![2024 18th MDCCHolidayGala Back ground.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_da4c7f8cd451402bb03080fbc87b6491~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_da4c7f8cd451402bb03080fbc87b6491~mv2.jpg)
![black gold palm tree iStock-1202959880 -](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_012d9cf1f56342c8a7328eb28632a183~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_288,h_291,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/black%20gold%20palm%20tree%20iStock-1202959880%20-.png)
![black gold palm tree iStock-1202959880 -](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_385e0902af8341dd9f2c1a8dd247f941~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_288,h_291,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/black%20gold%20palm%20tree%20iStock-1202959880%20-.png)
![MDCC 50 Years Logo-04 Horiz - White.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_801cfb7f34094021ab3723fd73a5ba92~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_1028,w_12432,h_6102/fill/w_308,h_152,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MDCC%2050%20Years%20Logo-04%20Horiz%20-%20White.png)
![black gold palm tree iStock-1202959880 -](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_012d9cf1f56342c8a7328eb28632a183~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_274,h_277,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/black%20gold%20palm%20tree%20iStock-1202959880%20-.png)
![2024 18th MDCCHolidayGala Website Elements logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_ed2f680747bc4e4a9b77517b63ee5267~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_151,y_245,w_3797,h_1323/fill/w_943,h_331,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/2024%2018th%20MDCCHolidayGala%20Website%20Elements%20logo.png)
HONORING BLACK EXCELLENCE
![black gold palm tree iStock-1202959880 -](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_385e0902af8341dd9f2c1a8dd247f941~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_274,h_277,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/black%20gold%20palm%20tree%20iStock-1202959880%20-.png)
![2024 18th MDCCHolidayGala Back ground.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_da4c7f8cd451402bb03080fbc87b6491~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_971,h_546,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_da4c7f8cd451402bb03080fbc87b6491~mv2.jpg)
![Gold paper texture iStock-497802746.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_230a5907a9ca49568af75c38c6531ce7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_135,h_90,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_230a5907a9ca49568af75c38c6531ce7~mv2.jpg)
![modern skyscrapers in downtown Miami stoc iStock-1391364768 copy.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_1d4f79ef13e247698c27f5df2ffaccf5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_1d4f79ef13e247698c27f5df2ffaccf5~mv2.jpg)
The Holiday Gala is made possible with support from our sponsors
PEARL SPONSORS
![Wells_Fargo_Logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_3382cdb093f74cd8849cc94e9e12c2b3~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_38,w_776,h_800/fill/w_102,h_105,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Wells_Fargo_Logo.png)
![OG3 Logo Primary.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_7b92763bbe2744bb8374119af236746f~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_52,y_276,w_1509,h_342/fill/w_432,h_98,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/OG3%20Logo%20Primary.png)
SILVER SPONSOR
![Able Business Services Logo - Main.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_25d75751b44a4f1faba99035bebb96b4~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_166,w_1801,h_590/fill/w_348,h_114,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Able%20Business%20Services%20Logo%20-%20Main.png)
![RoyalCaribbeanGroup-Logo-Vertical.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_cc10bddcc1134bb09be3f582f7f981bf~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_247,h_100,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/RoyalCaribbeanGroup-Logo-Vertical.png)
RECEPTION TITLE SPONSOR
![oneunited_bank_logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_6cf27c5455ed4d08864934c88c3672b1~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_2976,h_2400/fill/w_154,h_124,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/oneunited_bank_logo.png)
PLATINUM SPONSORS
![GMCVB_Corp_Logo_#BLUE.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_835162397fd445eaba32729295b12c04~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_179,h_33,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/GMCVB_Corp_Logo_%23BLUE.png)
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![Logo2008_JPMC_D_Black_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_bd298d500bae486abe2163f9119b3f66~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_376,h_32,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Logo2008_JPMC_D_Black_edited.png)
![MDade County Logo - 600x300_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_7fc6857d78f54a3daf978c1695660157~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_101,h_58,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MDade%20County%20Logo%20-%20600x300_edited.png)
![Carnival_Flat_Logo_TM.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_89173aaa3d3e409ab9e87aa8892a2dfb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_173,h_42,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Carnival_Flat_Logo_TM.png)
CRYSTAL SPONSORS
![Simkins Family Foundation_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_2482f6ba88b34b8bb4484f3e88c5d489~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_166,h_38,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Simkins%20Family%20Foundation_edited.png)
![MDC-DSWM Logo (1)_edited_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_abaaa648023d4b5ca9c6baa3390f9958~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_87,w_800,h_626/fill/w_111,h_87,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MDC-DSWM%20Logo%20(1)_edited_edited.png)
![Dolphins.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_40f8046bbb7d41d191b1cf90b1e4c78d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_129,h_97,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Dolphins.png)
![Bank-Of-America-top Logo UPDATED.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_7b7829e3bb094f34b0e92da6b35477b5~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_146,h_80,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Bank-Of-America-top%20Logo%20UPDATED.png)
![TJC Testimages 2_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_9949bd4bca694713a97709157546d548~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_284,h_123/fill/w_129,h_56,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/TJC%20Testimages%202_edited.png)
![Comm Kevin Carbrera - Crystal Sponsor.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_f67b032adf2b454c82f8370e5568e5ff~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_154,h_87,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Comm%20Kevin%20Carbrera%20-%20Crystal%20Sponsor.png)
![Marleine Bastien- BANNER with SEAL.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_c9e9f204b53642d9ad73c1401d649560~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_261,h_87,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Marleine%20Bastien-%20BANNER%20with%20SEAL.png)
![LOGO_ConversationsOnCannabis_lg_FullColor_FullLogo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_d0ae9716f4c24b3e9c148a09a09ebd3e~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_37,w_4167,h_2012/fill/w_160,h_77,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/LOGO_ConversationsOnCannabis_lg_FullColor_FullLogo.png)
BRONZE SPONSORS
![Tootsies.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_be24d445b1014563ac0508246288c4fa~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_196,h_65/fill/w_129,h_43,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Tootsies.png)
![Jackson Health System_edited cleaned.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_a565e75044164a35862eec66c7ab6310~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_123,h_58,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Jackson%20Health%20System_edited%20cleaned.png)
![American Airlines 2.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_984fd739a0904aa59efd84f22b021e2c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_160,h_104,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/American%20Airlines%202.png)
![WP Logo Trademark.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_8ab39528e31b4d43a8cb7fd568117e22~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_120,h_46,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/WP%20Logo%20Trademark.jpg)
![MDade County Logo - 600x300_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_7fc6857d78f54a3daf978c1695660157~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_101,h_58,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MDade%20County%20Logo%20-%20600x300_edited.png)
![City of Miami_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_20819d6f1117422e89c8bbb5131f380d~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_80,h_80,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/City%20of%20Miami_edited.png)
![Barry University_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_3de43c562e6d46f6a48b743ec3e2d374~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_80,h_80,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Barry%20University_edited.png)
![PortMiami Logo_Horizontal copy_edited.pn](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_5bbb8b4d0c4b493994381780b2cc2c99~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_166,h_67,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/PortMiami%20Logo_Horizontal%20copy_edited_pn.png)
![MiamiMarlins_MLogo_Outline_CMYK.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_b8a32b4069e84717b4a7f66fb5866b6a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_75,h_71,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MiamiMarlins_MLogo_Outline_CMYK.png)
![MIA International Airport - Bonze Sponso](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_c09c454c749d4f1daa27bfcdcbe8c136~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_104,h_69,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MIA%20International%20Airport%20-%20Bonze%20Sponso.png)
![SOFL_PBA_color_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_c4883efa51b34e17af7e10a3de83db50~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_1948,h_2113/fill/w_75,h_81,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/SOFL_PBA_color_edited.png)
![mdeat-mainlogotag-final -without County](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_d03ba1ac39764ef9b11320798fd985f4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_166,h_58,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/mdeat-mainlogotag-final%20-without%20County%20.png)
![FPL_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_2358db9edb8d442696adfe68aa2e9c53~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_80,h_80,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/FPL_edited.png)
![Beacon Council_edited.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_d849a987089c4f4cb8ba17784339b077~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_46,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Beacon%20Council_edited.png)
![Lennar_Logo_CMYK.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_c0fbcfb9cdc247a88c322d5bfd4aecc8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_202,h_21,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Lennar_Logo_CMYK.png)
![umiami_horizontal- Bronze Sponsor_edited](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_d76ae9187f4f409784b676f789a0a175~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_185,h_46,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/umiami_horizontal-%20Bronze%20Sponsor_edited.png)
![2024 18th MDCCHolidayGala Back ground.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_da4c7f8cd451402bb03080fbc87b6491~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_da4c7f8cd451402bb03080fbc87b6491~mv2.jpg)
![Miami Downtown Line ArtiStock-855985800 Clean.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_898554b7760f451d9c3115ba6b5b5df2~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_649,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_898554b7760f451d9c3115ba6b5b5df2~mv2.png)
ABOUT THE GALA
![MDC President CEO - G Eric Knowles bw.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_cc8c9e5027434569b4bec43a998d967a~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_4,y_3,w_305,h_305/fill/w_176,h_176,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/MDC%20President%20%20CEO%20-%20G%20%20Eric%20Knowles%20bw.jpg)
G. ERIC KNOWLES
PRESIDENT & CEO, MIAMI-DADE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
On behalf of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to this extraordinary evening as we commemorate the rich legacy of Black excellence and celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Chamber under the theme of "Celebrating 50 Years of Black Excellence."
We will gather not only to honor the remarkable achievements of the past but also to celebrate the joy of the holiday season with our Holiday Gala. It is a time to come together in fellowship and celebration, highlighting the diversity and unity of our community. We will be honored to have you along with our distinguished guests, community leaders, and partners who have played pivotal roles in our journey. Your presence will underscore the unity and strength of our community as we strive for a future that is even brighter and more inclusive.
We would like to thank our Honorary Chairman, Oliver G. Gilbert, III for his unwavering commitment to Miami-Dade County, from Florida City to Miami Gardens. His innate understanding is that the strength of our community lies in our unwavering commitment to advocating the need for equity and opportunity — this commitment underscores why we gather to celebrate
the Chamber’s 50 Years of Black Excellence.
Throughout the evening, we invite you to join us as we engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible impact of Black businesses on our community. Let us use this occasion to renew our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and empowerment as we shape the future of Miami-Dade together.
​
G. Eric Knowles
G. Eric Knowles
President & CEO, Miami-Dade
Chamber of Commerce
![Gold paper texture iStock-497802746.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_230a5907a9ca49568af75c38c6531ce7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_230a5907a9ca49568af75c38c6531ce7~mv2.jpg)
GALA HONOREES
![Yolanda Cash Jackson Headshot 2021 BW.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_7a5daa3831344aff8c4b686a979f26ee~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_72,w_2880,h_2880/fill/w_200,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Yolanda%20Cash%20Jackson%20Headshot%202021%20BW.jpg)
Citizen of the
Year Award
Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq.
Becker & Poliakoff
![Carole Ann Taylor BW.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_92d19463da5f40b9a2b273bea4ee1274~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_6,y_0,w_621,h_621/fill/w_200,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Carole%20Ann%20Taylor%20BW.jpg)
Distinguished Service
Of The Year Award
Carole Ann Taylor
Entrepreneur
![Trina Harris Headshot BW.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_03b50048b0a84ac38c7a1984d7e0c847~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_198,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Trina%20Harris%20Headshot%20BW.jpg)
David Fincher
Young Innovator Award
Trina Harris
Touching Miami with Love
![Oscar Braynon Headshot BW.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_2b10d56b394c4449bb056989faf80183~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_969,y_484,w_2322,h_2313/fill/w_201,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Oscar%20Braynon%20Headshot%20BW_JPG.jpg)
Jason Jenkins
Unsung Hero Award
Former Florida
State Senator
Oscar Braynon, II
![Dr Willie F Logan BW.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_286883e4869843a4acaebe259a7cfaa1~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_22,w_896,h_895/fill/w_200,h_200,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Dr%20Willie%20F%20Logan%20BW.jpg)
H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Willie F. Logan
President/CEO
Ten North Group
![Gift wrapped in dark paper iStock-1175743000.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/59dd62_fa04e565bd22435988abae26f90eeb70~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_967,h_469,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/59dd62_fa04e565bd22435988abae26f90eeb70~mv2.jpg)
HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE
We are teaming up with the community for the toy drive this year .
​
We encourage you and your guest to bring an unwrapped toy to be distributed to children for the Christmas Holiday.