ORLANDO, Florida – Now in its 25th year of celebrating Black achievement, ONYX Magazine hosted its third Men of Honor (MOH) event, along with Orlando Health and VyStar Credit Union, on Saturday, September 10, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando.
The event, which paid tribute to the contributions to “Black men throughout the state,” honored 20 of Florida’s “most impactful and influential Black men during an awards celebration,” including Bahamas Consul General to Miami Curt Hollingsworth as the International Man of Honor.
“These powerful and innovative achievers are the architects of thriving workplaces and communities around our great state,” said Rich Black, ONYX Magazine’s publisher, CEO and editor-in-chief, when the event was announced in a Florida Courier article on September 2.
“We admire them for the important roles they humbly accept and for the steadfast approaches they take to achieving success in each one,” Mr. Black said. “Further, we thank our sponsors and other supporters – who are key in making this the most prestigious event to recognize men across Florida – for their unwavering vote of confidence in our efforts.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings served as honorary chair. Demings has been a solid backer of MOH since its inception and received the distinction of Man of the Year in 2022.
“Through the leadership and vision of our honorees, they are actively transforming their communities and professions to benefit future generations,” said Demings. “I am honored to be this year’s honorary chair, and I applaud Mr. Rich Black and ONYX Magazine for recognizing these men.”
ONYX Magazine’s Men of Honor gave a special Man of the Year salute to George Tinsley, the president and CEO of Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc., a six-time Hall of Famer and former American Basketball Association (ABA) player. Known for his humility and business prowess, Tinsley also is a sought-after speaker and motivational coach.
Two other award highlights included the Publisher’s Award, which was presented to Paul Snead, founding president of the 100 Black Men of Greater Orlando; and the Rich Black Vanguard Award, which was presented to Yves Bollanga, president of AFRO TV.
The ONYX Foundation also launched two scholarships during the event: The Reginald Alexander Maycock Black & Everett Braynen Business & Entrepreneurs Scholarship, and the Lester Seays Phoenix Scholarship was awarded to four male students.
Among those attending the event were the Obie Wilchcombe, MP for West End and Bimini, and Picewell Forbes, chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.
