VALDOSTA — Entrepreneurs of Valdosta is celebrating Black History Month by hosting a Black Business Gala.

The gala is a networking event recognizing business owners in the African-American community.

“We want to increase awareness within the black businesses that there are other businesses where they can network and provide resources to each other,” said Erica Hill with EOV and SCORE.

The gala is scheduled to feature Dr. Samuel Taylor as the keynote speaker. He is expected to discuss the theme, “We got the power,” according to organizers.

Taylor is a doctor at Comprehensive Women’s Health. He provides free office and workshop space to give back to Entrepreneurs of Valdosta to help the community, according to organizers.

“We have a proud and a long African-American business history here,” Taylor said. “Supporting those businesses and helping get a spotlight on them helps their struggle. It’s a reminder that we have a minority population here with a proud history.”

Last year, the gala celebrated longtime business owners. 

“The first Black Business Gala was a tremendous success,” Hill said. “Last, year we celebrated local African-American-owned businesses that had been operating for 20 or more years. There were over 50 business owners that we honored.”

The 2017 gala will recognize businesses that have been open for less than 20 years, Hill said. EOV plans to honor more than 100 businesses.

One of the businesses being honored is Hope’s Dazzling Accessories. The owner Hope Emmanuel opened her business in 2016 and is being recognized as the youngest entrepreneur.

The gala will be held 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St., and is a formal event. Tickets are required but the event is open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at www.blackbusinessgala.eventbrite.com. 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.