The Friends of the African American Heritage Trail cordially invite you to attend the 2026 Griot Awards on Thursday, November 12, at the University of South Alabama Alumni Center’s McGhee Grand Ballroom. We will celebrate the achievements and legacy of Mobile’s internationally renowned ceramicist and sculptor, Charles Smith, with a keynote address by bestselling author Clint Smith, music from Dennis “Finger-Roll” Nelson, Mobile’s Poet Laureate, Huggy Bear da Poet, and more (see attached flyer)!