By VOICE & VIEWPOINT STAFF
It was the first time since the Pandemic that the Black Chamber of Commerce (SDBCC) held its annual dinner and fundraiser. The event was outdoors at the Bayside Hilton with about 1500 local business, elected officials and community people in attendance. The ambiance was great. The two Emcees were LisaRaye McCoy and Dwight Eubanks, nationally known personalities. SDBCC President and CEO Donna DeBerry was in gracious and lively form as the program moved through recognition of VIPs to an auction and fundraiser that brought out the dollars.
One of the highlights of the evening was not only the recognition of scholarship recipients, but also the six honorees which included Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint newspaper who was recognized as the co-founder of the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce along with his late wife, Mrs. Gerri Warren, more than 30 years ago. Other honorees were Mark A. Stuart of the San Diego Foundation; Senate President Pro Tem Toni G. Atkins, for outstanding leadership and public service that included being the only woman to have served in the State legislature as both Speak of the Assembly and President of the State Senate; Amber Thomas, receiving the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award as the first Black woman to own a local Chick-fil-A franchise; Dr. Becky R. Petitt, UCSD Equity and Diversity Officer; and Mr. Jerome Benton, known for his work with Morris Day and The Time, who received the Music and Legend Entrepreneur award in recognition of his years of contribution to the entertainment industry.
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