Best Support for Creatives of Color
DAWA
As evidenced by their packed-out U*N*I*T*Y showcase outdoors at Stubb’s during South by Southwest, DAWA has made quite the community impact since its launch in 2020. Short for Diversity Awareness & Wellness in Action, DAWA – meaning “medicine” in Swahili – provides financial support to people of color who work as musicians, artists, social workers, teachers, healing practitioners, or in the service industry locally. Launched by Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone of Riders Against the Storm, the fund swiftly directed assistance throughout the pandemic and continues to support the healers of Austin to do what they do best.