*Los Angeles, CA — The Black Business Association (BBA), the oldest ethnic business organization in the State of California, will commemorate Black History Month (aka African American Heritage Month) during its Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at the California African American Museum, 600 State Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90037. Reception begins at 6:00 PM, Awards Dinner at 7:00 PM, prepared by Chef Marilyn “The Queen of Soul Food” and Dessert Reception from 9-10 PM.
In recognition of African American Heritage Month – “2019 Black Migrations Theme,” this event salutes Black entrepreneurs who paved the way for today’s success stories. Men and women working towards creating the American dream for Black entrepreneurs around the world.
Honorees for this year’s tribute who will be receiving the “Outstanding Recognition Award,” will be:
- Danny J. Bakewell Sr. Bakewell has been a true civil rights activist for the betterment of African Americans throughout the greater Los Angeles area and the nation. Bakewell is a founding member, current board Chairman and former President and Chief Executive Officer of The Brotherhood Crusade. Danny is currently the Executive Publisher/CEO of the Los Angeles Sentinel, the oldest and largest Black-owned newspaper on the West Coast and nation’s Number One Black Newspaper, Bakewell created “Taste of Soul,” which in its 11 years is considered the largest African American theme street family festivals in the nation. Danny is also the Chairman of The Bakewell Company; one of the largest African American-owned development companies in the country.
- Carl Dickerson. Founder and Chairman of the Board of Dickerson Employee Benefits Insurance, began his career in the life insurance industry over 50 years ago, and quickly realized his passion lay in the health benefits arena. Carl’s long career has included service on many boards and committees, and he has held many prominent positions with organizations such as the Los Angeles Urban League and Town Hall Los Angeles. He is committed to Dickerson’s involvement with the communities served by the company and a strong advocate for health care. Dickerson recently completed the successful merger with Alera Group, one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the nation. Through this merger, Dickerson has expanded nationwide capacity and access, positioning the company with increased growth potential and revenue.
- Bernard & Shirley Kinsey. Bernard Kinsey is a Los Angeles philanthropist and entrepreneur with a passion for African-American history and art of the 19th and 20h centuries. He and his wife, Shirley, have been called “one of the most admired and respected couples in Los Angeles.” Bernard and Shirley established the Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Foundation for Art and Education, which assists educational/cultural institutions with educating underserved youth and increasing public awareness about African American history and ancestry, by exposing and bridging cultural and societal gaps while addressing stereotypes and social ills. In 1992, Bernard Kinsey was selected as chief operating officer and co-chairman of Rebuild L.A. under Peter Ueberroth.
Bernard Kinsey had a highly successful twenty-year association with the Xerox Corporation. He helped form the Xerox Black Employees Association. It was through this association that increased the hiring of blacks from 121 employees in 1971, to over 14,000 in 1991. He was responsible for the direct hiring of nearly one thousand Blacks, Latinos and females. He was a Vice President for nearly ten years; he also managed Xerox’s largest sales and marketing division. Currently, he serves as President of KBK Enterprises, a management consulting firm. They are recognized expert and leader in the field of urban revitalization and economic development and has counseled the governments of South Africa, Germany, England, Israel, and France.
Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have raised over 22 million dollars for charitable and educational organizations, $11 million to their alma mater, Florida A & M University and 7 million dollars for United Way. The couple was one of the early financial supporters of the “NAACP Image Awards” and “Real Men Cook” for prostate cancer.
Through their leadership, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have assisted the College Bound organization, helping raise over $3.5 million for one hundred and eighty-five scholarships. Additionally, their efforts contributed to $125,000 being raised for the Rosa Parks Foundation. They have contributed or raised over one million dollars in scholarships for the Southern California Alumni Chapter of FAMU, which has provided scholarships for over 130 young people from Los Angeles to attend FAMU. As Chairman of the Florida A&M Cluster from 1984 to 1991, Bernard Kinsey’s efforts resulted in 9 million dollars being contributed to FAMU, making him the largest fund-raisers for FAMU. He was also President of the 55,000-member Florida A & M National Alumni Association.
- Gwen Moore. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GeM Communications Group, Moore is the primary consultant, working with clients to develop and implement public affairs, legislative strategies and community outreach programs. Drawing on her vast experience as a legislator in the California State Assembly; chaired of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee for 12 years; and also served as Majority Whip. She is known for her proven ability to develop grassroots lobbying efforts, client advisory services on legislative and regulatory issues; and is a problem-solver. She formulates public affairs programs for clients with marketing, political, cultural and charitable agendas.
About National African American Heritage Month
This February we celebrate National African American Heritage Month (as amended from Black History Month). We honor significant contributions that African Americans have made to our great Nation. African Americans have made contributions that stand as a testament to their resolve, resilience, and courage. Over the course of our Nation’s history, African Americans have endured egregious discrimination and bigotry. They have, nevertheless, always been determined to contribute their earnest efforts to America’s greatness. This annual observance is an opportunity to remember the challenges of our past, but also to honor countless African-American heroes who inspire us to shape our country’s future.
About The Black Business Association:
The Black Business Association (BBA), the oldest active ethnic business organization in the State of California, has been instrumental in the growth and development of thousands of African American businesses, providing innovative information and service programs to our constituents, advocate for change and adherence to laws and programs, and assisted companies and individuals to move up the ladder of success.
Contact Details: For more tickets and more information on BBA’s Salute to Black History Month Awards Dinner, visit https://www.suiteevents.com/bba2019awardsdinner
Black Business Association (BBA)
Email: [email protected]
www.bbala.org
source:
Edna Sims
ESPPR.com
[email protected]
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