Yesterday, we were proud to celebrate Black Excellence Night in honor of Juneteenth, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and impact continue to strengthen communities across Arizona.
We were honored to recognize the Black Chamber of Arizona, the state's premier organization supporting Black-owned businesses since 1995, and President & CEO Dr. Velma Trayham, whose leadership has helped mentor thousands of entrepreneurs and support the growth of more than 1,200 Arizona businesses. In partnership with the Shining Light Foundation, we also recognized five remarkable leaders whose work continues to create lasting change throughout our community:
- Dr. Josephine Pete, Arizona Women's Hall of Fame inductee and trailblazer in Arizona public education as the first African American woman principal at South Mountain High School, and the first woman to serve as Assistant Superintendent in the Roosevelt School District.
- Cloves Campbell, Publisher of the Arizona Informant Arizona's only Black-owned weekly newspaper and a trusted voice for the state's Black community since 1971.
- M Ali Nervis, founder of Grassrootz Bookstore, Phoenix's only brick-and-mortar Black-owned independent bookstore.
- Ginger Spencer, Assistant City Manager for the City of Phoenix with three decades of leadership experience in public service and civic advancement.
- Basil Ribakare, a first-generation college student and recent graduate from Arizona State University, Chairman of SEED Philanthropy (Students Engaged in Ethical Donations), the world's first all-Black youth giving group, and Arizona’s representative at the 2026 Western Governors’ Leadership Institute.
The celebration continued with Mario A. Bayne, founder of Career Concepts for Youth, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch as we recognized his 35 years of empowering young people through mentorship, leadership development and career exploration.
The team hosted some notable guests at batting practice: Devin D. Palacio/Vice President, Governing Board, Tolleson Union High School District and Will Greaves/Assistant Football Coach at Campo Verde High School.
The Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Choir honored heritage, resilience and unity through performances of both "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and the National Anthem.
We were also proud to recognize Abby Charles, Miss Arizona for America Strong, whose leadership and community involvement exemplify the spirit of Black Excellence Night.
Thank you to all of our honorees, community partners, performers and fans for helping us celebrate the achievements, contributions and lasting impact of Arizona's Black community.