When we made the decision to launch the Business Innovators & Gamechangers Awards Gala, (B.I.G. Awards Gala) in June of 2013, we were acutely aware that we were entering an arena that was hugely over-represented – almost every event incorporated some type of award element, most with good intentions, but lacking the gravitas and profundity to recognize and evaluate genuine achievement and real achievers.
We are changing the perceptions that award events recognize only popular or affluent people, or only serves to appease or befriend prominent individuals; our motives are driven by a philosophy established by the late Marcus Mosiah Garvey who instructed us to, “canonize our own saints, create our own martyrs and elevate to positions of fame and honor, black men and women who have made their distinct contributions to (our) history.” Also, as publishers of an established magazine (Whereitzat) and web magazine (gowhereitzat.com), we are not just able to publicize the achievements of our honorees worldwide, but also curate this inspiring event for the sake of posterity. Because of the extensive publicity they receive from our elevator program, it is typical for our alumni to be singled out for additional recognition and acclaim.
Come discover the most authentic and relevant awards show in the Caribbean American community, dedicated to recognizing and honoring people who are business owners/professionals, civic leaders/volunteers; the real innovators and game-changers in our communities of color. This is one of only a few programs that screens and evaluates honorees on the basis of their active participation in community life, in addition to their business or professional achievements.
We sincerely believe in recasting, recreating and re-establishing our own images as innovators and game–changers; for too long the mainstream media has neglected our achievements and our stories, therefore, be reassured that Whereitzat Magazine has created The B.I.G. Awards Gala platform to showcase those achievements. So, if you know someone in your community who is making a significant difference, it could be a business owner, a civic leader, a health professional, a cop, clergy or your next-door neighbor nominate them. We’ve also added an Industry Award to our categories, to cover restaurants, entertainment venues, professional practices, local manufacturers and other industries.
We invite your participation in nominating those who are deserving of recognition for making a lasting and profound difference in our communities. Make plans now to join us on Saturday, October 5, 2019, starting 7 pm at the Garden City Casino, 51 Cathedral Drive, Garden City, for the 7th year of the B.I.G. Awards Gala, you’ll be glad you did.
