THANK YOU!
The organizers of the 2025 Emerald Awards, A Salute to Black Excellence in Seminole County are hugely grateful to the following entities that pledged their support. Without their kind generosity this event would not be possible. We look forward to adding your company to the list.
The Emerald Awards, A Salute to Black Excellence in Seminole County, might easily be called the Academy Awards for African Americans in Seminole County. The event, held on November 1st, was a grand salute to inspiring and high-achieving African Americans who reside, serve, or work in Seminole County, Florida. The community at large was invited to nominate and vote for individuals to received awards in thirteen categories. Here are the winners of the 2025 Emerald Awards!
Author of the Year
Latisha Howard
Author, Poet, Storyteller
Beauty Professional of the Year
Tiffany Tyson Green
Nails Specialist/Owner, Sophisticated Tips
Church of the Year
Calvary Temple of Praise
Rev. Shawndric Antwain McGregor, Pastor
Civic Organization or Community Group of the Year
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee, Inc.
Chairperson, Melvin A. Philpot
Educator of the Year
Sylvester Wynn I
School Administration Manager, Seminole County Public Schools
Fraternity of the Year
Omega Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Terry Strickland, Basileus
Patient Care Professional of the Year
Quanda Byrd
Registered Respiratory Therapist
Performing Artist of the Year
Arkeshia Graham
CEO of Trebled Clef, LLC
Public Safety Professional of the Year
Latisha Howard
Captain, Seminole County Sheriff Office
Restaurant of the Year
The Bayou Kitchen and Lounge
Eddie Forbes, Manager
Small Business of the Year
Yani B Collection
Ayuna Williams, Owner & Award-Winning Designer
Sorority of the Year
Sanford Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Kammi Berry, President
Visual Artist of the Year
Joseph Watson, III
Photographer
Customer Service Excellence Award
Darius Warren
Warren Heating & Air Conditioning
Send questions to lmiller@radiantlyblack.com or 407-840-6813.
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Announcing the WINNERS of the 2025 Emerald Awards
2024 Emerald Awards, A Salute to Black Excellence in Seminole County
The First Annual Emerald Awards took place on October 26th, 2024.
The event was a grand salute to inspiring and high-achieving African Americans
who residee or worked in Seminole County, Florida.
Categories included: Banking & Finance, Community Advocacy, Corporate Achievement,
Entrepreneurship, Education, Government, Healthcare,
Insurance, Law, Public Safety, Religion, and Technology & Engineering.
On December 8, 2024, the show aired on WRDQ Channel 27 serving greater Orlando.
The show also aired on SGTV Channel 498 on Spectrum Cable for the remainder of the 2024 and 2025.
The show can currently be viewed, without commercials at https://vimeo.com/1037273467.
