The 24th annual Business and Community Awards Luncheon hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. in Sacramento aimed to spotlight the strength and resilience of Black women in a challenging economic landscape. With nearly 300,000 Black women pushed from the workforce this year due to budget cuts and economic uncertainty, the event took on an urgent tone. Keynote speaker Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta, inspired attendees by affirming that Black women are the backbone of their families and communities, stating that for many, resting is simply not an option.
Attendees gathered at the Sheraton Grand on November 15 under the empowering theme “Together we rise and empower to enhance the future.” Bottoms took inspiration from Dr. Maya Angelou, illustrating that despite challenges, Black women always rise. The luncheon honored several extraordinary individuals for their contributions across public policy, health, and education.
Honorees included Keisha “Agent Kee” Mathews for economic empowerment and Dr. Colette Harris-Mathews for education, each sharing their insights on the importance of representation and the work still needed to dismantle systemic inequities. The event not only celebrated achievements but also served as a call to action for the community to continue uplifting and supporting one another, showing that when Black women rise, they take the whole community with them. Let’s be real; who wouldn’t want to be part of that uplifting journey?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
