Kissimmee, FL – June 14, 2024 – The Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC) is proud to announce the Inaugural Vanguard Awards Luncheon, a landmark event celebrating the achievements and contributions of leaders in Osceola County. The luncheon will be held on June 20th, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at the Marina Banquet Hall, located at 1104 Lakeshore Blvd, St. Cloud, FL 34769.
The Vanguard Awards Luncheon will honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to empowering and uplifting the Osceola County community across various sectors, including education, healthcare, economic development, public safety, and community service. This prestigious event aims to highlight their significant contributions and inspire future generations of leaders.
Keynote Speaker
Keith Gibson, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director/Research Champion, Florida, Alzheimer's Association
Awards and Honorees
Lifetime Pinnacle Award: Deloris McMillion, NAACP Osceola Branch Past President
Civic Impact Awards: Andy King, Angela Eady, Judge Gabby Sanders Morencey, Leah West
Public Safety Awards: Corporal Takeya TJ Close, Kissimmee Fire Department, St. Cloud Police Department, St. Cloud Fire Department, Osceola Sheriff's Office
Economic Impact Awards: Christina Morris, Desiree Matthews, Antranette Forbes
Community Impact Awards: Jackie Murray, Dr. Belinda Johnson Cornett, LaVell Monger, Eric Pinellas, Abigail Ellis, Bridget Jackson, Jennifer Paul, Yokeenba Jenkins
Educational Excellence Awards: Dr. Matthew Quainoo, Dr. Amanda Wilkerson, Dr. Sherika Dacres, Anthony Cook, Lance Gooden
Community Partnership Awards: Yazmin Alfonso, Justin Cloud, Jasmine Burney-Clark, Tanisha Nunn-Gary, Rebecca Desir
Presenters
Master of Ceremony: Russell Drake, Founder & CEO, Black Build Daily
Honor Guard Presentation: Kissimmee Police Dept, St. Cloud Police Department, and Osceola County Sheriff’s Department
Invocation: Pastor Mike Young, The Kingdom Church Kissimmee
Welcome Address & Purpose of BECC: Dr. David Walker, Chairman of the Board, Black Empowerment & Community Council
Overview of BECC Community Initiatives & Impact to Date: Yazmin Alfonso, Associate State Director of Outreach and Engagement, AARP Florida
Special Remarks: Congressman Darren Soto & Don Fisher, County Manager Osceola County
Vanguard Lifetime Award Presentation: Nina Hill, President, NAACP Central Florida
Civic Impact Awards Presentation: Dr. Toni Hunt, The American Way
Public Safety Awards Presentation: Lenora Easter, Regional Director & Attorney at Law, Partners for Justice
Economic Impact Awards Presentation: Celestia McCloud, Assistant County Manager, Osceola County
Community Impact Awards Presentation: Traci Blue, Director of Strategic Community Initiatives, Bright Community Trust
Educational Excellence Awards Presentation: Dr. Mark Shanoff, Superintendent, Osceola County School District
Strategic Partnership Address: Sami Haiman Marrero, President & CEO, Urbander
Community Partnership Awards Presentation: Charminta Brown, Board Member, Poinsette Foundation
Economic Impact Address: Antranette Forbes, Economic Director, City of St. Cloud
Ribbon Cutting: Dirk Webb, President & CEO, St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce
Closing Remarks: Tiffany Jeffers, President & Founder, Black Empowerment & Community Council
Closing Prayer: Johnola Morales, Solid Rock Community Church
This event is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing this celebration to life including The City of St. Cloud, Osceola County, AARP Florida & Wellcare.
For more information about the event and to view the detailed program, please visit www.beccouncil.org/program.
Media Attendance: Members of the media are invited to cover this event. For media credentials and additional information, please contact Tiffany Jeffers at 407-490-2253
About the Black Empowerment & Community Council: The Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC) is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the empowerment of the Black community in Osceola County through initiatives in education, health, economic development, public safety, social justice, and community engagement. Our mission is to create a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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