Circle of Community Gala & Awards 2025 Recap
On February 22, 2025, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills hosted the 3rd Annual Circle of Community Gala & Awards at the Flint Hills Discovery Center—a night dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and community impact. This extraordinary evening brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and supporters to honor the legacy and resilience of Black business owners in the Flint Hills and beyond.
✨ A Night of Celebration, Giving, and Impact ✨
This year’s gala was an extraordinary success, filled with powerful moments of recognition, reflection, and generosity. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we met our fundraising goal of $25,000! These funds will go directly toward supporting Black entrepreneurs through the Circle of Community Grant, CommerceUplift Business Training, and the Sankofa BEFH & BSU Scholarship Program.
A huge thank you to our sponsors and partners for making this evening possible:
Kansas Health Foundation, Kansas Department of Commerce. Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Network Kansas, The Butler Family Community Foundation, Commerce Bank, WTC, HyVee, SEG Media Collective
and Kansas Gas Service.
Your support is changing the future of entrepreneurship and economic equity in the Flint Hills.
Honoring Our Award Winners
The Circle of Community Gala recognizes leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are making a lasting impact. Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipients learn more about each of our winners here.
Circle of Community Business Grant Recipients
This year, six outstanding entrepreneurs were awarded $1,500 grants to grow and sustain their businesses. These grantees represent the future of business in the Flint Hills:
Learn more about each grantee here.
Sankofa BEFH & K-State BSU Scholarship Recipients
We also celebrated our Sankofa Scholarship Recipients: MyiAngel Harbin (Music & Violin Performance), London Monroe (Athletic Training & Pre-Physical Therapy), Nakiya Woodley (Mechanical Engineering Technology & Leadership Studies), and SaDerra Gill (Integrative Human Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant Track).
Learn more about each scholarship recipient here.
A Showcase of Excellence: Vendors & Experiences
The evening featured a vibrant marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses, local artisans, and culinary excellence. Our vendors and contributors made the night even more special:
Taste of the Flint Hills Culinary Experience powered by the Kansas Health Foundation:
Hungry Chickpea, Smokin’ H’s Meats and Aunt Mekas.
Live Entertainment:
JahVelle Rhone, J-R Saxophonic, K-State United Black Voices Gospel Choir, Dj Tre of Your Unforgettable Events and Jazz Ensemble, Mister Direction.
On site Childcare provided by Cheisa Myles, owner and operator of Blessed Assurance Daycare
Videography provided by Companion Projects Media and Photography provided by Vibrant Life Photography by Rachel Shivers
A Legacy of Impact & Looking Ahead
The Circle of Community Gala & Awards 2025 was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful statement about representation, economic empowerment, and collective action. The success of this event is a testament to the strength of our community, proving that when we invest in entrepreneurs, students, and leaders, we uplift everyone.
🌟 Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and supported BEFH’s mission. Because of you, we met our $25,000 fundraising goal! Your generosity ensures that Black businesses, students, and changemakers have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and create lasting legacies.
See you next February for the 4th Annual Circle of Community Gala & Awards!
