NOV 14, 2024 • 7 PM
CENTRAL
STATION HOTEL, MEMPHIS, TN
THE WAY FORWARD 2024
The 2024 Tri-State Defender Best In Black Awards Program Memphis is all about our next chapter and the organization moving forward. The Tri-State Defender leadership and Board of Directors is committed to continuing to have a trusted Black media voice in the Mid-South.
This year the Tri-State Defender has been in transition. Early this year the decision was made to cease printing a weekly print publication, the board of directors made the decision to take the media organization digital only. Our supporters continue to obtain their news via the website www.tsdmemphis.com , the TSD Daily Digital, the TSD E-Edition, TSD social media platforms, and TSD YouTube. In the next few months we are launching the TSD Podcast.
Signature events as the Best In Black, along with Women of Excellence and Men of Excellence, TSD Pancakes and Politics, continue to be a part of the TSD Brand DNA.
This month we celebrate turning 73-years of being an independent media outlet that has continuously provided news important to the Black community.
The investment group that constitutes the Board of Directors respects the TSD Legacy and is committed to the continuity and mission of keeping TSD a major media voice in the community. The board members are: President Calvin Anderson, Vice President Deidre Malone and Secretary Vanecia Kimbrow, Esq.
Content, subscribers and advertising are the lifeblood of our organization. The editorial side of the organization is led by Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith.
Thank you for joining us tonight for the TSD Best In Black Awards Memphis as we celebrate Black Businesses. A special thank you to all of the sponsors, honorees and ticket purchasers for this event.
Calvin Anderson Vanecia Kimbrow, Esq. Deidre Malone
NOV 14, 2024 • 7 PM
CENTRAL STATION HOTEL, MEMPHIS, TN
PROGRAM: THE WAY FORWARD 2024
INTRODUCTION OF MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
PRAYER
PURPOSE
GREETINGS
Hometown Hero
GloRilla
Grove Hero
Memphis Mayor Paul Young
Best BBQ
Calvin Anderson, President, Tri-State Defender Board of Directors
Pepper Baker, Anchor, ABC Local 24
Dr. Rickey Dugger, Sr., Pastor, Norris Avenue Baptist Church
Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq, Tri-State Defender, Board of Directors
CAO Harold Collins, Shelby County Government
Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis
MUSIC INTERLUDE
Presenting Jasmine Bowden, Black Chamber of Memphis
Best Food Truck
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
Artreanna’s Italian Ice Inc.
Robinson Smokehouse
Taco N Ganas
Best Culinary Experience
Alcenia’s
Four Way Grill
Mahogany Memphis
Best Food Event
Black Opulence by Cynthia Daniels
Vintage901 Wine, Food and Music
Festival – Stephanie Ferreira
Best Event Planning Service
DivaStars Spa for Girls, LLC
Just Right Events
Nightlife Concierge 901
Best in Hospitality and Tourism
Kermit Madison
NOV 14, 2024 • 7 PM
CENTRAL STATION HOTEL, MEMPHIS, TN
PROGRAM: THE WAY FORWARD 2024
Presenting Lee Eric Smith, Interim Editor, Tri-State Defender
Best Female Solo Artist
Carla Tolbert Taylor
Karen Brown
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 Church Choir
Bethlehem M.B. Church Male Choir
New Friendship M.B. Church Choir
St. Augustine Catholic Church Choir
Presenting Trey Moore, Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE)
Best Attorney
Attorney Carlissa Shaw
Attorney Janika White
Attorney Robert Spence
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 – REMAX
James Harvey, Jr.
Marceline Williams
Best Financial Institution
Ameriprise – Vincent C. Perry, CFP
Bank of America Memphis –
Trevia Chatman
Trustmark
Best Beauty Salon
A Natural A air – Takeshia Berry Brooks
The Institute of Beauty – Tamika Turner
Mary J The Salon
Best Barbershop
A Better Image
Xclusive 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
NOV 14, 2024 • 7 PM
CENTRAL STATION HOTEL, MEMPHIS, TN
PROGRAM: THE WAY FORWARD 2024
MUSIC INTERLUDE
Presenting Deidre Malone, Tri-State Defender, Board of Directors
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 E ective Podcast
Best Social Media Influencer
Paris Chanel
Mary J The Stylist
Ladia Yates
Best Lounge/Club District 12
Echelon Bar & Grill
ESCO Memphis
NOV 14, 2024 • 7 PM
CENTRAL STATION HOTEL, MEMPHIS, TN
PROGRAM: THE WAY FORWARD 2024
Presenting Pepper Baker, ABC Local 24
Best Art & Culture Initiative
Tom Lee Park – Sunset Skate TONE
Vintage901 Wine, Food and Music Festival
Best Bookstore
DeMoir 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 Start Up Business Lee’s Urban Apothecary
Reserved Greek Apparel
SNKRR Bar
Best Entrepreneur
Alandas Dobbins
Curtis Givens
Derrick Payne
MUSIC INTERLUDE
The Publisher’s Awards
Presented by Calvin Anderson, President, Tri-State Defender Board of Directors, Valencia Kimbrow, Esq. and Deidre Malone
The Corporate Executive Award
David McKinney, Vice President Human Resources, AutoZone
The Legacy Award
Ruby Bright, Retired President/CEO, Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis
The Publisher’s Award 2024
James Alexander, Original Member and Leader of the World-Famous Bar-Kays
MUSIC BY MICHAEL TOWNSEND
NOV 14, 2024 • 7 PM
CENTRAL STATION HOTEL, MEMPHIS, TN
NOV 14, 2024 • 7 PM
CENTRAL STATION HOTEL, MEMPHIS, TN
Tri-State Defender Board of Directors
Calvin Anderson, President
Deidre Malone, Vice President
Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq., Secretary
Tri-State Defenders Sta
Lee Eric Smith, Interim Editor
Brian Ramoly, Layout/Design
Latasha Jackson, Sales Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
Brianna Smith-Herman, Social Media Manager
Melanie Mosley, Accountant/ Mosley Tax Services
Kimberly Coleman, Webmaster
If you are interested in advertising with the Tri-State Defender contact us at 901.523.1818 or email us at ljackson@tsdmemphis.com.
If you are not a subscriber, we ask you to subscribe to the Tri-State Defender today at www.tsdmemphis.com.