The countdown is on!
We’re thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 Best in Black Awards, and in less than a week, we’ll gather to celebrate Memphis’s most inspiring Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. This year’s event, held at the Central Station Hotel on November 14, promises to be a night of recognition, entertainment, and unforgettable moments that highlight the best of the Mid-South’s Black excellence.
Every finalist will receive one complimentary ticket to the event. To secure additional tickets, reach out to the Tri-State Defender at 901-523-1818.
If your favorite business or community figure made it to the finals, now is the perfect time to show your support by joining us in person. You can reserve directly through Eventbrite. — or you can skip the Eventbrite fee and call us directly at 901-523-1818.
This is an incredible opportunity to gather friends, family, and supporters for an evening filled with celebration and community spirit.
With awards in more than 30 categories, the Best in Black Awards spotlight achievements in everything from top restaurants and nonprofits to arts, education, and small business innovation. Don’t miss this chance to cheer on the honorees and be part of a night dedicated to recognizing the passion, resilience, and contributions of our Black-owned businesses and leaders.
Secure your tickets now and prepare for a night to remember as we honor the people and businesses driving positive change across Memphis and beyond. We can’t wait to see you there!
BIB Awards Finalists
Best BBQ
- A&R Barbecue – Elvis Presley Blvd
- Big Bills BBQ
- Cozy Corner BBQ
Best Soul Food
- Alcenia’s
- Four Way Grill
- Ms. Girlee’s Soul Food
Best Wings
- Ching’s Hotwings
- 901 Wings
- The Wing Guru
Best Restaurant
- Alcenia’s
- Mahogany Memphis
- Riko’s Kickin Chicken
Best Culinary Experience
- Alcenia’s
- Four Way Grill
- Mahogany Memphis
Best Female Solo Artist
- Karen Brown
- Carla Tolbert Taylor
- Ladia Yates
Best Male Solo Artist
- Julian Cross
- Courtney Little
- Lawrence Matthews (goldenboi)
Best Band
- Kurt Clayton and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Band
- Michael Townsend
- Soul & Spiritual Rejuvenators
Best Spoken Word
- Dr. Zedric K. Clayton II
- Justin Coleman – Art Unplugged
- Yolanda “Quiet Storm” Gates
Best Attorney
- Attorney Carlissa Shaw
- Attorney Robert Spence
- Attorney Janika White
Best Dentist
- Dr. Kaye Adams Browne
- Dr. Joseph Dove – Dove Dentistry
- Dr. Rodric Miller – Miller Dental Health
Best Doctor
- Dr. Lanetta Anderson
- Dr. Walter Rayford
- Dr. Bianca Sweeten
Best in Real Estate
- BJ Worthy – RE/MAX
- James Harvey, Jr., The Harvey Group, Keller Williams Realty
- Marceline Williams, LPT Realty, LLC
Best Financial Institution
- Ameriprise – Vincent C. Perry, CFP
- Bank of America Memphis – Trevia Chatman
- Trustmark
Best Beauty Salon
- A Natural Affair – Takeshia Berry Brooks
- The Institute of Beauty – Tamika Turner
- Mary J The Salon
Best Barbershop
- A Better Image
- Exclusive House of Kutz
- Memphis Professional Barbers, Inc.
Best Make-up Artist
- Jasmine Holmes – Jazzy B Artistry
- Dria Williams – Dria The MUA
- Christin Wooten – Wooten Beauty
Best Nail Technician
- Nailhaven Luxury Nail Spa
- Nail Kandee by Ashley
- The Natural Parlour, LLC
Best Fitness Trainer
- Kelvin Brown – I Am Fitness Memphis
- Sherika Holmes – Sherika Fitness
- Doris Webb – Balancing Beautiful Bodies
Best Health and Wellness Service
- Refreshed Skin Studio
- Relaxed 4 U Massage
- Sherica Fitness
Best Clothing Boutique
- Dean of Fashion Boutique – Ashley Dean
- The Kollective
- TMB Boutique
Best Local TV Personality
- Pepper Baker – Local Memphis, Channel 24
- Alex Coleman – WREG-TV Channel 3
- Jeremy Pierre – Fox Memphis Channel 13
Best Local Radio Personality
- Stan Bell
- Bev Johnson
- Sherry Mackey
Best Event or Radio DJ
- DJ Babo
- Stan Bell
- Terrance “DJ Bay” Long
Best Podcast
- Juice 901 Podcast
- The Smoke Podcast
- Verbally Effective Podcast
Best Social Media Influencer
- Paris Chanel
- Mary J The Stylist
- Ladia Yates
Best Lounge/Club
- District 12
- Echelon Bar & Grill
- ESCO Memphis
Best Event Planning Service
- DivaStars Spa for Girls, LLC
- Just Right Events
- Nightlife Concierge 901
Best Church Choir
- Bethlehem M.B. Church Male Choir
- New Friendship M.B. Church Choir
- St. Augustine Catholic Church Choir
Best Art & Culture Initiative
- Tom Lee Park – Sunset Skate
- TONE
- Vintage901 Wine, Food and Music Festival
Best Bookstore
- DeMoire Books & Things
- Novel Bookstore
Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
- Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc.
- Inclusive Excellence Consulting
- Memphis Heritage Trail
Best Educational Initiative
- Code Crew
- The Institute of Beauty
- Porter Leath
Best Youth and Mentorship Program
- L.Y.E. Academy
- Peer Power
- STREETS Ministries
Best Food Event
- Black Opulence by Cynthia Daniels
- Vintage901 Wine, Food and Music Festival – Stephanie Ferreira
Best Food Truck
- Artreanna’s Italian Ice Inc.
- Robinson Smokehouse
- Taco N Ganas
Best in Hospitality and Tourism
Kermit Madison
Best Start Up Business
- Lee’s Urban Apothecary
- Reserved Greek Apparel
- SNKRR Bar
Best Entrepreneur
- Curtis Givens
- Derrick Payne
- Ladia Yates
Hometown Hero
- Glorilla
- Grove Hero
- Memphis Mayor Paul Young
The Publisher’s Awards
The Corporate Executive Award
David McKinney, Vice President Human Resources, AutoZone
The Legacy Award
Ruby Bright, Past President, Women’s Foundation for A Greater Memphis
The Publisher’s Award 2024
James Alexander, Founding member of The Legendary Bar-Kays
