Black Business Awards recognize leadership and innovation in Madison

The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce held its 8th annual Black Business Awards Recognition & Exhibition at Monona Terrace on March 26, honoring local Black entrepreneurs and presenting awards across multiple categories.

The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce held its 8th annual Black Business Awards Recognition & Exhibition at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center on March 26. The black-tie Era's Ball served as the Chamber's largest fundraiser and included networking, dinner, dancing, and a marketplace where attendees could shop at local Black-owned businesses. Guests were able to view the Official Black Wall Street traveling exhibit from the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum. The Chamber represents more than 850 member businesses and promotes education, advocacy, promotion, and community building across south central Wisconsin. Event highlights: - The Era's Ball was emceed by T.R. Williams and Camberyn Kelley, who recounted the Chamber's history from its earlier AABBA days to its 2013 rebranding and its recent role in the Black Business Hub. - The program included an invocation by the Honorable Rev. Everett Mitchell and a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by the WYSO Music Makers. - State Rep. Shelia Stubbs delivered remarks noting state and federal partnerships, and cited that the Governor's administration has invested more than $115 million in support of minority-owned businesses and that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation awarded more than 3,400 Main Street Bounce Back grants to minority-owned businesses. - Camille Carter, president and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, described recent challenges including national anti-DEI efforts and reduced federal support, and asked attendees for financial and volunteer backing to sustain the organization. - A "Women of Impact" panel featured local women business leaders discussing leadership and economic contribution to the community. - The ceremony presented the 2026 Black Business Awards to multiple honorees, including Lisa M. Peyton (Community Impact Award), Keon Hutson (Creative Spark Award), Myra Reneé McNair (Legacy Builder Award), Jermaine Butler (Resilient Pillar Award), Latonya Jackson-Flynn (Rising Star Award), Dr. Jasmine Zapata (Social Impact Advocacy Award), Khadija N. (Youth Entrepreneurial Award), and Michael Johnson (The Eagle Award). Summary: The event celebrated local Black entrepreneurship and highlighted partnerships and investments that support minority-owned businesses in Wisconsin. Undetermined at this time.