Buffalo Is Celebrating 54 Years of Black Achievers
Listen! Once The Challenger drops its annual Black Achievers edition, that is when you know it's REAL! The latest edition is on newsstands today, and I couldn't be more excited to see all these beautiful faces being celebrated!]
Growing up in Buffalo, the Black Achievers Awards were always a a big deal in my family. I remember watching my Aunt Derelaine and her best friend get dressed every year to attend the gala. The outfits, the hair, the excitement of getting ready for a night celebrating Black excellence! I used to look forward to it every year, knowing that one day I would be old enough to attend too.
And when I finally got my chance, I was excited! But becoming a Black Achiever myself? That was a whole different feeling. To go from being that little girl watching my aunt get ready to one day being among the honorees was a moment I'll never forget. Talk about a full-circle experience!
That's why this celebration will always hold a special place in my heart.
This year, Black Achievers, Inc. is celebrating its 54th Annual Black Achievers Awards Gala on Friday, October 2, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, recognizing 40 community leaders who continue to make an impact across Western New York.
Among this year's special honorees are Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, SUNY Erie President Dr. Adiam Tsegai, attorney Franklin Muhammed Pratcher, Buffalo recording artist D'Mott Motley and music director and entertainer Venzella Joy Williams.
The evening will be co-chaired by ECMC President and CEO Andrew L. Davis and Cake Crazy Bakery owner Shetice Jackson. The red-carpet reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation from 7 to 9 p.m.
What makes this event so special is seeing people from our own community receive their flowers. People who are building businesses, mentoring our youth, leading organizations and doing the work to make Buffalo better. And somewhere out there is another little girl watching her auntie get dressed, dreaming of the day she'll be in that room too. I know, because I was her!
Congratulations to all the 2026 Black Achievers! Get your copy of The Challenger, grab your tickets and come celebrate our people!
For more information and tickets: The Challenger News
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