Young, Gifted & Black™ Entrepreneurial Awards Marks 21 Years of Honoring Black Excellence with 2026 Honoree Announcement

New York, NY — The Young, Gifted & Black™ Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc. (YGB) has officially announced its 2026 honorees, continuing a powerful legacy of recognizing Black excellence, leadership, and innovation across multiple industries. The announcement marks a major milestone for the organization as it celebrates its 21st year of honoring trailblazing entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and community leaders during its signature annual fundraising gala .

Founded in 2006, the Young, Gifted & Black™ Entrepreneurial Awards program was created to spotlight everyday individuals who serve as positive role models while inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in business, service, and leadership. Over two decades later, YGB has grown into a nationally respected nonprofit institution, recognized for uplifting voices that are often underrepresented while reinforcing the power of entrepreneurship and community impact.

The 2026 honorees will be celebrated during Black History Month at the organization’s prestigious black-tie gala in New York City. The event brings together business leaders, philanthropists, creatives, elected officials, and community stakeholders for an evening of recognition, networking, and purpose-driven fundraising.

Event Details

● Event: 2026 Young, Gifted & Black™ Entrepreneurial Awards Black Tie Fundraiser Gala & Awards Dinner

● Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

● Location: Elegant Terrace on The Park 52-11 111th Street, Queens, NY 11368

● Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

● Attendance: In-Person ● Tickets & Tables: www.ygbawards.org ● Donations: www.ygbawards.org/donation ● Media Credentials: www.ygbawards.org/press

Honoring Excellence Across Industries

The 2026 YGB honoree class represents a diverse cross-section of leaders whose work exemplifies innovation, resilience, and community advancement. Honorees span fields including business management, healthcare, education, technology, media, philanthropy, and community service.

Among this year’s distinguished recipients are several Global Citizen Icon & Lifetime Achievement Award honorees whose decades-long careers have left an indelible mark on their industries.

Global Citizen

Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, King of the Akuapem Kingdom, Eastern Region, Republic of Ghana, will receive the Global Citizen Icon Award in Cultural Identity, Diaspora Advancement & Socio-Economic Empowerment.

Dr. Bill Tinglin, this year’s Keynote Speaker & Global Citizen Icon Award in Education & Humanitarianism. Dr. Tinglin is a renowned author, educator, and CEO of School News Nationwide, Tour For Tolerance, and CBL Publishing Education & Technology, Dr. Tinglin’s work focuses on equity, tolerance, and educational empowerment on a global and national scale.

Lifetime Achievement

Dahved Levy, the renowned host of Caribbean Fever on 107.5 FM WBLS, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Radio Broadcasting along with induction into the YGB Alumni Hall of Fame. Levy’s influential voice and commitment to cultural storytelling have made him a staple in urban radio and Caribbean media.

Trailblazer Cassandra Harris Lockwood, President and CEO of For The Good, Inc. and Phoenix Radio, Inc. will be honored for Community Service & Outreach, Lockwood has dedicated her career to empowering underserved communities through advocacy, media, and nonprofit leadership. Her work reflects YGB’s mission of blending entrepreneurship with social responsibility.

Serial entrepreneur Lorna M. Johnson, MSN, NM, NP, Co-Founder and CEO of LMJ Global Enterprises, will receive Lifetime Achievement honors in Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship. Johnson’s professional journey spans healthcare, global consulting, and public service, including her role as Assistant Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee and her tenure as Honorary Consul to Jamaica in Los Angeles. Her Jamaican-Cuban heritage and global reach embody the international influence of Black women entrepreneurs.

In the field of multimedia and broadcasting, Nur-Muhammad Tofader, Founder and CEO of Millennium TV & Broadcasting Corp and Managing Director of Millennium Multimedia Corporation, will be recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Multimedia Services. His leadership has helped expand platforms for diverse voices in global media.

Innovation, Vision, and Technology Leadership

The YGB Strategic Vision Awards recognize forward-thinking leaders shaping the future of business and culture. Crystal James Goodwin, Chief Experience Officer, global media

executive, and cultural curator of The National Hip Hop Museum, will receive the Strategic Visionary Award in Business Development & Leadership. Her work bridges culture, commerce, and storytelling, reinforcing hip-hop’s global economic and social influence.

In technology, Dr. Mark Matunga, President and Co-Founder of Simba AI and CEO of the Africa Center for Advanced Technology (ACAT), will be honored with the Strategic Innovation Award in Business Development & Technology. A Kenyan-born technology leader, Dr. Matunga’s work in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced technology underscores YGB’s commitment to recognizing innovation with global impact.

“These honorees represent only a portion of the final 2026 class,” organizers noted, with additional honorees to be announced in the coming months .

A Legacy of Purpose and Impact

Under the leadership of Carl O. Gray, Founder, President, and Chairman, the Young, Gifted & Black™ Entrepreneurial Awards has remained steadfast in its mission to celebrate achievement while reinvesting in the community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, YGB’s annual gala serves not only as a celebration but also as a vital fundraiser supporting its year-round programs and initiatives. Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 gala are now available at www.ygbawards.org and 2026ygbawardsgala.eventbrite.com. For media inquiries or additional information, contact [email protected] and follow the organization on social media IG @iamygbawards or FB / X / YT @ygbawards

As it enters its third decade, the Young, Gifted & Black™ Entrepreneurial Awards continues to stand as a powerful platform—honoring excellence, inspiring future leaders, and reminding the world that Black brilliance shapes every industry it touches.