Joy Oladokun Announced as Winner of the Voice of Change Award for the Tennessee Pride Chamber's 2025 Pride in Business Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Joy Oladokun Announced as Winner of the Voice of Change Award for the Tennessee Pride Chamber’s 2025 Pride in Business Awards

Nashville, TN — The Tennessee Pride Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Joy Oladokun as winner of the 2025 Voice of Change Award at the 12th Annual Pride in Business Awards. 

The Voice of Change Award recognizes artists in the entertainment industry who have used their voice to lift Tennessee’s LGBTQ+ community. This year, the Tennessee Pride Chamber recognizes Arizona-born and Nashville-based artist Joy Oladokun, acclaimed singer-songwriter and queer advocate who has collaborated with artists such as Chris Stapelton, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Noah Kahan. Oladokun has been outspoken about queer identity and inclusion, often championing the LGBTQ+ community through community love letters, fundraisers for Tennessee LGBTQ+ non-profits, and speaking out on the nuances of being a queer artist in the music industry. Oladokun has released their newest album Observations from a Crowded Room, with introspective songs exploring life on the margins and safety and belonging as a queer Black woman.  Oladokun follows an impressive line-up of previous winners and will be introduced at this year’s Pride in Business Awards by last year’s Voice of Change recipient, MORGXN. 

“The Voice of Change award intends to recognize artists who—especially in our recent climate—have courageously stood in their authentic selves but also championed others in our community to do the same,” said Stephanie Mahnke, Executive Director of the Tennessee Pride Chamber. “Joy hasn’t just ‘showed up,’ we’ve seen her for several years support Tennessee’s LGBTQ+ communities in various capacities, and we’re grateful for the role she has played in continuously moving the needle forward.”  

“Since adopting Nashville as home 8 years ago, I have made it my mission to give as much back to the community as possible. I didn't want to be another artist who comes to Nashville to ask it to prop up my dreams without supporting the city and state back,” said Oladokun. “I feel so humbled by this honor because I don't love Nashville or speak up for its betterment for show or for awards but it is so affirming to know that people see I try to love Tennessee as if it is my own. It also warms my heart to know that LGBTQIA+ people in Tennessee have so many business owners and people in their corner. Now more than ever I think it will save lives.” 

Joy Oladokun will be presented with the Voice of Change Award at the Pride in Business Awards on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Saint Elle.  

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About the Pride in Business Awards:  

Pride in Business brings together over 350 leaders of the LGBTQ+ and businesses communities across Tennessee for an awards ceremony featuring an evening gala with celebrity guests, entertainment, an early happy hour, dinner, and awards. The event includes a Who’s Who of corporate leaders, small business owners, civic leaders, and professionals. This year, Pride in Business Awards takes place on May 30th at Saint Elle. 

About the Tennessee Pride Chamber: 

The Tennessee Pride Chamber of Commerce advances common business interests, economic growth and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBT+ members, businesses and allies by providing educational, networking and community-building opportunities.      

To learn more about the Tennessee Pride Chamber follow us at @tnpridechamber on social media. Join the Tennessee Pride Chamber today at tnpridechamber.com.