Me! Michelle Love-Day, who is an educator of 19 years who began to see the need for black students in Utah, she created an online virtual academy called RISE! Shawn Newell who is the Founder & Director of the Utah Multicultural Civic Council. Cameron Williams who’s the Director of Diversity Engagement with the mission of educating, growing, and fostering a highly inclusive environment both at Domo and across the state of Utah. People like Emma E. Houston who works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems within the social sector to increase awareness around diversity, inclusion, and equity, James Jackson III who founded the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce, and Nikki Walker who works with a team of professionals to elevate and amplify the brand by creating and driving PR programs and initiatives focused on Diversity and Inclusion, workplace equity and belonging, community engagement and Domo for Good.

At the end of the day, they are bringing substance to amplify the black experience. It was only right for IMPACT Magazine to tell their stories, but also celebrate these phenomenal individuals in a vainglorious way! Herein lies, IMPACT Magazine’s “Who’s Who of Black Utah MASKquerade All Black Affair.’

In achieving this momentous feat, IMPACT partnered with Facebook and Progressive Leasing. In 2020, Facebook declared to establish and manage strategic relationships with some of the world’s best organizations. Progressive Leasing offers rent-to-own program at major retailers like Best Buy and Lowes. Ava Cabey of Progressive Leasing in Utah says her company was excited for the opportunity to partner in this event that celebrates black excellence…. and that is exactly what we did! Black woman owned Hair Luxury Company provided each guest with a $25 gift card to choose one of their natural hair or beard products.

Each honoree’s story has been shared in the upcoming issue of IMPACT Magazine with our cover feature with Actress/Influencers Tabitha & Choyce Brown. In the issue, Tabitha & Choyce speaks on overcoming obstacles with colorism and being your true authentic selves.