A great night to be BLACK: TSD’s Best in Black awards 

The Tri-State Defender (TSD) has been a staple in Memphis and surrounding communities since 1951. As an audience of Black business owners and visionaries celebrated the Best in Black Thursday evening, Nov. 6, at Central Station, there was a high regard for the longevity and legacy the Tri-State Defender upholds, almost 75 years later. 

After Courtney Little and his band ushered in the spirit of excitement and togetherness, Deidre Malone, VP of TSD’s Board of Directors, opened the show by sharing this year’s theme: Making Bold Moves. She highlighted some of the bold moves TSD has been making to ensure future success, like hiring new editor, Stephanie Jones; new multimedia sales manager, Andrea Childress-Ealy and other key staffers and writers; and launching “TSD in the Community” forums.  

TSD editor, Stephanie Jones said the awards give TSD staff the opportunity to “hear from our readers about who they are paying attention to and who is relevant in the community.” 

For the second year, Pepper Baker, ABC24 News anchor, hosted the Best in Black Awards. As Malone introduced Baker, she gifted us with a few fun facts about Baker, like the fact that she was a star volleyball player and hails from a family of entrepreneurs. 

Originally from Florida, but now a Memphian for three years, Baker praised the TSD for being a news source our community can count on. 

“No matter who is in office and what they try to take away from us, the Tri-State Defender prevails every time and tells our story,” said Baker. 

Before the award winners were announced, the program also featured an invocation from Pastor Evan Collins from Eastern Star M.B. Church and brief addresses from Harold Collins, Shelby County chief administrative officer; Julius Muse, City of Memphis deputy chief operating officer; Stephanie Jones, TSD’s new editor; and Calvin Anderson, president of the TSD Board of Directors. 

Anderson provided some history and reminded us of the purpose of the Best in Black Awards. 

“Best in Black was started in 2012 by [former TSD publisher] Bernal Smith to celebrate excellence among black businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Anderson. 

Community members nominated businesses based on who they believe exemplify excellence and voted on those nominated to produce this year’s winners. 

Though the night wrapped with the Publisher’s Awards, presented by Anderson and Malone, the winners in this category have had a tremendous impact on the Memphis community. 

The Corporate Executive Award was given to Leticia “Tish” Towns, FACHE, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Regional One Health. She was recognized for her longstanding commitment to the Memphis community through her work managing ambulatory, acute care, academic oncology, skilled nursing, market development, marketing, community relations, pastoral care, volunteer and guest services teams. 

Towns also oversees the organization’s state government affairs function for Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee and represents the organization before federal officials and with numerous state and federal trade associations.

The Legacy Award was presented to Deanie Parker, Grammy Award winner, public relations icon and longtime artist and leader at STAX Museum/Soulsville Foundation. 

Parker began her career as a teenage writer and singer in the 1960s, recording her first hit “My Imaginary Guy” at STAX before becoming the label’s director of publicity & marketing, artists and community relations. Having co-written or arranged more than 180 songs, she worked with the label’s most iconic artists, including Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, The Staple Singers, Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave, and Albert King. 

In 2003, Parker became the president and CEO of STAX Museum of American Soul Music and two years later, the executive director of the Soulsville Foundation, the nonprofit that oversees the museum, music school and community programs in South Memphis.  

The final award, The Publisher’s Award 2025 was awarded posthumously to Dr. Karanja Ajanaku, former editor and associate publisher of the TSD, which was presented to “Dr. K’s” family. 

Ajanaku began his career in 1977 at The Commercial Appeal after graduating from the University of Missouri. He soon became one of Memphis’ most impactful voices, being the first Black reporter to cover city hall and pushing for more inclusive coverage. Dr. K was recognized for his intellectual contributions and leadership in civic discourse and was a known lecturer, mentor, and media and culture advocate.

These individuals’ leadership and commitment to Memphis have undoubtedly made the community better.

Malone presented the first set of awards:

Best Accountant:

Ashlee Brooks

Best Architect: 

Self + Tucker Associates 

Best Community Initiative:

Sunset Skate – Tom Lee Park 

Best Attorney:

Carlissa Shaw 

Best Band:

Courtney Little & his band

Best Barber Shop:

Definition of Cutz

Best Beauty Shop: 

Mystic Styles

Best BBQ:

Cozy Corner 

The second set of awards was presented by Brianna Smith Herman, social media manager for TSD and daughter of former TSD owner, Bernal Smith. She presented the following awards: 

Best Church Choir: 

Brown Baptist Church 

Best Clothing Boutique:

Major Pieces Boutique 

Best Diversity Equity & Inclusion Initiative: 

MMBC Continuum  

Best DJ:

Infamous DJ Flame

Best Doctor:

Dr. Marcia Bowden

Best Educational Initiative:

Southwest TN Community College 

Youth Mentor Program:

Memphis Youth Development Group 

Event Planning Service: 

Kreative Koncepts 

Andrea Childress-Ealy, TSD’s new multimedia sales manager presented the third set of awards:

Best Female Solo Artist:

Brande Patrice

Best Fitness Trainer:

The Total Concept – Te’Retta Hall

Best Food Truck: 

Big Jack’s BBQ

Best Funeral Home:  

R.S. Lewis – Austin Peay 

Best in Hospitality/Tourism: 

National Civil Rights Museum

Best in Night Life:

District 12

Best Real Estate: 

Potter’s House Realty LLC

After a brief intermission, Anderson presented the next set of awards: 

Best Local Radio Personality:

Beverly Johnson

Best Local TV Personality:

Kym Clark

(In a “friendly competition” kind of way, Baker tried to keep the award instead of handing it to Clark.) 

Best Makeup Artist:

Kiyyaa KREATions 

Best Make Solo Artist:

Devin Crutcher

Best in Nail Care: 

The Nail Technologist 

Baker came back and declared that “One day I’ll win, hopefully! It’s really an honor to be in the category with Kym Clark and Alex Coleman.” She then presented the final set of awards:

Best Podcast:

The Antonio Parkinson Project

Best Restaurant:

Sage

Best Social Media Influencer: 

Comedian Poundcake 

Best Soul Food: 

The Rockin Chair

Best Spoken Word: 

Poetic Flo 

Best Start-up Business: 

Kneading Knots of Relaxation Massage Spa

Best Entrepreneur:

Deshun Banks – A1 Security Company, J&J Mobile Detailing 

Little, resident crooner for the night, ended the show with Love Power and Love Train. 

This year’s Best in Black sponsors were: City of Memphis, Dr. Telisa Franklin, First Horizon, Gipson Mechanical Contractors, Humana, Hydrogen Infused Water, Kroger, MLGW, Oteka Technologies, Pete Mitchell & Associates Insurance, Regional One Health, Shelby County, The Carter Malone Group, Valero, Vintage901 and Xfinity.

Be sure to check out the finalists and winners and support Memphis’ Best in Black businesses and entrepreneurs! And save the date for next year’s awards, as TSD celebrates 75 years: Nov. 5, 2026. 

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