Leaders in Black Excellence Awarded for Achievements
By Miami Times Staff Report
Black excellence was on full display Saturday during the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce’s (MDCC) 19th Annual Holiday Gala at the Hilton Miami Downtown. The event also marked 50 years of MDCC’s commitment to supporting Black businesses.
- Eric Knowles, president and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, thanked the audience and honorees.
“Each of you in this room have played an integral role in our shared journey,” Knowles said. “Whether as business leaders, advocates, or community partners, you’ve helped elevate the chamber’s mission to new heights. Tonight, we reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and look forward to the next 50 years of excellence.”
“To all of our esteemed guests tonight: the chamber remains committed to advocating for our small businesses and the broader community,” said NBC 6 South Florida news anchor Constance Jones, who served as the night’s mistress of ceremony. “Advocacy is as vital now as it has ever been.”
President and CEO of Ten North Group Dr. Willie Logan received the H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award. Presenter Teri Williams — president and COO of OneUnited Bank — said the award “is presented to an individual whose lifetime of exceptional contributions in community leadership and philanthropic endeavors has had a lasting impact on the lives of residents here in Miami-Dade County.”
Also honored were Carole Ann Taylor, an entrepreneur and founding member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, who received the Distinguished Service Award; attorney Yolanda Cash Jackson, first Black woman to hold the position of chair at the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, who won the Citizen of the Year Award; CEO of Touching Miami with Love, Trina Harris, who was awarded the David Fincher Young Innovator Award; and former State Senator for Florida District 35 Oscar J. Braynon, II won the Jason Jenkins Unsung Hero Award.
Knowles later awarded Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III with the Honorary Chairman Trailblazer Award and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava with the 2023 Trailblazer Award.
“As the first female Mayor of Miami-Dade County, she has not only shattered glass ceilings but also set a powerful example of what it means to lead with integrity, purpose, and vision,” said Knowles. “Her tireless efforts to prioritize equity, sustainability, and economic opportunity have made a profound impact on our community.”
Knowles also highlighted the work of Wells Fargo and the Miami Foundation.
“Through Wells Fargo and the Miami Foundation, 141 businesses were provided technical assistance, over 410 consulting hours, and over $213,000 in grant funding,” he said. “In addition to this amount, a total of $275,000 in grants were received by small businesses.”
Founded in 1974, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce has been a leader in supporting minority-owned businesses, providing resources, advocacy, and training. MDCC represents a network of diverse businesses, driving economic growth and community development throughout South Florida.
Other elected officials present during Saturday’s event included Miami-Dade County Vice-Chairman Kionne L. McGhee, Commissioner Marleine Bastien, Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, City of North Miami Mayor Alex Desulme, and Opa-locka Mayor John H. Taylor Jr.
