TLC's Third Annual "Give A Little" Awards

TLC's third annual Give A Little Awards, in partnership with Love Is Louder, will take place on October 2, 2019, at Union Park Events in New York City. The ceremony will celebrate individuals who work tirelessly to end bullying and promote kindness for future generations. This year’s event will be hosted by Long Lost Family and Taken at Birth host Lisa Joyner.

Get to know this year's Give A Little TLC honorees below.

Taye Diggs, Actor

Taye Diggs has been promoting kindness through his craft throughout his career. He is a STOMP Out Bullying Global Ambassador. To promote acceptance of other races, Taye published the children’s book “Chocolate Me” based on "experiences of being African American, feeling different and trying to fit in as a kid” and followed up with the book “Mixed Me” for his son who is mixed race (mother is Idina Menzel). Taye currently stars in the CW series “All American” which tacks teen social issues. Season 2 premieres on October 7.

Skai Jackson, Actress

Skai Jackson was most recently seen as Zuri Ross in the Disney Channel comedy series "BUNK'D.” The role, which reprised from the hit series "Jessie," earned Jackson a 2016 NAACP Award nomination in the category of ‘Outstanding Performance by a Youth.’ She is a passionate advocate for anti-bullying and is quickly becoming a household name and a role model for younger generations by using her large following to stand up to bullies on social media. She hopes to continue to do so with her first book, “Reach For The Skai: How To Inspire, Empower and Clapback,” which will be published by Random House and available in Fall 2019.

Whitney Thore, Dance and TV Personality

After Whitney Thore was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), she quickly gained more than 200 lbs. Once a slender dancer, Whitney felt like a skinny girl trapped in a fat girl's body and she felt as though her life was over. Struggling with self-doubt and societal pressures, but eager to continue sharing her passion for dance with the world, Whitney courageously posted a dance video on YouTube in January 2014. "A Fat Girl Dancing" became an overnight sensation and it turned her life upside down. Since 2015, TLC has been following Whitney as she juggles her dance career, continues to fight through body-shaming while still managing PCOS, and navigates the hilarious and emotional circle of her family and friends. Following the success of her "fat girl" dance videos, Whitney launched the No Body Shame Campaign (#nobodyshamecampaign), a movement that works to fight the devastating effects of body shame and promote self-love and acceptance. This campaign encourages people to rise above the negativity that society imposes on anyone who is "different," and to live their lives to the fullest no matter what the scale says. The movement lives by the motto: "Love yourself. Live fully. No excuses. No shame."

The 2019 Give A Little contest winners:

Danica Roem, Member of the VA House of Delegates

Despite running against a formidable opponent who mounted a mean-spirited and transphobic campaign against her, Danica Roem became the first out transgender candidate to be elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, as well as first out and seated elected official in a state legislature in the U.S. She leads by example in showing the members of her community (Prince William County) that equality and public service can go hand in hand. Her dogged determination to support the citizens of her district has caused many to rethink long-standing and deep-rooted prejudices, showing them that we are all more alike than different and that our differences should be celebrated rather than scorned. Danica consistently rises above the bullying that she faces, and she serves as a wonderful example of how decency, truth, and honor should be the hallmarks of an elected official. Shortly after her election, a reporter asked for her thoughts on the other candidate, and Danica’s response exuded elegance and dignity: “I don't attack my constituents. Bob is my constituent now.”

Barbara Buckley, Angela Varney, Christina Varney and Mia Varney, Creators of Annie's Kindness Blankets

Annie's Kindness Blankets were created in memory of Anne Marie Varney, a mother of three: Angela, Christina, and Mia. Annie’s Kindness Blankets are meant to provide an everlasting hug to anyone that may need it and to let people know they are never alone. The family gives blankets to anyone who needs to feel some extra love. Everyone understands the comfort of wrapping up in a nice warm blanket, but knowing this blanket was handmade specifically for the recipient makes it even more special. Additionally, Annie's has worked with organizations to build beds for kids who don't have one, and they also create and provide custom-made blankets to go with each bed.

Devin Moore

Devin Moore is a 15-year-old high school student who was first bullied in middle school. Devin wanted to ensure that other kids wouldn’t have to endure this type of treatment, so he founded an anti-bullying organization called #RaceToSpeakUp. His ultimate goal is to combat the ugliness that goes along with bullying and to make a positive, transformational impact on people. He doesn't want to see another kid die by suicide or go into a school with a weapon, and he is advocating for mandatory anti-bullying classes in school. Devin is working with New York legislators DuWayne Gregory and William Spencer to pass a state bullying law that will hold schools accountable and keep kids safe. Devin created a petition to get an anti-bullying law in place and it has garnered over 1,000 signatures to date. Additionally, Devin was chosen to be the Suffolk County Youth Task Force Leader, and he is traveling across the U.S. to raise awareness about bullying.