The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida proudly hosted its 22nd Annual Eagle Awards Gala, an unforgettable evening where excellence was not only recognized, but put on full display.
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida proudly hosted its 22nd Annual Eagle Awards Gala, an unforgettable evening where excellence was not only recognized, but put on full display.
Under the theme Art of Excellence: Where Success is on Display, the ballroom became a living gallery, with each moment intentionally curated and each honoree recognized as a reflection of impact and achievement. From the pre reception to the final award, the experience carried a sense of elegance, energy, and purpose.
More than 600 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners gathered to celebrate the finalists and award winners who continue to shape Central Florida’s business landscape. Each recognition highlighted stories of growth, innovation, and lasting influence.
The evening was made possible by our Title Sponsor, Walt Disney World Resort, alongside Platinum sponsors, AdventHealth and JPMorgan Chase, Gold sponsors, Heart of Florida United Way, Ardmore Roderick, Orlando Health, and Wells Fargo, along with our Silver and Bronze sponsors. Their partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing Black businesses across Central Florida.
More than a gala, the Eagle Awards is a celebration of progress, legacy, and what is still to come.
Congratulations to our 2026 Eagle Award Winners:
Corporate Recognition: Nemours Children’s Health (Award presented to and accepted by Theresa Proctor)
MLK Humanitarian: Harris Rosen of Rosen Hotels and Resorts (Awarded Posthumously, accepted by Josh Rosen)
Small Business Advocate: Wille Johnson, VP Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, & Economic Development, Vystar Credit Union.
Emerging Business of The Year: Camille Evans, Endow Law.
Enterprise Business of The Year: Jude Wilson, Centrus Financial Strategies
Eagle Award: James and Carolyn Wilson, JL Wilson Concrete
Eagle Awards Nominations Are Now Closed.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2026 Eagle Awards. We are grateful for the overwhelming participation and support for our business community.
All eligible submissions will now move forward to the review process. Finalists and recipients will be announced according to the official Eagle Awards timeline.
For event updates, ticket information, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our Events page or contact events@blackcommerce.org
FAQs
Eagle Awards Frequently Asked Questions
If I want to apply for an Eagle Award, what are the requirements?
Visit blackcommerce.org/eagle-awards/eagle-award-descriptions to review each
award’s description and determine the category that is the best fit for the nominee. You
can use the same link to access the nomination form and submit your nomination. We
will send an application link to the nominee after confirming they meet the eligibility requirements.
Submit within the deadline to be considered. Nominations and award application deadline: 11:59PM on January 23, 2026.
Are nominations required this year?
For the 2026 awards, nominations are required prior to completing an application.
Do I have to be a member of AACCCF to submit a nomination or application?
Anyone can submit a nomination. However, nominees must be Chamber members in good standing (with dues paid and no outstanding invoices), and held membership for at least one full year as of January 1, 2025. Courtesy members are not eligible to apply for an Eagle Award any of the award categories.
May I submit more than one nomination or application?
Yes, you can submit more than one nomination. However, nominees can only submit one application for one award.
Can I mail AACCCF any hard copies of application materials?
No. All materials must be shared in the online application.
How will I know if my application was submitted?
You will receive an application confirmation. Check your junk or spam folders and add the mailer to your safe sender list.
I have submitted a complete application packet. What are the next steps?
Nominees will be notified regarding the status of their application and next steps.
As the Chamber prepares to celebrate excellence across the business community, the nomination process for the 2026 Eagle Awards is now open. Nominations may be submitted by clicking the link below. Individuals may nominate themselves, their business, or another deserving candidate, and all submissions will be reviewed by the committee.
Award Categories:
- Corporate Recognition
- Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Of The Year
- Small Business Advocate Of The Year
- Emerging Business Of The Year
- Enterprise Business Of The Year
- Eagle Award
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 EAGLE AWARDS SPONSORS
2024 EAGLE AWARDS CHAMBER-MEMBER VENDORS
The AACCCF is proud to use the services of our Chamber-members. Thank you to our vendors that helped to make this a memorable event:
- A Chair Affair Inc.
- AlphaGraphics Lake Mary
- FastSigns
A special thank you to our AACCCF Board of Directors, AACCCF team and volunteers!
Date:
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time:
5:30 PM
Location:
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Attire:
Black Tie / Formal