Nominations Are Open for the Sixth Annual Christiana Carteaux Bannister Awards
The awards program, a partnership between Rhode Island Monthly and the Rhode Island Foundation, recognizes individuals working to advance equity and promote diversity in the Ocean State.
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Now in its sixth year, the Christiana Carteaux Bannister Awards will recognize a new round of Rhode Islanders who are working to strengthen their communities by advancing equity and justice for all.
The awards are named for Christiana Carteaux Bannister, a nineteenth century business owner and Rhode Island resident whose advocacy on behalf of Civil War veterans, elderly women of color, Underground Railroad passengers and many others left an enduring mark on the state and nation. Along with her husband, Edward Mitchell Bannister — whom she supported in his art career — she spoke out for those in need of support and built a life dedicated to equity for all people. (Read more about Bannister’s legacy here.)
In her honor, Rhode Island Monthly and the Rhode Island Foundation recognize individuals who, like Bannister, empower their communities and make the state a better place for us all to live.
“As a locally owned statewide publication, we pride ourselves on providing an accurate and vivid view of all aspects of life in Rhode Island. That includes highlighting those who persevere, often in obscurity, to promote and champion diverse interests, constituents and causes,” says Rhode Island Monthly publisher John Palumbo. “This is our sixth year of working with the Rhode Island Foundation to bring these stories to light.”
Since their inception in 2021, the Bannister Awards have recognized twenty-eight individuals for their commitment to advancing equity in their communities. Last year’s recipients were Juan Wilson Jr., Melissa Long, Mildred Nichols, Jocelyn Foye and Michelle Wilson. Previous winners have included educators, advocates, business leaders and members of the medical, legal and arts communities, among other fields.
The awards program was developed in conjunction with the Rhode Island Foundation.
“We are honored to be able to raise up the work of neighbors who are addressing the root causes of inequity. Disparities in student success, health outcomes and economic mobility have been holding too many back for far too long,” says David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “Christiana Carteaux Bannister was a pioneer. We are proud to help spotlight her inspiring legacy in this way.”
The 2026 Bannister Awards are supported by United Way of Rhode Island.
2026 Christiana Carteaux Bannister Awards Nomination Form
The 2026 nominations open Monday, April 20, and run through Friday, May 29, on RIMonthly.com. Individuals are invited to nominate themselves or someone they feel is helping the community thrive and working toward positive change. Nominees can be recognized in their personal, public or professional capacities. What matters is that their efforts are improving the community and inspiring fellow Rhode Islanders by example. Nominations will be screened by a panel of community leaders working in these fields. Honorees will be announced in our October issue and celebrated at a special event later this year.
