iHeartMedia Chicago’s 107.5 WGCI, Chicago's #1 for Hip-Hop R&B, V103, Today's R&B and Throwbacks, Inspiration 1390, Music of Power & Praise, 93.9 LITE FM, Relaxing Favorites, ROCK 95.5, Chicago’s Rock Station, 103.5 KISS FM, Chicago’s #1 Hit Music Station; and Chicago’s BIN 640 AM, announced today the 10 winners of the “Brilliantly Black Business Awards” presented by 1-800-TruckWreck in partnership with the Chicago Urban League. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 3, at 1 p.m. at the iHeartMedia Chicago Sound Studios.
More than four years ago, iHeartMedia Chicago launched “Brilliantly Black” as a community resource initiative to support local Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and nonprofits. Each radio station encouraged listeners to visit its website and enter the keyword “brilliant” to get more information about Black-owned businesses and community resources. Since its inception, iHeartMedia Chicago has showcased nearly 1,500 Black-owned businesses through digital, on-air features and the “Brilliantly Black” podcast.
“I am honored to announce the 2024 ‘Brilliantly Black Business Award’ winners,” Matt Scarano, President of iHeartMedia Chicago, said in a press release. “This initiative, which began in 2020, has grown tremendously, and it is inspiring to see the positive impact it continues to have on our community. In partnership with Amy Witherite, 1-800-TruckWreck, and the Chicago Urban League, we are proud to support and celebrate the achievements of Black-owned businesses in our city. These businesses are not only vital to our local economy but also to the cultural fabric of Chicago. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and thank you for your dedication and hard work.”
Local businesses and listeners had the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite Black-owned business in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. A total of 10 winners have been selected to receive $100,000 of in-kind media on iHeartMedia Chicago radio stations and a small business development cohort from the Chicago Urban League.
"We are honored to partner with iHeartMedia Chicago to support the ‘Brilliantly Black Business Awards’ and shine a spotlight on the exceptional work Black business leaders are doing in the Chicago area and beyond," Amy Witherite, owner of 1-800-TruckWreck, said. "Supporting the communities we serve is a core value of our firm, and we're happy to recognize minority business owners as they serve and improve the communities around them."
"The iHeartMedia Chicago ‘Brilliantly Black Business Award’ has been a game-changer for us,” Dr. Chakika Williams, DNP, double-board-certified Family and Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and National Aesthetics Educator and Trainer at SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa and 2023 ‘Brilliantly Black Business Award’ winner, shared. “It’s an amazing recognition showcasing our passion and dedication, and it pushes us to keep breaking barriers, empowering our community, and showing what's possible when we lift each other up."
“We are honored to again be a part of iHeartMedia Chicago’s ‘Brilliantly Black Business Awards,’ where we get the opportunity to highlight the best of Chicago’s Black business community,” Kelly Evans, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development at the Chicago Urban League, said. “Supporting small businesses is a cornerstone tenet of the Chicago Urban League’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and we are excited to be a partner in this process.”
iHeartMedia Chicago 2024 “Brilliantly Black Business Award” Winners:
- Ann Ethe Services LLC
- CKE Smith Services LLC
- John Wesley Eyewear Designs
- Kiwi’s Boutique
- Lola Belle Kidz LLC
- Mamma Jamma Dance & Maternal Wellness
- Mosaics Boutique and Tea LLC
- Obsidian Aura Med Spa
- Sandwich Goat Seasonings
- White Lily’s & Caviar Boutique & Spa
For more information on the 10 winners of the “Brilliantly Black Business Awards,” visit each station’s website: 107.5 WGCI, V103, Inspiration 1390, 93.9 LITE FM, ROCK 95.5 and 103.5 KISS FM.
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