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Over 200 people gathered for the second annual Black Entrepreneur Gala which was held at the Washington Civic Center. The event honored and paid recognition to Black and minority entrepreneurs and other community leaders in Eastern North Carolina.

“Being an entrepreneur is not easy,” said event organizer Kenisha Salley Boomer. “The Gala is an opportunity to give recognition to those who have worked so hard to build their businesses and whose achievements are often overlooked. These folks are doing a lot of great things in the community and we want to acknowledge them for their efforts.”

The winners were:

Community Leadership Award

Thomas Midgette

Marcus Miller

Inspirational Award

Chante Gibbs-Rickard

Alisha Holloway

New Entrepreneur of the Year (Female)

JaMecia Howard

Imani Whitfield

New Entrepreneur of the Year (Male)

Trey Mason

Gary Cooper

2024 Black Entrepreneur Gala Award (Male)

Darryl Selby

William “Trae” Bailey

2024 Black Entrepreneur Gala Award (female)

Tihishia Boston

Donnetta Peartree

Reverend James Moore of Enteral Legacy Ministries was also recognized for his ongoing support.

“It is our hope that the Gala will continue to serve as an inspiration for others to keep pushing and to follow their dreams,” said Boomer. “I’m already making plans for next year which I hope will be even bigger and more diverse. I envision it as an event for anyone and everyone to come and be recognized.”

Boomer is also planning a similar event this summer for young and aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 5 and 17.

The year’s Gala was sponsored by CaregenX Home Care and G.A.M. Cares, a local nonprofit that works with the elderly to provide utility, rent assistance, wheelchair ramps, grocery shopping, food, and meal preparation.