By Keeyana Avery
The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) announces the launch of its gala website and the inductees for the Black Business Hall of Fame.
This year’s 6 to 10 p.m. black-tie gala will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Cincinnati Music Hall, at 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, 45202. The theme is a Royal Bridgerton-inspired gala. Tickets are $150 for members and $160 for nonmembers
The annual gala is the AACC’s signature fundraising event, bringing together business leaders, community members and supporters to celebrate and support the economic growth and empowerment of African American businesses in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. The fundraising goal for this year is $50,000.
In the spirit of Bridgerton, this elegant evening promises an opulent affair where “every guest is a noble and every moment a memory.” Guests can expect live entertainment, a gourmet dinner, networking opportunities and the chance to honor outstanding contributions to our community.
“Our annual gala is an essential event that underscores our mission to foster business growth and development within our community,” said Briston Mitchell, AACC director of transformative initiatives and relationships. “We look forward to celebrating with our members and partners and continuing our work driving economic progress.”
Stephanie A. Smith. Photo provided 
Robie Suggs. Photo provided 
Patrice Borders. Photo provided 
Nathaniel Lampley Jr. Photo provided 
Melvin Gravely. Photo provided 
Marty Dunn. Photo provided 
Kai Lewars. Photo provided 
John Hawkins. Photo provided 
Damon Jones. Photo provided 
Crystal Kendrick. Photo provided 
Christopher Che. Photo provided
Every year, the AACC honors outstanding business leaders with an induction into the Black Business Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are:
• Patrice Borders, founder and CEO, Amplify EI.
• Christopher Che, president and CEO, The Che International Group
• John Hawkins, CEO, MPI Consulting
• Crystal Kendrick, president and CEO, The Voice of Your Customer
Emerging Leader Award: Kai Lewars, principal/founder, Kaiker Development & Construction
Chairman’s Award: Marty Dunn, partner, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP
Leaving a Legacy Award: Melvin Gravely, chairman, Triversity Construction Company LLC, and Robie Suggs, president and CEO, Warsaw Federal Credit Union
Corporate Impact Excellence Award: Damon Jones, chief communications officer, Procter & Gamble; Nathaniel Lampley Jr., managing partner, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease; and Stephanie Smith, senior vice president and chief inclusion officer, Fifth Third Bank.
For more information about the gala, sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales, visit www.aaccgala.com.