artEquity’s BIPOC Elders + Culture Bearers Grant Recipients

artEquity, a US national organization committed to bridging the worlds of art and activism, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 BIPOC Elders + Culture Bearers Grant. The esteemed recipients—Tomás J. Benitez, Toni McClendon, Graciela Sánchez, and John Tetpon—have each built a profound legacy in their respective communities through decades of artistic work and social activism. This eighth round of funding from artEquity’s Artist + Activist Community Fund will grant $5,000 each in unrestricted funds to these visionary BIPOC elders and culture bearers.

The BIPOC Elders + Culture Bearers Grant honors individuals who have dedicated their lives to art and activism, leaving a lasting impact on their communities. Created to celebrate artist elders, the grant highlights their efforts to empower others through the transformative power of the arts. By offering unrestricted funding, this initiative supports elders whose contributions continue to shape the cultural landscape and inspire future generations.

Celebrating the Legacy of the 2025 Recipients

Tomás J. Benitez has spent over 50 years as an arts advocate and cultural worker. Known for his leadership at Self Help Graphics & Art, Tomás has remained deeply involved in various non-profit arts organizations. As a member of El Teatro de la Esperanza, and founder of Teatro Café and the Theater for Social Justice Initiative at Plaza de la Raza, he has used his artistic platform to promote social justice and empower marginalized communities.

Lois “Toni” McClendon is a prominent community elder and cultural activist who has dedicated her life to peace and social justice causes. Drawing from both her maternal and paternal family histories of activism, Toni is an advocate for dignity and rights for all. A storyteller in the African American oral tradition, Toni uses her narrative gift to inspire and instigate change.

Graciela I. Sánchez has been at the forefront of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in San Antonio, Texas. A founding board member of the San Antonio Lesbian/Gay Media Project and ELLAS, Graciela’s work is instrumental in creating a safe space for the Latina lesbian community. As the director of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and supported.

John Tetpon, an Alaska Native (Iñupiaq) journalist, is known for his work as a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and as a master carver of walrus ivory, whale bone, and wood. His artistic work, learned from his father and passed down to his son, is an integral part of Iñupiaq culture. John’s dedication to preserving and sharing his heritage through both journalism and traditional arts has been a cornerstone of his community contributions.

artEquity, launched in 2015, is a national initiative in The United States committed to providing tools, resources, and training at the intersection of art and activism. The organization focuses on fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and justice through arts and culture. With a growing alumni community of over 5,000 trained individuals, artEquity is building a broad base of activists, artists, and organizations strategically poised to create and sustain positive cultural and social change.

These grants serve as a reminder of the elders whose shoulders we stand on, says program lead, ala ochumare. “Each of these elders has built strong foundations rooted in love for their communities by using their skills and wisdom to continually cultivate containers of legacy, art, and action—something they all continue to freely and openly share.”

The BIPOC Elders + Culture Bearers Grant underscores artEquity’s commitment to uplifting those who have dedicated their lives to advancing social justice through the arts. With this funding, these elders can continue their vital work, while receiving well-deserved recognition and support.

To learn more about the Artist + Activist Community Fund, click here. To donate to the Artist + Activist Community Fund to help future grantees, click here.

Main image  from left to right: Tomás J. Benitez, Toni McClendon, Graciela Sanchez, and John Tetpon.