On Nov. 1, the Sister Spokesman community gathered at Black Business Enterprises (BBE) located downtown Minneapolis for an afternoon filled with joy, applause, and deep pride as the Best of Black Businesses Awards honored Minnesota entrepreneurs whose creativity, perseverance, and purpose continue to uplift the Twin Cities.
The event celebrated Black business excellence in five categories: Food & Drink, Hair & Nails, Health & Wellness, Retail & Merchandise, and Professional Services. Each award recognized the innovators who not only build thriving enterprises, but also pour back into the communities that built them.
“Today, we celebrate brilliance, resilience, and legacy,” said Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder publisher and CEO, Tracey Williams-Dillard in opening remarks. “These are the businesses shaping the culture and economy of our community.”
Feeding the soul
In the Food & Drink category, Lutunji’s Palate took home first place. Owner Lutunji Abram described the award as confirmation that her mission of food, faith, and community is resonating. “It’s confirmation that I’m on the right path,” she said. “I’m creating legacy and hope during these unknown times.”
Her best-selling Peach Cobbler, she added with a smile, “has a very unique anointing on it.”
Runner-up honors went to Tender Lovin’ Chix! owned by Marques ‘Ques’ Johnson, while Wendy’s House of Soul, located inside North Market, placed third.
Beauty and self-expression
Hayat Mohamed, owner of Hayat Beauty Salon, earned first place for Hair & Nails. “It’s amazing… I don’t even know how to explain it,” she said after accepting her award. Mohamed, who currently runs her shop solo, hopes the recognition will help her grow. “I’m looking forward to bringing in another stylist. It feels lonely sometimes, but this gives me more exposure.”
The category also honored Whitney of Beauty by Whitney in second place and Maurice & Marquis Laney of Twin N’nem Barber Studios in third.
Wellness from the inside out
Winner of the Health & Wellness category, Kisha Triplett of Internal Beauties, said the surprise recognition moved her deeply. “I didn’t even know I was nominated,” she said. “I’m just happy the community believes in me.”
Triplett focuses on helping clients heal both physically and emotionally. “No matter what you ask me to do externally, you have to figure out what’s going on internally that got you there,” she explained. “That’s the biggest reward, seeing people feel better when they leave than when they came.”
Second-place honors went to Luna Massage & Wellness, and ZaRah Integrated Root Center took third.
Retail roots and community reach
In the Retail & Merchandise category, mother-daughter duo Tasha Harris and Kobi Gregory of Kobi Co. earned first place. What began as a candle-making project in their garage has become a thriving business with its own studio and national reach. “We couldn’t be more blessed,” said Gregory. “Now we’re teaching candle-making workshops and bringing the community together.”
Harris added that Kobi Co. has partnered with major organizations, including the YMCA, Minnesota Twins, and Vikings to host self-care workshops. “It’s dope to take our message of self-care out to the community,” she said. Their signature Black Lives Matter candle continues to donate proceeds to families impacted by gun violence and police brutality.
Dr. Terresa Hardaway, owner of Black Garnet Books in St. Paul, earned second place. “Anytime you’re honored by your own people, it feels particularly gratifying,” she said. “Our bookstore is a necessary space, people can come together, educate themselves, and find community.”
Deniesha Johnson, founder of D. Johnson & Co., rounded out the category in third. “It’s an honor,” she said. “This acknowledgment makes me feel seen. My biggest lesson has been to take the risk, go after what’s on your heart, even if you fail. It’s all part of the learning process.”
Professional excellence and legacy
The Professional Services category spotlighted community mentors and industry leaders.
Ms. Dorothy Jean Barnes-Griswold, M.Ed., executive director of the Minnesota COPE Program, took top honors for decades of scholarship and mentorship work with youth. “I feel ecstatic,” she said. “We’re doing amazing work for the community, and it’s good to be recognized.”
The COPE Program provides annual scholarships to students from high school through college, offering financial and emotional support. One scholarship recipient, Yaseen Muhammad, said, “It meant a lot, textbooks aren’t cheap. Because of COPE, I can focus on my academics and keep achieving.”
Second place went to Willie James Rollers Jr. and his family-run company, WJRJ Electrical. Rollers, who began his career in 1990, now partners with his son. “Prayer and networking are key,” he said. “People say you can’t work with family, but tell that to Walmart and Target. It’s a dream come true.”
His son added, “We started this company to give Black electricians opportunities. We’re not at the finish line yet, but this award shows we’re on the right track.”
Third place went to Ascend Entertainment Productions / DJ A-Quil, honored for service and community leadership.
A community that lifts as it climbs
As the ceremony closed, applause filled the room for all the nominees, whether in attendance or not. “You voted for them, and they appreciate you,” said Williams-Dillard, reminding the audience.
From soulful food to inspiring mentorship, the 2025 Sister Spokesman Best of Black Businesses Awards celebrated more than commerce. It celebrated connection, culture, and community. Each honoree, in their own way, is building a legacy that ensures Black excellence in Minnesota not only endures, but thrives.
For more information on upcoming Sister Spokesman events, visit www.spokesman-recorder.com/sister-spokesman.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com