2026 S(HE) WHO INSPIRES ME AWARDS

Schedule

Sat, 09 May, 2026 at 03:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Downtown Rockford | Rockford, IL

Advertisement
✨🏆 2026 S(HE) WHO INSPIRES ME AWARDS – TELEVISED AWARD CEREMONY 🏆✨
Elevate The Family Entertainment proudly presents the 2026 S(HE) Who Inspires Me Awards, a televised award ceremony honoring powerful leaders, creatives, visionaries, and change-makers who continue to inspire communities across the nation through service, excellence, and impact.
This prestigious evening will celebrate Lifetime Achievement honorees, community leaders, entertainers, filmmakers, comedians, and trailblazers while also recognizing the winners of the 2026 public poll categories.
📍 Location: Rockford, Illinois
📅 Date: May 9th, 2026
🕒 Doors Open: 3:00 PM
🎭 Show Starts: 5:00 PM
🎟 Tickets | Sponsorship | Vendor Opportunities:
👉 etfent.com
📞 815-293-9756
🎤 Hosts
• Brother Kenick El – Visionary host, cultural educator, and media personality
• Comedian Lynn Palmer – Nationally recognized comedian bringing laughter, heart, and soul to the stage
SPONSORS : The RPL Nordlof Center , @Creative Juices / OWNER Angel Mackey , Aaron’s furniture store Rockford Illinois East State location , Pizza Hut
🌟 2026 HONOREES 🌟
State Representative Maurice West (Rockford, IL)
Illinois State Representative for the 67th District, recognized for his lifelong dedication to public service, community advocacy, and leadership that uplifts families and neighborhoods.
Ramon “Swift” Salon (Milwaukee, WI)
Award-winning independent filmmaker and founder of Swift Motion Pictures, celebrated for shining a global light on independent film and storytelling rooted in community experiences.
Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali
Humanitarian, philanthropist, and global icon, honored for her lifelong work in advocacy, empowerment, and cultural impact across generations.
Coach Ernie Hanes (Milwaukee, WI)
Legendary boxing coach and mentor, recognized for shaping champions inside and outside the ring through discipline, guidance, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
Dr. Stacee’ Lang (Atlanta, GA)
Renowned grant strategist and powerhouse entrepreneur who has helped secure over $300 million in grant funding, empowering Black-owned businesses and organizations worldwide.
Thomas Tatum (Milwaukee, WI)
Media professional and creative leader honored for contributions to entertainment, production, and community-driven storytelling.
@La’Nitra Rucker (Atlanta, GA)
Creative professional and community advocate recognized for leadership, influence, and excellence within the arts and media space.
@Darnell Lindsey & Xzavia Dobbs (Chicago , IL)
Honored for excellence in media, leadership, and family-driven impact within entertainment and entrepreneurship.
Comedians @Dre Lov , Tez, & B. Jones (Milwaukee, WI)
Recognized collectively for collaboration over competition—using comedy to unite, uplift, and create opportunities across the Midwest.
Robert Smith (Rockford, IL)
Community leader honored for consistency, integrity, and commitment to positive change in Rockford.
Patrick Coleman (Rockford, IL)
Boxing Hall of Famer and mentor, celebrated for a legacy of excellence, leadership, and inspiration in sports and community service.
Comedian Tara Terry (Chicago | Rockford)
Celebrated for her powerful comedic voice, authenticity, and ability to connect laughter with real-life experiences.

✨ This televised celebration will also feature special moments, award presentations, and recognition of poll-selected winners—bringing together leaders, artists, and communities from across the Midwest and beyond for one unforgettable night.
🎟 Secure your tickets, vendor spots, or sponsorships today:
👉 etfent.com | 📞 815-293-9756


#SheWhoInspiresMeAwards
#SWIMAwards2026
#TelevisedAwards
#BlackExcellence
#CommunityLeaders
#LifetimeAchievement
#WomenAndMenWhoInspire
#RockfordIllinois
#MilwaukeeWisconsin
#ChicagoCreatives
#IndependentFilm
#ComedyCulture
#MediaAndEntertainment
#GivingFlowers
#HonoringGreatness
#ElevateTheFamily
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Downtown Rockford, Rockford, Illinois, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Etf Entertainment LLC

Host or Publisher Etf Entertainment LLC

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Rockford

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at Hard Rock Live - Rockford
Fri, 08 May at 08:00 pm Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at Hard Rock Live - Rockford

Hard Rock Live - Rockford

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Montez De Durango
Sat, 09 May at 12:00 am Montez De Durango

Hard Rock Live - Rockford

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Fleet Feet Rockford - Summer Open House
Sat, 09 May at 08:00 am Fleet Feet Rockford - Summer Open House

Fleet Feet Rockford

WORKSHOPS
BloomFest: A Spring Art & Wellness Festival
Sat, 09 May at 10:00 am BloomFest: A Spring Art & Wellness Festival

3333 Maria Linden Dr, Rockford, IL, United States, Illinois 61114

HEALTH-WELLNESS MUSIC
Rockford Symphony Orchestra - America 250 at Coronado Performing Arts Center
Sat, 09 May at 07:30 pm Rockford Symphony Orchestra - America 250 at Coronado Performing Arts Center

Coronado Performing Arts Center

ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCES
Kofi Baker's Psychedelic Trip at Mary's Place
Sat, 09 May at 08:00 pm Kofi Baker's Psychedelic Trip at Mary's Place

Marys Place

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Nazareth with Foghat
Sun, 10 May at 12:00 am Nazareth with Foghat

Hard Rock Live - Rockford

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Katie's Cup Conversation: Missions to Haiti
Tue, 12 May at 12:00 pm Katie's Cup Conversation: Missions to Haiti

Katie's Cup

Powerful Voices Open Mic Show - Live Music, Comedy, Poetry+ More!
Thu, 02 Oct at 07:00 pm Powerful Voices Open Mic Show - Live Music, Comedy, Poetry+ More!

Rockford

ART MUSIC
Powerful Voices Open Mic Show - Live Music, Comedy, Poetry+ More!
Thu, 13 Nov at 07:00 pm Powerful Voices Open Mic Show - Live Music, Comedy, Poetry+ More!

Rockford

ART MUSIC
Laugh-A-Thon at Coronado Performing Arts Center
Sat, 28 Feb at 07:30 pm Laugh-A-Thon at Coronado Performing Arts Center

Coronado Performing Arts Center

PERFORMANCES ENTERTAINMENT
Arnez J with Laugh-A-Thon
Sun, 01 Mar at 01:30 am Arnez J with Laugh-A-Thon

Coronado Theatre

ART THEATRE
Laugh-A-Thon with Arnez J
Sun, 01 Mar at 01:30 am Laugh-A-Thon with Arnez J

Coronado Theatre

ART
Charlie Berens
Fri, 06 Mar at 06:00 pm Charlie Berens

Coronado Performing Arts Center

PERFORMANCES ENTERTAINMENT
Stavros Halkias at Hard Rock Live - Rockford
Fri, 06 Mar at 07:00 pm Stavros Halkias at Hard Rock Live - Rockford

Hard Rock Casino Rockford

PERFORMANCES COMEDY
Stavros Halkias at Hard Rock Live - Rockford
Fri, 06 Mar at 07:00 pm Stavros Halkias at Hard Rock Live - Rockford

Hard Rock Live - Rockford

CALENDAR
The Lucha Cantina Comedy Nite
Fri, 06 Mar at 07:30 pm The Lucha Cantina Comedy Nite

Lucha Cantina

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT
Parking Stavros Halkias
Sat, 07 Mar at 01:00 am Parking Stavros Halkias

Hard Rock Live - Rockford

CONTESTS TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour
Sat, 07 Mar at 08:00 pm Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour

Coronado Theatre

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT
The Driftless Revelers @ the Music Box, Rockford Illinois
Fri, 20 Mar at 08:00 pm The Driftless Revelers @ the Music Box, Rockford Illinois

The Music Box of Rockford

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC

What's Happening Next in Rockford?

Discover Rockford Events