Houston is buzzing with anticipation for the Defender’s inaugural “Best of Black Houston” campaign, an initiative poised to spotlight and celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals, organizations and Black-owned businesses shaping the future of Greater Black Houston.
This groundbreaking campaign, the first of its kind in the city, promises to be a true testament to Black excellence, innovation and resilience.
The “Best of Black Houston” journey will unfold in three distinct phases over the coming months, inviting comprehensive community participation. The excitement kicks off on Juneteenth, June 19th, with a six-week nomination phase. During this period, the community is encouraged to put forward deserving candidates across a diverse array of 12 comprehensive categories.
These 100+ categories span the scope of Black Houston’s vibrant landscape. “Art & Culture” will honor talent ranging from Best Author to Best Photographer to Best Theatre Company. At the same time “Business & Professional” will recognize excellence in fields such as Best Lawyer, Best Banker and Best Principal. “Lifestyle & Beauty” spotlights professionals like Best Barber, Best Gym and Best Hair Stylist, and “General Services” acknowledges vital community pillars, including Best Non-profit Organization, Best Funeral Home and Best Childcare/Pre-School. Food enthusiasts will find a rich selection in “Food & Beverage,” covering everything from Best Caterer, Best Chef, to Best Gumbo. “Entertainment” will celebrate Best Black Radio Station, Best PR Professional and Best DJ, among others.
“Home & Garden” will feature service providers from Best Interior Designer to Best Landscaping to Best Plumber. “Shopping” will highlight unique retail experiences like Best Cigar Shop, Best Men’s Clothing Store and Best Women’s Fashion Designer. The “Church” segment is expected to be highly competitive, with categories like Best Choir, Best Deacon and Best Senior Pastor. “Health | Medical” encompasses a wide range of professionals from Best Dentist to Best Day Spa to Best Veterinarian. A new “Vehicle & Services” category will focus on recognizing excellence in Best Auto Mechanic, Best Car Wash and Best Car Salesman. Finally, “Sports” will shine a light on the Best Black Athletes across high school, college and professional levels in football, baseball and basketball.
“This campaign is squarely focused on Black-owned businesses,” says Sonny Messiah Jiles, CEO of the Defender. “We welcome them to nominate themselves or have their loyal customers place nominations on their behalf. We’ve even developed promotional materials to help them mobilize their friends, family, and clientele to get out and vote. This truly marks a historic moment for Houston.”
Clyde Jiles, COO of the Defender, emphasizes the profound importance of this initiative, especially in the current climate.
“In the face of DEI backlash, the erasing of Black history, and the closing doors of opportunity that once granted us access, the ‘Best of Black Houston’ is more crucial than ever,” he said. “We need to identify and uplift the friends and neighbors who are consistently providing high-quality service. Black folks are inherently resilient, and we possess an abundance of resources within our own community. It’s time to proudly showcase the very best the Black community has to offer.”
For a nominee category to advance to the voting phase, it must garner at least three other nominations. The highly anticipated voting phase will run from August 25th to September 5th. In late October, the Defender will proudly announce the winners and the top two finalists in each category. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those in our community who are truly making a difference.
With the kick-off date set for Juneteenth – June 19, 2025, this initiative promises to be a landmark celebration, uniting the community to honor the best of Black Houston. The Houston community will be asked to nominations and voting for individuals, businesses and organizations in twelve categories: Art & Culture, Business & Professional Services, Church, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, General Services, Health | Medical Professionals, Home & Garde, Lifestyle & Beauty, Sports, Shopping, and Vehicle & Services. Stay tuned for more information about the over 100 sub-categories, including: Best Teacher, Best Lawyer, Best Gumbo, Best Barber, to name a few.
Best of Black Houston–Timeline
Thursday, June 19, 2025: Best of Black Houston nominations kick-off.
Thursday, July 31, 2025: Best of Black Houston nominations close at 11:59 p.m.
Monday, August 25, 2025: Best of Black Houston voting begins
Friday, September 5, 2025: Best of Black Houston voting closes at 11:59 p.m.
Monday, October 27, 2025: Best of Black Houston Winners & Finalists Announced
FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions