Baháʼí publications receive multiple awards at Religion Communicators Council convention

At this year’s Religion Communicators Council (RCC) convention, 13 DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards, including a “Best in Class” honor, were awarded to Baháʼí publications. The awards ceremony, which took place in Salt Lake City, recognizes excellence in religious communications.

Representing The American Baha’i team at the awards, Rizvan Gurmu, local Baha’i resident shares her reflections: “ I was impressed by the publications produced by various religious organizations, which serve as powerful tools for outreach and fostering understanding across different faiths. The evening highlighted the remarkable dedication and professionalism behind these efforts, as reflected in the awards presented. It was inspiring to be part of a community committed to unity and collaboration in a world that often feels increasingly divided.”

Misha Maynerick Blaise’s book, You Are a Cosmic Tree, was awarded in the non-fiction books category. As a result, the work of the Baháʼí Publishing Trust was also recognized in this category.

“I am honored that my book has received several awards, and hopeful that this contributes to the Baháʼí Faith receiving greater visibility in the mainstream book market,” says Maynerick Blaise, a Baháʼí award recipient from Colorado.

You Are a Cosmic Tree traces the journey of the soul, using Maynerick Blaise’s vibrant illustrations to visually explore core Baháʼí principles such as human nobility, progressive revelation, and our twofold moral purpose.

“With a voice that is both playful and profound, [Maynerick Blaise] invites us to see ourselves not just as bodies moving through the world, but as souls growing through it—like trees stretching toward the light,” says Nat Yogachandra, the general manager of the Baháʼí Publishing Trust.

Written for youth audiences, the book has received four national awards in Religion categories, including the Nautilus Book Award and a Gold Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association.

Yogachandra adds, “It is deeply encouraging to see our efforts celebrated on such a respected national platform.”

Brilliant Star magazine received five awards, including a win in the Illustration: Cover or Feature – Single Work category. Families and educators can subscribe to receive free issues of Brilliant Star, a publication focused on Baháʼí content for children.

Amethel Parel-Sewell,  Brilliant Star’s editor and creative director, shared appreciation on behalf of the magazine team: “When we first joined the RCC in 2004, we had no idea how rich and rewarding the journey would be. Over these two decades, we’ve had the joy of connecting with like-minded friends from diverse faith groups—learning, growing, and celebrating our common goals.”

Organizations like the Religion Communicators Council allow the publication to share Baháʼí concepts with a growing audience that is resonating with messages of unity, says Parel-Sewell.

“Every piece we create for kids, families, and teachers is a labor of love, carefully crafted by our team of creative, dedicated, and wonderful souls. We appreciate the recognition of our team’s collaboration and commitment.”

The American Baháʼí magazine received four awards across multiple categories, including a “Best in Class” in the category of Design. Editors Joyce Litoff and Neena R

ouhani were recognized for their work, exemplified in the May-June 2024 issue. The compilation, “#OurStoryisOne” and “Mona’s Story” was also honored. Richard Doering, designer for The American Baháʼí, received multiple design awards.

“I am truly thankful to have been recognized by the RCC with these awards. Our team works diligently to craft stories that seamlessly blend journalism and art, aiming to be relevant to our readership,” Doering says. “It’s a pleasure to know that we have reached a larger audience and that they have responded to our efforts with these accolades.”  

The complete list of awardees is available on the Religion Communicators Council website.

##