2nd annual MW ‘Best of Black’ awards celebrates Black entrepreneurship

BELLEVILLE — Black-owned businesses from Madison and St. Clair counties, as well at St. Louis, will be recognized at the second annual  Midwest Best of Black Awards Gala in July.  

The Midwest Best of Black Awards Gala is Saturday, July 20, at Venue Arcade, 6500 W. Main St. suite 38, in Belleville.

Illinois State Sen. Christopher Belt will open the ceremony for the welcome. Walmart’s LaTonya AnNoor, senior manager II Walmart Corporate Affairs and Community Relations senior VP of Walmart Inc. will give the keynote address. 

“We will honor and celebrate the best in Black entrepreneurship,” said founder Kidada Miller, who was born and raised in Alton, and now lives in Granite City. “This luxury people’s choice awards gala promises to be an evening of glamour, recognition and inspiration.” 

General admission costs $75 single or $125 couple. The awards event’s VIP experience begins at 5 p.m.; the general awards event starts at 7 p.m. The VIP admission is $125 single or $175 couple.

Miller operates her businesses, K Miller Collection and Creations by Kidada LLC, from Alton at the YWCA Southwestern Illinois, at 304 E. Third St., in Alton. She also is a YWCA board member. 

“This all came about because of an event I attended and there were over 100 awards and only two were Black owned,” Miller said of founding Midwest Best of Black Awards. “I thought this is one of two cases: Black businesses need to  represent ourselves better, or people aren’t seeing us.”

She thought about the situation for three years until she organized the first Midwest Best of Black Awards Gala last year, which was held at LaMay’s Catering, 909 E. Broadway, in Alton. 

“In three months I pulled it off last year,” Miller recalled. “It outgrew the space at LaMay’s.”

The Best of Black Awards Gala recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of Black entrepreneurs in the Midwest region in the bi-state area. The event serves as a platform to showcase the talent, innovation and dedication of Black business owners who have made a significant impact in their industries and communities.

Attendees can look forward to a night of celebration, networking and entertainment as tribute is paid to the trailblazers and visionaries who continue to drive excellence in the world of business. The gala will feature award presentations and live performances along with Belt and AnNoor’s presentations.  

“We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Black entrepreneurs,” Miller said. “This event is a testament to the resilience, creativity and success of Black-owned businesses in our community. We look forward to honoring and recognizing their hard work and dedication.”

For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, and event details, visit www.midwestbestofblack.com or contact info@midwestbestofblack.com.