Photo Gallery
Check out the photo gallery below with images from this memorable event!
The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce marked its 20th anniversary in spectacular fashion at the 2024 Gala & Fundraiser, held on August 3rd. This special evening, themed “In Living Color,” brought together Minnesota’s Black business community to celebrate decades of progress and honor those who have made a lasting impact.
Legacy Award Honoree: The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Legacy Award to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR), the oldest Black-owned and operated newspaper in Minnesota. Accepting the award on behalf of the MSR was Tracey Williams-Dillard, the Publisher/CEO, who has led the organization since 2007. As the granddaughter of the paper’s founder, Cecil E. Newman, Williams-Dillard’s leadership continues the proud legacy that began in 1934.
The MSR has spent 90 years uplifting the voices and stories of the Black community, remaining a steadfast beacon of truth, advocacy, and community service. The Legacy Award honored the MSR’s profound contributions to journalism, civil rights, and community empowerment, underscoring their enduring impact on Minnesota’s Black community.
Celebrating Excellence and Community
The night also included recognition of other outstanding contributors to the Black business ecosystem:
- Member of the Year: Jeffrey Asamoah, THRIVEDGE Solutions
- Entrepreneurs of the Year: Brittney & Gerard Klass, Restaurateurs
- Community Impact Awards:
- Andre “Debonaire” McNeal, Bachelor Boy Entertainment & Doorstep Foundation
- Arthur Samuel “Sammy” McDowell, Sammy’s Avenue Eatery
With incredible live performances by Daniel the Violinist, Billy Steele & The Band, and DJ Miss Brit, the evening was both a celebration and a call to action to continue empowering Black entrepreneurs and leaders in the community.
Browse the photo gallery below to relive this unforgettable night, where the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder was honored for its remarkable contributions, and join us in looking forward to the next 20 years of Black business excellence in Minnesota.
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Thank you to all who attended and supported this memorable event. Your presence and contributions are what make this community so powerful.