The 12th annual Imagemaker Awards, set for Feb. 16-18, will celebrate diversity as well as community leadership, said Sallie Elliott, publisher of Applause Magazine, which sponsors the event.

        Though the event was created in 1989 to celebrate and salute contributions by African-Americans in Greater Cincinnati, diversity has become its main focus in recent years, she said.

        Nominations were requested for individuals or groups who touch the lives of many, influence their community and serve as examples for others. That includes people of all races, nationalities and cultural backgrounds who have accomplishments in communications, entrepreneurship, public service, sports, arts, corporate achievement, entertainment, medicine/health, research/technology or advocacy.

        The deadline for nominations was Nov. 26. Ms. Elliott received dozens.

        “I was shocked at the response we have received,” she said.

        “We have nominations from African-Americans, Asians, Germans, Puerto Ricans, Nigerians, Jewish, Japanese, Chinese, Islamic, Cherokee/Chamorro, Hispanics, Belgians, Pakistanis and Appalachians.

        “We are glad to get this kind of response to expand the awards to include this kind of diversity.”

        She said a panel of past award recipients and respected community representatives will select the finalists and the Imagemakers for each category. Finalists will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event.

        Winners will be revealed at the awards presentation.

        The award presentation will be at the Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., West End. For more information, call 761-6900.

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