The Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum hosted its annual Robert R. Church Sr. Achievement Awards Gala with a spirited gathering of Memphis’ Black business and civic leaders at the Renasant Convention Center on Thursday, Sept. 11. Held in a more intimate setting than in recent years, reflective of the current economic climate, this year’s ceremony saw a smaller crowd, but the sense of community, resilience and excellence was larger than ever.
The evening began at 6 p.m. with networking, laughter and reconnections flowing as guests mingled upon arrival. The bar opened, and DJ Ferg set the tone with an energizing set that was as diverse as Memphis. Unlike in past years, there was no live band, but the energy never dipped. Attendees were dressed to impress, and the atmosphere carried a strong sense of legacy and community uplift.
At 6:30 p.m., dinner was served, and the program began with opening remarks from Jozelle Luster Booker, president and CEO of the MMBCC. She also introduced the award categories for the evening. Her message was one of reflection and pride: a recognition that while the business climate may be challenging, Black businesses in Memphis continue to push boundaries, evolve strategically and anchor communities.
This year’s awards categories included:
- Great Beginnings
- Rising Star
- Economic Engagement
- Operational Excellence and Resilience
- Strategic Growth
- Vanguard Business of the Year
- Advocate of the Year (awarded only when merited)
- Chairman’s Award
- Corporation of the Year
Each award segment included a description of the category, visual and auditory presentations and finalist acknowledgments before the winner of each category was announced. Winners were not informed ahead of time, but found out in real time, which added to the excitement of the evening.
Spotlight on honorees
The Great Beginnings Award, which honors young businesses entering a new chapter of growth, was awarded to Alicia R. Hill of ACG Brand Management. Her innovation and vision set her apart from fellow finalists Dear Lakesha and Memphis Shelby County Schools.
The Rising Star Award went to Eileen Peterson of Turner Construction, recognized for her excellence within her first five years in her role. She stood alongside finalists Brent Hooks and Yumeika Lucas-Myers, both of whom exemplify mission-driven leadership.
Systems Technologies took home the Economic Engagement Award, honoring organizations that create opportunities for small businesses through impactful and inclusive supplier partnerships. Other finalists included TopCat Masonry Contractors and W&T Contracting.
In the category of Operational Excellence and Resilience, Campbell & Ford Construction was honored for its embrace of automation and innovation. Its work was recognized among Stragistics Technology Inc. and TopCat Masonry Contractors.
Strategic Growth, which celebrates businesses scaling with foresight and discipline, was awarded to W&T Contracting Corporation. They were selected over finalists Memphis Electric Company LLC and Campbell & Ford Construction.
The Vanguard Business of the Year Award, which honors major contributions to economic development, went to Pete Mitchell & Associates, standing out among nominees Action Janitorial Paper Safety and W&T Contracting.
Two special honors were awarded based on extraordinary performance and commitment:
- Khalid Johnson of Turner Construction was named Advocate of the Year, recognized for his unwavering support of MMBCC’s mission and community advancement.
- The Chairman’s Award went to Turner Construction as well, highlighting the company’s long-term dedication to championing small business innovation and growth.
The evening’s highest honor, Corporation of the Year, was presented to MLGW (Memphis Light, Gas & Water), acknowledging the utility’s significant and sustained economic impact in the region. Other finalists included Grinder Taber Grinder (GTG) and Turner Construction, demonstrating the competitive nature of this prestigious award.
The program ended after about an hour, but the night didn’t conclude there. Guests remained to enjoy light dancing and conversation, closing the evening on a celebratory and optimistic note.
The event was made possible with support from sponsors including W&T Contracting and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), whose investment underscores the importance of empowering business owners of color in Memphis.
Though smaller in scale than years past, the 2025 MMBC Continuum Robert R. Church Sr. Achievement Awards proved that impact isn’t measured by numbers alone. It’s about people — the visionaries, advocates and community builders — who are shaping a better Memphis every day.
