AABA Juneteenth CEO Celebration & Awards Gala

Name: AABA Juneteenth CEO Celebration & Awards Gala
Start: 2026-06-20T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-06-20T22:00:00-05:00
Location: Renaissance Center

Schedule

Sat Jun 20 2026 at 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Renaissance Center | Joliet, IL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:::::::::
The African American Business Association (AABA) of Will County is proud to announce the distinguished honorees for the upcoming 2026 Juneteenth CEO Celebration & Awards Gala, taking place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet.
The annual gala serves as one of the region’s premier celebrations supporting business excellence, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community impact. This elegant evening will recognize outstanding individuals, business leaders, and organizations whose dedication and achievements continue to strengthen communities and create pathways for future generations.
This gala is a powerful reflection of resilience, vision, innovation, and the enduring spirit of our community!
We are honored to recognize leaders whose work is transforming lives and building stronger communities throughout Will County and beyond.
The 2026 honorees include:
Quintin Randall – 2026 Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award
Joseph Awinongya Jr. – 2026 Young Professional of the Year Award
Terry & Deidre Morris – 2026 Long-Standing Business Award
Lloyd & Estella Craig – 2026 Michael Austin Clark Lifetime Achievement Award
Jaron Nabors – 2026 New Business of the Year Award
Dr. Nicole Graves – 2026 Business of the Year Award
Wayne & Denise Duncan – 2026 Juneteenth Dream Big Award
Javier Garibay & Alejandro De La Luz – 2026 Corporate Partnership Award
Melissa Brown – 2026 Corporate Partnership Award
Guests can expect an unforgettable evening featuring a formal awards presentation, networking opportunities, inspiring stories of achievement, and a celebration of culture, leadership, and economic empowerment.
The evening begins with a Cocktail Hour at 5:30 PM, followed by the Gala at 6:30 PM.
Tickets are currently available for purchase at $125 per person, with tables of eight available for $1,000.
For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, or additional event details, please contact the African American Business Association of Will County or visit:
Www.aabaconnect.org