During minority business week on Oct. 11, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce hosted their inaugural Salute to Black Media Awards Night. The historic event happened at the Lorraine Gregory Communications studio and marketing office in Edgewood.
“At the chamber, our organization can be a catalyst to stimulate the growth of Black Media on a local, regional and national level,” said President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce Phil Andrews. “We live in a major media capital in the U.S.; if not us then who!”
Networking with food provided by Carolynn’s Kitchen took place before the official program began. Drinks were also provided by JiuJiu Vodka and The Sip NYC. Hosted by TV Host and Actress Amelia Moore, honorees were called to the stage, recognized and given the mic to say a few words. Honoree Clive Williams and founder of Whereitzat magazine spoke to the rarity of events like these.
“Let me just thank the people who thought this idea up,” said Williams. “In my lifetime in America this is a first. Black media has not received this attention for as long as I’ve been publishing or for as long as I’ve been here. I’ve lived here about 33 years now. We’ve been publishing for over 20 years. We’ve never covered this kind of story where we’re honored by our own and this delights me.”
The chamber plans on making this an annual affair and encourages everyone to support Black media outlets.
“We will look forward to finding ways to increase its [Black media’s] value to our communities and the wider community such as corporations, schools, government agencies, businesses and any other entities that need exposure to our market and the dollars we spend in America,” said Andrews. “This event is unique. We have a long-term commitment to Black Media initiatives. At the chamber we are dedicated to changing the narrative of what can be done right now!”
The awardees include: Randy Fling founder of Rolling Out Magazine, Clarence Brown founder of Heart & Soul Magazine, Billy Moss and Falischa Moss of Black Long Island, Founder of Shades of Long Island Miya Jones, Kamau Austin and Ninga Austin from the South East Queens Scoop, Gloria Gantt founder of Better Mag, Pauline Swift and Glenn Greenidge of Our World Media Network, Tony Johnson founder of Our Times, Clive Williams founder of Whereitzat, Dr. Teresa Taylor-Williams of NY Trend Newspaper and Yolanda Felder of the “Yolanda Felder Show.”
Feel free to check out the amazing honorees and their work!
