Recognizing the contributions of black-owned businesses across West Tennessee, the Jackson-Madison County African-American Chamber of Commerce (JMCAACC) held its 23rd annual Jewel Awards on Saturday.
In a sold-out event of nearly 400 people at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, a total of eight businesses were nominated across four categories.
JMCAACC is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and reflecting on its history, JMCAACC Director Don McCorry shared just how far the organization has come.
“It started as the result of a brainchild of individuals who needed resources that were just not available,” said McCorry.
More:Annual Jewel Awards Banquet held at Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson
More:Jackson celebrates third Black History Month event, music and dance performance
About the Jewel Awards
In its conception, the event was previously held at Saint Luke’s Baptist Church, but as the reach of JMCAAC began to permeate, the scale of the Jewel Awards did too.
Not only does the Jewel Awards celebrate the work of entrepreneurs, but serves as a fundraising opportunity for JMCAACC’s “Follow Me Into Business” program.
“It’s a concept of introducing young people to the idea of being their own boss and creating their own business based on a passion of what they really love to do and a problem that they have recognized and tried to figure out how to marry those two together,” McCorry said.
Aiming to teach high school students work skills, communication, and financial literacy, the summer program is funded through the money raised at the award ceremony.
Registration will be open from March 11 through April 19.
Businesses honored at the Jewel Awards could be nominated by the individuals themselves or on their behalf of them for awards across four categories depending on how long they’ve been opened:
- Ruby Award(five years or less)
- Diamond Award (six to 10 years)
- Emerald Award (11 to 20 years)
- Jewel Award (20 years or more)
One business is awarded per category and nominations are reviewed by a panel based on eligibility criteria including business licensures, vision statements, and letters of recommendation from clients.
At the awards ceremony, five pioneers in dentistry across West Tennessee, four of whom are deceased, were honored for their contributions to the field and the African-American community in the 1950s and 60s.
When asked what he hopes Jewel Award attendees take away from the event, McCorry emphasized unity.
“It’s the concept that through unity and a common goal in support of the young people of this community, that it doesn’t matter who you are, whether you’re a business or a supporter, that if your concept of citizenship aligns with ours, this is a place for you to be,” he said.
“It is so important to make a difference in somebody else’s life. Service is paramount and is just one of the most rewarding things you can ever be a part of.”
