The Reatha Clark King Award for Excellence and Youth Motivation through the Cultural Arts was developed by VocalEssence in 2007 to celebrate and recognize outstanding leaders who are in the field empowering young people through direct contact, making a way for them to be as successful as they can be. It was named after the VocalEssence WITNESS co-founder and pioneering African American scientist, educator, and philanthropist Reatha Clark King.
Presentation of the award is made by VocalEssence each year at the annual VocalEssence WITNESS concert. The honoree is presented with an original work of art by Ta-Coumba Aiken as a memento of the award.