MEN OF MERIT | Urbane Magazine

URBANE Magazine will accept nominations for its 2026 Men of Merit Recognition in February 2026. This advertorial is designed to recognize Black, Arkansas-based / -connected women who are emerging or experienced professionals, volunteers, ministers, leaders, and change-makers. Their presence in their field, both at home and abroad, deserves acknowledgment.

The Men of Merit Recognitions are a prime opportunity for companies, organizations, and communities to make their impactful women of color visible across the state and publicly say “Thank You” for their hard work and commitment to betterment.

As stated, this recognition is designated for both emerging and experienced Black men in their specific fields of expertise. This means she is an up-and-coming force or someone who has laid a path for others to follow. Now, we just need you to let us know who they are!

The 2025 deadline has passed. The 2025 Class of Men of Merit is featured in the June/July 2025 issue of URBANE Magazine.

THE MERIT NOMINATION FORM WILL OPEN FEBRUARY 9, 2026

PAST MERIT WINNERS

The Recognitions

The Women of Worth and Men of Merit Recognitions highlight Arkansas's Black professionals who are making a real difference. These recognitions address the common challenges Black professionals face, such as being overlooked, undervalued, or subjected to tokenism, by showcasing their expertise and contributions. Additionally, this recognition is designed to raise awareness about the causes or missions these individuals champion and show our support for their efforts.

The Community

Who are the Women of Worth and the Men of Merit?
These are Black men and women who are integral to Arkansas’ representation of Black changemakers. These are Black men and women who are integral to Arkansas’ representation of Black changemakers. They are born in Arkansas or are directly connected to it and use their expertise and access to achieve impactful results. They are true to their passion and the work needed to improve communities, workplaces, industries, Arkansas, and the world.

PRELIMINARY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Who is eligible for the Men of Merit Recognition?

Nominees must be (1) a man biologically assigned to the male sex at birth, (2) Black/African-American, (3) Arkansas-based or have a strong connection to Arkansas, i.e., family, work, resident, ministry, etc., (4) a legal resident of the United States, (5) at least 18 years old at the time of entry. Additionally, he must (a) have a verifiable record and demonstration of exemplary service within a/the community at large, (b) be an inspiration to others, and (c) consistently exhibit exceptional leadership and commitment to his cause.

Where should the nominee's service have occurred to be eligible?

Nominee's activities and services, whether volunteer, paid, or paid nonprofit, must occur in Arkansas and/or the United States, primarily benefitting Arkansas.

Is a nominee eligible if he is paid for some or all of the "volunteer" activities for which he is being nominated?

The nominee's Volunteer activities may be paid if the organization is nonprofit; however, they cannot include court-ordered community service. Nominees who receive a nominal stipend or salary for their service may also be eligible, such as with AmeriCorps and Peace Corps.

How long must a nominee's service have occurred to be eligible?

The services/activities must have occurred at least six uninterrupted months before submission and still be ongoing at the time of submission.

What is the process’s timeline?
There are seven phases to this process:
- Phase 1: Nomination [February 9-27, 2026]
- Phase 2: Congratulations & Confirmation [March 2-6, 2026]
- Phase 3: Explanation & Confirmation [March 9-13, 2026]
- Phase 4: Questionnaire & Payment [March 16-April 30, 2025]
- Phase 5: Photo Day [May 2 or 3 – official TBD]
- Phase 6: Official Reveal [August 1, 2026]
- Phase 7: (optional) Formal Recognition event [August or September 2026]
* dates are tentative

Will the participants be in the magazine?
Yes, the August/September/October 2026 issue.

Who were the past participants?
For the Women of Worth, click here.
For the Men of Merit, click here.

Who is the sponsor of these Recognitions?
URBANE Magazine. The goal is to be expansive with our. efforts to build this platform, so we welcome services, venue space, resources, and monetary donations. If you or your organization/company would like to become a sponsor of this exceptional campaign, email us at TheURBANEMag@gmail.com - SUBJECT: Women of Worth Inquiry.

Who administers the Recognitions platforms?
URBANE Magazine and its affiliates administer the Recognition program.

Additional rules and terms here.

How many participants are chosen?
There is not a limit or designated number.

Does it cost to participate?
Yes. The advertorial investment is $460.00 plus tax (totaling approximately $503.70). No refunds, reimbursements, or credits will be given for any reason.

What is expected of the participants?
Confirmed participants must agree to submit release forms, comply with the schedule and logistics of each phase, purchase the advertorial investment by the designated deadline, and adhere to the deadlines of the entire process.

How will individuals be notified that they are chosen as participants?
ALL correspondence will only be conducted via email throughout the entire process. Nominees will be notified via email beginning March 2, 2026.

What do the chosen participants receive?
The participants will receive:

recognized across all of URBANE Magazine’s digital platforms and in an issue of URBANE Magazine
a full-page profile in a coordinated issue of URBANE Magazine, a brief summary of them personally, their efforts in their represented industry or expertise, their successes, and other details that give readers insight into your achievements within your expertise
the profile will appear in the digital edition of the coordinated issue of URBANE Magazine
a photo with a professional photographer. Hair, wardrobe, and makeup stylists are not provided
the edited photo and a PDF of the issue’s profile page via email for their personal use
three print and one digital copy of the coordinated issue of URBANE Magazine
an official Women of Worth or Men of Merit badge for professional digital enhancement to share on social media, digital platforms, and email signatures
a 25% discount code to purchase ad space in an issue of URBANE Magazine. The code expires on October 15, 2026
formal recognition at an official URBANE event in June or July (manner of recognition – TBD)

Additional and precise logistics of the process are disseminated directly with confirmed participants in phase two of this process.

Gratuities, lodging, transportation, miscellaneous expenses, beautification, wardrobe, and all other costs and expenses are the participant's sole responsibility. Refunds, reimbursements, and repayments will not be given in any capacity.

Additional rules and terms here.

What is the 2026 nomination period?
The 2026 Women of Worth and Men of Merit Recognition nomination forms open on February 9, 2026, and close on February 27, 2026.

How do I nominate?
For the Women of Worth Recognition, complete the nomination form here.
For the Men of Merit Recognition, complete the nomination form here.

Can I nominate myself?
Yes, self-nominations are permissible and encouraged.

Can an organization nominate an individual?
Yes; however, the organization must identify an additional individual to serve as a contact for verification purposes.

Can an organization or group be nominated?
The recognition can be given only to an individual—NOT an organization. You can nominate an individual for work done on behalf of an organization or group, but you cannot nominate the organization or group for an award.

Do I need to submit a photograph with my nomination form?
No, nomination submissions do not need to include a photograph of the nominee.

What can I do if I accidentally submit an incomplete nomination or want to add new information to an already submitted nomination?
Once you have submitted your entry and received a confirmation email, you cannot modify it or submit additional information.

How will I know that my nomination was submitted successfully?
Once successfully submitted a nomination form, you will receive an email verification of your submission at the email address you provided.

Do I need references?
Finalists will be contacted for references at the appropriate time if needed.

Additional rules and terms here.

Nominations will be judged regarding:

1. Community Needs, Innovative Solutions, and Industry Impact
A nominee's ability to meet a previously unmet community need or concern, the impactful strength of their efforts to rectify a deficit, and/or their innovative solutions to problems affecting the masses.

Community needs are broadly defined as providing food, shelter, or access to health care; providing arts, education, enrichment, resources, activities, services, and programming that benefit both children and adults; the community's social fabric and individuals' or families' well-being and betterment.

Impact is defined as the positive effects of the nominee’s efforts and results. It can be measured by evaluating the programs or activities a nominee has implemented to determine whether the number of people those programs serve has increased exponentially since the nominee began their work.

Innovation solutions refer to the execution of ideas and approaches made by the nominee that meet needs within communities and/or the corporate workplace.

2. Extraordinary Passion
This refers to the success of a nominee's work, exemplifying a spirit of merit and acknowledging that all human beings are worth advocating for. Nominees must be exceptional in their respective fields, industry, or specialty, and make a true difference in their work.

3. Positive Representation
Judges will also look at how the nominee's story and/or work inspire others to discover their power to make a difference.

4. Miscellaneous
Geographic location, the novelty of the cause, the growth stage of the organization, potential impact on the organization if selected, and the ability to scale.

Additional rules and terms here.