top of page

2025 Launching Black Excellence Awards 

​The Launching Black Excellence Awards is set to honor outstanding achievements within the community across various fields in 2025. This prestigious event is an opportunity to celebrate those who have made significant contributions and to recognize their exceptional accomplishments.

​

Nomination Period

  • Opening Date: April 1, 2025

  • Closing Date: May 1, 2025

​

During this period, individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit nominations. This is a chance to ensure that the hard work and dedication of deserving nominees are acknowledged and celebrated.

​

Announcement of Nominees

​

The nominees will be revealed at the 2025 State of the Coast Conference on June 19, 2025. This announcement will highlight those who have demonstrated excellence and impacted their fields and communities positively.

​

Awards Gala Information

  • Date: August 22, 2025

​

The excitement will culminate at the Launching Black Excellence Awards Gala. This grand event will feature the announcement of the winners in each award category. The gala promises to be an inspiring evening filled with recognition, empowerment, and the celebration of Black excellence.

​

Mark your calendars for this remarkable event and join us in honoring those who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities. Let’s come together to celebrate the power and impact of Black excellence.

Award Information

The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Nonprofit Humanitarian of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade designed to honor nonprofit organizations that exemplify unwavering dedication and moral courage in their mission for social justice and human rights. Named after the pioneering civil rights activists Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore, this award recognizes those who champion these causes despite facing adversity, highlighting their role in fostering a more equitable society.

 

To be eligible for this award, organizations must meet the following requirements:

​

  • 501(c)(3) Status: The organization must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ensuring they are a legitimate entity dedicated to charitable, educational, or similar purposes.

  • Advocacy for BIPOC and Underserved Communities: The organization should have coordinated efforts to advance the interests of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), or other underserved groups within the Space Coast community. This includes initiatives that aim to elevate the voices and address the needs of these populations.

  • Support for Legislative Action: Active support and advocacy for legislative actions that align with advancing the interests of BIPOC or underserved communities are crucial. This demonstrates a commitment to systemic change and policy reform.

  • Community-Oriented Projects: Contributions to projects that are community-oriented, fostering development, support, and empowerment within the local area.

  • Overcoming Adversity: The organization must provide examples of adversity or challenges faced while helping others. This includes detailing the problems encountered within the nonprofit and the innovative methods used to overcome these challenges.

 

The Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Nonprofit Humanitarian of the Year Award not only serves as a commendation for past achievements but also as an inspiration for continued efforts in social justice. By recognizing and honoring these nonprofits, the award underscores the vital role that moral courage and community engagement play in fostering a just and equitable society. It encourages organizations to continue their invaluable work, knowing that their contributions are not only necessary and impactful but also deeply appreciated by the communities they serve.

 

The award looks for exemplary stories of nonprofits that have faced significant hurdles and have successfully navigated these challenges. Whether it’s overcoming funding shortages, battling systemic barriers, or innovating solutions to meet community needs, these stories highlight the resilience and ingenuity of nonprofit leaders and their teams.

​

In summary, the Harry T. & Harriette V. Moore Nonprofit Humanitarian of the Year Award is more than just an accolade; it's a celebration of the spirit of activism and community service. It shines a spotlight on those who tirelessly work towards a future where justice and equality are not just ideals, but realities.

The Crane Creek Business Start Up of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade that honors the legacy of Peter Wright, Balaam Allen, and the Wright Brothers, three formerly enslaved men who, after the Civil War, laid the foundations of what is now the City of Melbourne. This award is dedicated to recognizing a startup company that has demonstrated outstanding business achievement within its first 1-3 years of full-time operation, with fewer than 25 employees. It celebrates not only entrepreneurial excellence but also the rich history and resilience of BIPOC-owned businesses.


To be eligible for this award, startups must meet the following criteria:

 

  • BIPOC-Owned Establishment: The business must be 51% or more owned by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). By prioritizing BIPOC ownership, this award is to highlight and support those who have historically faced systemic barriers in the business world. 

  • Product or Service Summary: Explanation of the product or service offered by the nominee's business. This should include an analysis of how their offering addresses a niche or need that is not being adequately met by the competition, showcasing the innovation and creativity of the business.

  • Response to Adversity: Must detail the challenges and adversities faced during the startups inception and the methods used by the owner to overcome them. This could include financial hurdles, market entry barriers, or operational difficulties, highlighting the resilience and determination of the business owners.


By recognizing and celebrating these businesses, the Crane Creek Business Start Up of the Year Award not only honors the historical significance of its namesakes but also fosters a spirit of innovation, resilience, and community within the entrepreneurial landscape. It serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating that with perseverance and ingenuity, success is achievable even in the face of obstacles.

The Katherine Johnson STEM Innovation of the Year Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon businesses or organizations that have made significant strides in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This award is a tribute to the remarkable legacy of Katherine Johnson, a pioneering mathematician whose work was crucial to NASA's early space missions. It celebrates entities that push the boundaries of innovation through key research, as well as the development of groundbreaking products, services, systems, or intellectual property.

​

Katherine Johnson's contributions to NASA were monumental. Her work included vital mathematical calculations that ensured the success of numerous space missions. Notable among her achievements were:

  • "Notes on Space Technology" (1958): A comprehensive compilation of lectures from NASA’s Flight Research Division and the Pilotless Aircraft Research Division.

  • Trajectory Analysis for the Freedom 7 Mission (1961): This analysis was crucial for America's first human spaceflight.

  • Co-authored Report "Determination of Azimuth Angle at Burnout for Placing a Satellite Over a Selected Earth Position" (1960): Marked the first time a woman in the Flight Research Division received authorial credit, showcasing Johnson's groundbreaking impact.​

​

The award criteria focus on honoring individuals or organizations that emulate Katherine Johnson's spirit of innovation and perseverance. The key requirements include:

​

  • Uniqueness of Research: The award recognizes the originality and uniqueness of the nominee's research. This involves groundbreaking studies that introduce new concepts or methodologies, significantly advancing their respective fields.
  • Product or Service Offered: Nominees must offer a product or service that addresses a niche inadequately covered by competitors. This criterion emphasizes the need for innovative solutions that fulfill unmet needs, demonstrating creativity and insight in their development.
  • Overcoming Adversity: The award also considers the challenges faced during the innovation period. Nominees are evaluated on their ability to overcome adversity, reflecting on the problems encountered and the innovative methods employed to solve them. This perseverance mirrors the resilience exemplified by Katherine Johnson throughout her career.

​

In the spirit of Katherine Johnson's pioneering work, the award aims to recognize those who have made a lasting impact on STEM fields. Whether through innovative research, the creation of transformative technologies, or the management and development of new intellectual properties, recipients embody the ingenuity and perseverance that Johnson exemplified. By honoring their contributions, the Katherine Johnson STEM Innovation of the Year Award not only recognizes current achievements but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to pursue excellence and innovation in STEM.

The Rudolph “Rudy” Stone Entrepreneur of the Year Award serves as a beacon of recognition for individuals whose contributions to civil rights, education, community service, and business have significantly impacted the Space Coast community. This accolade is named after Rudolph “Rudy” Stone, a trailblazing figure whose legacy is marked by personal achievements and the enduring influence of his family.

​

Rudy's journey in public service began with his election to the Cocoa City Council in November 1993, where he further demonstrated his commitment by serving as Deputy Mayor in 1995. His dedication to improving the lives of Cocoa's residents highlighted his unwavering commitment to public service. ​The foundation of Rudy's success was laid by his father, Richard Enoch Stone, who established a business over a century ago on Magnolia Street. This business, Stone Funeral Home, later moved to King Street and became a community cornerstone. The street's renaming to Stone Street honors the family's lasting influence and respect in the community, underscoring their legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and community involvement.

​

The Rudolph “Rudy” Stone Entrepreneur of the Year Award is designed to recognize outstanding business achievement among small business owners, founders, or co-founders. The award specifically honors individuals who, like Rudy and his father, exhibit exceptional dedication, innovation, and success in their ventures. The requirements for the award include:

​

  • 51% BIPOC-Owned Establishment: The business must be majority-owned by Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).

  • Product or Service Offering: The business must offer a product or service that addresses a niche not being adequately addressed by the competition. This requirement ensures that the business is innovative and meets unique community needs.

  • Volunteer Efforts: The nominee must have demonstrated volunteer efforts to advance entrepreneurial interests within the Space Coast community, showcasing a commitment to fostering community growth.

​

The Rudolph “Rudy” Stone Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates more than just business acumen; it acknowledges the integral role these entrepreneurs play in fostering community growth and development. Rudy Stone's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact committed individuals can have through perseverance, vision, and service. In recognizing these exemplary business leaders, the award not only honors their achievements but also inspires future generations to continue the legacy of community service and entrepreneurial excellence established by the Stone family.

The Andrew Jackson Gibson Business of the Year Award is named in honor of a pioneering figure in Brevard County's history. Andrew Jackson Gibson, the fourth of nine children born to a mulatto slave named William Gibson and an unnamed African female slave, made remarkable strides in both business and public service. As the first black businessman in Titusville, he broke racial barriers by opening the town's first barbershop, a hub not only for grooming but also for community gathering and support. His entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond his barbershop, as he became Brevard County's first jailer and took on the vital role of supervising the only public road in the county. Gibson's dedication to his community was further demonstrated through his simultaneous service in two public offices, showcasing his unwavering commitment to public welfare and civic duty.


The award celebrates small businesses that emulate Gibson's exemplary leadership and community engagement. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a profound commitment to addressing the needs of their communities, much like Gibson did in his time. These businesses have gone above and beyond to serve their customers, employees, and neighbors, creating a positive impact that resonates throughout the community. Whether through innovative practices, charitable endeavors, or fostering inclusive environments, these businesses embody the spirit of service and leadership that Gibson championed.

 

Requirement for this award include:

  • Business Ownership: The business must be 51% owned by individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).

  • Established Business: A substantiated history as an established business is required. This means the business should have a track record of operations, which may include a stable customer base, consistent revenue streams, and a recognized brand within the community.

  • Growth in Employment: The business should demonstrate a growth in the number of employees. This reflects the business's success and its ability to contribute positively to the economy by creating jobs.

  • Unique Product or Service: The business must offer a product or service that fits a niche not adequately addressed by the competition.

  • Volunteer Efforts: Active volunteer efforts to advance BIPOC business interests within the Space Coast community are essential. This can include mentorship, partnership with local organizations, or participation in community events aimed at supporting BIPOC businesses.

​

In recognizing these outstanding small businesses, this award not only honors Gibson's legacy but also inspires others to follow in his footsteps. It serves as a reminder of the power of dedication, resilience, and community spirit. By highlighting businesses that make a significant difference in their communities, the award encourages a culture of excellence and service that benefits society as a whole.

bottom of page