This award was created to honor Michael Henson’s spirit. In Michael’s four years of involvement with the band he served as president, vice president, director of events and co-director of membership. These were not just positions he filled --- he was creative and saw where work needed to be done and did it. For example, when he was vice president the president stepped down and, with ease and grace, Michael took on the task as president. Michael also branched out our marching venues and we crossed the border to Canada and marched in the Vancouver BC parade for the first time. Michael thought of that and made that happen. Words will never give him justice; that is why we so frequently refer to his spirit. That said, he was known for his kindness, smile, love of music and how he made you feel when you were in his presence. Many band folks will tell you that he was their first greeting at band and how welcome they felt.
If you never had the pleasure of meeting Michael, you can search “Michael Henson Imagine” on YouTube to see and hear him sing with RCB at our Dec. 3, 2011 concert. Michael passed away, suddenly and unexpectedly, on Sept. 18, 2012. He was just 30 years old.
In recognition of Michael’s spirit and contributions to RCB, the board of directors created this award to recognize inspirational leaders each year to motivate us to be the kindest, playfulest hard workers for equality that we can be.
The first Michael Henson Imagine Award was presented to him, posthumously, at our October 2012 concert. His award will be presented annually at RCB’s fall concert. Please see our website for subsequent award recipients.
Please think of people within our RCPA community, or out in the world, who are leaders in the LGBTQA community, who exemplify the spirit of Michael: leadership and equality practiced with lots of love, dance and laughs.