Inspirational examples

Nominations are open for the 26th annual African-American Achievers Awards.

Nominations are now open for the 26th annual African-American Achievers Awards, presented by JM Family Enterprises, Southeast Toyota Distributors and JM Lexus.

Established in 1992 by the late auto distributor Jim Moran, founder of JM Family, the program provides the community the opportunity to recognize AfricanAmericans who set inspirational examples through community involvement and leadership in four categories: Arts and Culture; Business and Entrepreneurism; Community Service; and Education.

Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 1. The awards presentation and ceremony will be held April 25, 2018, at the Broward County Convention Center, and is free and open to the public.

In honor of the achievers, JM Family, Southeast Toyota and JM Lexus will donate $10,000 in each achiever’s name to the South Florida charity or charities of his or her choice.The companies will also donate $500 to the charity or charities of choice for those whose nominee is selected as an African-American Achiever, for a total campaign contribution of $42,000 to local nonprofits.

Additionally, each person whose nominee is chosen will receive an invitation to attend the evening’s private reception.

Last year’s honorees were: In the entrepreneur category, Shaun M. Davis, of S. Davis & Associates in Hollywood; Education: Anthony Lockhart; whose leadership raised low-ranked Belle Glade’s Lake Shore Middle School to a “C” in 2016; Community Service: Enid Curtis Pinkney, an historian instrumental in saving the historic Lemon City Cemetery and the Native American burial grounds known as Miami Circle; and in the Arts and Cultural category: Tarell Alvin McCraney, actor, playwright and professor, wrote a script from his work with Liberty City youth that became the basis of “Moonlight.”

Applications are available at africanamericanachievers.com or calling 866-516-2497.