Description

The Emerald Awards, A Salute to Black Excellence in Seminole County, might easily be called the Academy Awards of Seminole County.   This televised, annual event is a grand salute to inspiring and high-achieving African Americans who reside or work in Seminole County, FL.  In the summer of 2024, a Call for Nominations was issued to the public in twelve categories. Sixty nominations were received, and awards were presented in Banking & Finance, Corporate Achievement, Entrepreneurship, Education, Government, Healthcare, Insurance, Law, Public Safety, Real Estate, Religion, and Technology & Engineering. Winners in each category were announced at the Awards Ceremony. The Honorary Chairs for the Emerald Awards included: Commissioner Amy Lockhart, Dr. Michael L. Howell, MD, MBA, FACP, Regional Medical Executive Southeast Region, Cigna Healthcare, Dr. Ethan Johnson, Administrator & Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Seminole County, and Mark McEwen, National TV & Radio Host. TV viewership for the 2024 Awards program was 1.2 million. The categories for the Emerald Awards will alternate on an annual basis between professional categories for even-numbered years and working-class categories for odd numbered years.  The 2025 Emerald Awards will be held on November 1, with the same honorary chairs, and the following categories - Group Awards: Sorority/Fraternity; Church; Restaurant; Small Business (Landscaper, Mechanic, Construction, etc.)  Individuals Awards: Athlete, Author, Beauty Professional (Barber, Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, Nail Tech, etc.), Coach, Educator (Principal, Asst. Principal, or Teacher), Performing Artist (Band, DJ, Singer, Dancer, etc.), Visual Artist (Photographer, Painter, Graphic Artist, etc.), Patient Care Professional (Nurse, Orderly, Technician, Medulla, Home Healthcare). TV Viewership for the 2025 Emerald Awards is expected to reach 1.5 million. A 2.5-minute recap of the 2024 awards program can be seen at https://vimeo.com/1059183914.