Best in Black is best in Detroit
Even with the buzz generated around Detroit’s rise from the municipal dead, the return of commerce and the re-gentrification of neighborhoods, it would be hard pressed to match the excitement and the resilience of recipients at the first annual Best in Black Awards ceremony held at Detroit’s famed Music Hall.
Event sponsors, UAW, Radio One and The Michigan Chronicle established the highly anticipated awards ceremony to highlight the contributions of African Americans in more than 40 categories ranging from attorneys and preachers, to entrepreneurs and entertainers.
Distinguished nominees and their enthusiastic supporters packed the theater in the historic Paradise Valley district, noted for it’s black business and entertainment venues, eager for the announcement of winners. BIB organizers, nominees and their supporters expressed sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the many Detroiters who did more than just hold on during difficult times, they made the commitment to consistently strive for excellence, without much mention having been made of them publicly.
“I love black people,” Michigan Chronicle publisher and Real Times Media CEO Hiram E. Jackson shouted to the energetic crowd as he opened the live awards ceremony.
“These are the individuals and institutions that buoyed up disheartened citizens and discouraged consumers, even when it wasn’t as popular or as fashionable as it is now,” said Jackson.
“We are proud to be presenting sponsors tonight for the inaugural Best in Black Detroit awards,” added Angelique Peterson-Mayberry, UAW-Ford international representative. “We are part of this community and we are very excited to honor these business owners and residents, service providers and schools.”
Over the three month voting period Detroiters cast more than 350,000 votes for their favorite artists, eateries, stylists and politicians.
BIB winners include:
Best Attorney
Wayne County Prosecutor
Kym L. Worthy
Best Elected Official
Congressman John Conyers, Jr.
Best Bar/Club/Lounge
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Hugh Smith
Best Restaurant
Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles, Ron Bartel
Best School Teacher
Vickie Green, Cass Technical High School
Best School Principal
Lisa Phillips, Cass Technical
High School
Best Marching Band
Cass Technical High School
Best High School
Cass Technical High School
Best High School Coach
Thomas Wilcher, Cass Technical High School
Best High School Athlete
Jahz Watts, Belleville High School
Best Sorority
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Inc.
Best Fraternity
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Reggie Hines
Best Photographer/Videographer
A J Photography, AJ Grant
Best Caterer
Jackson Five Star Catering,
Chef Anthony Jackson
Best Car Dealership
Avis Ford, Walter Edmond Douglas, Jr.
Best Car Wash/Auto Detailing
Scotty B’s Car Wash,
Scotty Hart
Best Hair Salon
Kut Em Up Hair Salon,
Yolanda Green
Best Cosmetologist
Yolanda Green, Kut Em Up
Hair Salon
Best Barber Shop
Final Cut Barber Shop, Kevin Ingram
Best Barber
Marc Robert, Marc Robert Experience
Best Nail Technician
Nails by Lala, Lauren Manuel
Best Make-Up Artist
The Glam Doctor – Rashida Williams
Best Personal Trainer
Glenn Lott
Best Clothing Store
Detroit vs. Everybody, Tommy Walker
Best Food Franchise
Wing Stop, John Draper II and Voshon Lenard
Best Clothing Line/Designer
Detroit is the New Black,
Rosalyn Karamoko
Best Local Producer
Dwele
Best Tattoo Artist
Lorri “Lady L” Thomas
Best Retail Business
Detroit vs. Everybody, Tommy Walker
Best Service Business
Woodhouse Day Spa, Cheryl Hudson
Best Business Product
Go Smoothies, Callie Brandford
Best News Anchor
Rhonda Walker, WDIV TV Channel 4
Best Instagram Personality
Coco, Kiss Detroit 105.9FM
Best Club Promoter
Maria B. Stanfield
Best Local Artist
Alise King
Best Live Band
313 Live Experience Band, Ollice Cooper
Best Gospel/Church Choir
Triumph Church Mass Choir, Pastor Solomon Kinloch
Best Pastor
Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Triumph Church
Best Church
Triumph Church, Pastor
Solomon Kinloch
Best First Lady
First Lady Robin Kinloch, Triumph Church
Top Vote Getter
Triumph Church, Pastor
Solomon Kinloch
Best Food Franchise
Wing Stop, John Draper II and Voshon Lenard
Best Comedian
Coco, Kiss Detroit 105.9FM
Best Local Film
Buffed Up, Mula Films
