The Black Excellence Group proudly honors outstanding leaders, trailblazers, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, youth, and community champions through three signature annual awards experiences.
Sunday, December 6, 2026
4:00 PM EDT · The Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront, Suffolk, VA
Event Begins In
Arrington Gavin
2026 Red Carpet Host
Arrington Gavin is an award-winning entrepreneur, media personality, talk show host, and community advocate whose work spans business, broadcasting, philanthropy, creative media, and civic engagement. A native of Chesapeake, Virginia, he is the Founder and CEO of Rugged Evolution, Inc. and a 2023 Black Men Rock Image Award recipient.
2023 Black Men Rock Image Award HONOREE
Top Entrepreneur
2024 Black Girl Magic Image Awards Honoree
Resilient Selfless Servant
Hope Sheree
2026 Red Carpet Hostess
Hope Sheree is no stranger to the Black Girl Magic stage — she was honored at the 2024 Black Girl Magic Image Awards as our Resilient Selfless Servant. Now she returns to grace the red carpet as our official 2026 Red Carpet Hostess, bringing her warmth, elegance, and infectious energy to welcome honorees, guests, and dignitaries to an unforgettable evening of celebration.
Celebrating extraordinary individuals who embody excellence, resilience, and the transformative power of community.
We are grateful to the visionary organizations and individuals who make our mission possible.
Presenting Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Dr. Natalie A. Francisco
Felicia Howard
Event Design Sponsor
Title Sponsor
Community Partners
Celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Black men who are making a profound impact as leaders, innovators, educators, and community champions. An evening of recognition, inspiration, and brotherhood.
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Honoring the brilliance, resilience, and transformative power of Black women who are shaping our world through leadership, artistry, entrepreneurship, and unwavering community service.
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Recognizing the remarkable talents, achievements, and community contributions of Black youth who are already making a difference and inspiring the next generation of excellence.
Learn MoreTONIGHT WAS AMAZING!!! TO WITNESS SO MANY BLACK WOMEN WHO DEFINITELY ROCK!!! LATRESE THANK YOU FOR THIS PLATFORM TO HONOR BLACK WOMEN♥️
Dr. Casheba V. Cannon
2024 Distinctive Leadership In Education Award Recipient
On December 7, 2025, 42 exceptional men were honored at the 12th Annual Black Men Rock Image Awards & Scholarship Ball — a celebration of Black excellence, legacy, and scholarship.
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We are thrilled to welcome our new sponsors & community partners as well as our returning sponsors whose commitment to Black excellence aligns perfectly with our mission and will help us create an even more spectacular event.
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From educators and entrepreneurs to artists and activists, this year's honorees represent the full spectrum of Black women's excellence and the profound impact they are making in their communities.
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Through the generosity of our Honorees, guests, sponsors and community partners, we are proud to announce scholarship opportunities to outstanding students who embody the spirit of Black excellence.
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