In 1985, a group of Milwaukee citizens initiated the Black Excellence Awards ceremony. With unwavering tenacity and vision, our group saw the good deeds of people and wanted to praise living unsung heroes and heroines. Today, 29 years later, their vision continues, staunch and steadfast. “Saluting the Best” is what these individuals are all about. Over the past 29 years, the Black Excellence Awards have honored nearly 800 individuals who would have gone unnoticed for their outstanding contributions and their great leadership. Still today we often hear that they have flourished to an even higher level of excellence in their personal endeavors and professional careers. The success of the Awards ceremony is due to a dedicated committee who have worked diligently and persistently to spotlight our honorees. We most graciously thank our 29th annual awards Partners in Excellence: Reid’s New Golden Gate Funeral Home, WISN-Channel 12, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Milwaukee Urban League, Guaranty Bank, Hupy and Abraham, S.C., Johnson Controls, Inc., Columbia Savings and Loan, Gruber Law Offices, WE Energies, Mc Donald’s and Robert W. Baird and Co. We also thank our volunteers, supporters, and The Milwaukee Times Printing and Publishing Company staff for keeping the Awards ceremony at the forefront of Black History throughout the years. As we continue to infuse our efforts and commitment in cultivating a new leadership, let us look forward to a future filled with the excellence of those who have striven to persevere. Special thanks to the Black Excellence Committee: Shirley Sharp, Brenda Sheppard-Nelson, Pam Clark and project manager Jacquelyn Heath.
