Houston is buzzing with anticipation for the Defender’s inaugural “Better of Black Houston” marketing campaign, an initiative poised to highlight and have a good time the exceptional achievements of people, organizations and Black-owned companies shaping the way forward for Better Black Houston.
This groundbreaking marketing campaign, the primary of its type within the metropolis, guarantees to be a real testomony to Black excellence, innovation and resilience.
The “Better of Black Houston” journey will unfold in three distinct phases over the approaching months, inviting complete neighborhood participation. The thrill kicks off on Juneteenth, June nineteenth, with a six-week nomination part. Throughout this era, the neighborhood is inspired to place ahead deserving candidates throughout a various array of 12 complete classes.
These 100+ classes span the scope of Black Houston’s vibrant panorama. “Artwork & Tradition” will honor expertise starting from Finest Creator to Finest Photographer to Finest Theatre Firm. On the similar time “Enterprise & Skilled” will acknowledge excellence in fields equivalent to Finest Lawyer, Finest Banker and Finest Principal. “Life-style & Magnificence” spotlights professionals like Finest Barber, Finest Gymnasium and Finest Hair Stylist, and “Common Providers” acknowledges important neighborhood pillars, together with Finest Non-profit Group, Finest Funeral Dwelling and Finest Childcare/Pre-College. Meals fans will discover a wealthy choice in “Meals & Beverage,” masking all the pieces from Finest Caterer, Finest Chef, to Finest Gumbo. “Leisure” will have a good time Finest Black Radio Station, Finest PR Skilled and Finest DJ, amongst others.
“Dwelling & Backyard” will function service suppliers from Finest Inside Designer to Finest Landscaping to Finest Plumber. “Buying” will spotlight distinctive retail experiences like Finest Cigar Store, Finest Males’s Clothes Retailer and Finest Girls’s Trend Designer. The “Church” phase is anticipated to be extremely aggressive, with classes like Finest Choir, Finest Deacon and Finest Senior Pastor. “Well being | Medical” encompasses a variety of pros from Finest Dentist to Finest Day Spa to Finest Veterinarian. A brand new “Automobile & Providers” class will concentrate on recognizing excellence in Finest Auto Mechanic, Finest Automobile Wash and Finest Automobile Salesman. Lastly, “Sports activities” will shine a light-weight on the Finest Black Athletes throughout highschool, school {and professional} ranges in soccer, baseball and basketball.
“This marketing campaign is squarely centered on Black-owned companies,” says Sonny Messiah Jiles, CEO of the Defender. “We welcome them to appoint themselves or have their loyal prospects place nominations on their behalf. We’ve even developed promotional supplies to assist them mobilize their pals, household, and clientele to get out and vote. This really marks a historic second for Houston.”
Clyde Jiles, COO of the Defender, emphasizes the profound significance of this initiative, particularly within the present local weather.
“Within the face of DEI backlash, the erasing of Black historical past, and the closing doorways of alternative that after granted us entry, the ‘Better of Black Houston’ is extra essential than ever,” he mentioned. “We have to determine and uplift the chums and neighbors who’re constantly offering high-quality service. Black of us are inherently resilient, and we possess an abundance of assets inside our personal neighborhood. It’s time to proudly showcase the perfect the Black neighborhood has to supply.”
For a nominee class to advance to the voting part, it should garner at the least three different nominations. The extremely anticipated voting part will run from August twenty fifth to September fifth. In late October, the Defender will proudly announce the winners and the highest two finalists in every class. Don’t miss this unparalleled alternative to acknowledge and have a good time these in our neighborhood who’re really making a distinction.
With the kick-off date set for Juneteenth – June 19, 2025, this initiative guarantees to be a landmark celebration, uniting the neighborhood to honor the very best of Black Houston. The Houston neighborhood will likely be requested to nominations and voting for people, companies and organizations in twelve classes: Artwork & Tradition, Enterprise & Skilled Providers, Church, Leisure, Meals & Beverage, Common Providers, Well being | Medical Professionals, Dwelling & Garde, Life-style & Magnificence, Sports activities, Buying, and Automobile & Providers. Keep tuned for extra details about the over 100 sub-categories, together with: Finest Instructor, Finest Lawyer, Finest Gumbo, Finest Barber, to call a couple of.
Better of Black Houston–Timeline
Thursday, June 19, 2025: Better of Black Houston nominations kick-off.
Thursday, July 31, 2025: Better of Black Houston nominations shut at 11:59 p.m.
Monday, August 25, 2025: Better of Black Houston voting begins
Friday, September 5, 2025: Better of Black Houston voting closes at 11:59 p.m.
Monday, October 27, 2025: Better of Black Houston Winners & Finalists Introduced
FAQS: Incessantly Requested Questions
