The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) officially launched the road to its 29th Annual Pinnacle Awards & Gala with the 2026 Pinnacle Kickoff Reception on Monday, August 31, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, community organizations, corporate partners, and supporters for an evening celebrating Black business excellence in Houston.
Held at Podium at Porsche River Oaks, the reception marked an important moment in GHBC’s 91st year and culminated with the highly anticipated announcement of the 2026 Pinnacle Awards finalists.
For nearly three decades, the Pinnacle Awards have served as one of GHBC’s signature traditions, recognizing businesses and leaders whose work strengthens Houston through entrepreneurship, job creation, organizational leadership, community service, and economic impact. This year’s celebration takes on added significance as GHBC commemorates 91 years of advocating for and supporting Houston’s Black business community.
“Pinnacle gives us an opportunity to celebrate businesses and leaders who are not only achieving success, but creating jobs, building organizations, serving our communities, and contributing to Houston’s economic vitality,” Pinnacle Co-Chairs Derek Robinson and Kim Roxie shared during the program.
The reception was also the backdrop for the launch of GHBC Debit Card in partnership with Mastercard and Uome, part of the Chamber’s continued effort to provide members with tools, resources, relationships, and opportunities that strengthen their businesses and position them for growth. Representatives Mark Aquilina of Mastercard and Jason Halstead of Uome joined GHBC for the announcement and presentation.
Pinnacle Co-Chairs Derek Robinson and Kim Roxie then welcomed guests into the 2026 Pinnacle season and recognized the organizations helping make the celebration possible. Regions Bank served as the 2026 Pinnacle Kickoff Sponsor, with Kafi Slaughter, Senior Vice President and South Texas Private Wealth Leader, delivering sponsor remarks.
The Chamber also formally introduced Kevan and Ayesha Shelton, founders of Park Street Homes, as the 2026 Pinnacle Honorary Chairs. The couple was selected for embodying the entrepreneurial spirit of Pinnacle through building businesses, creating opportunities, investing in community, and leaving a lasting impact
Honoring Houston Leadership and Legacy
In addition to announcing the competitive award finalists, GHBC unveiled three special 2026 Pinnacle honorees whose leadership and service reflect the legacy of individuals who made an extraordinary impact on Houston.
Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President of the Shell USA Company Foundation, was announced as the 2026 Larry V. Green Advocate of the Year. The award recognizes an individual whose advocacy, leadership, and service have helped create opportunities and strengthen the community.
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was announced as the 2026 Sylvester Turner Excellence Award honoree, with Pastor Lou McElroy accepting the recognition. The award honors distinguished achievement, leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence.
GHBC also announced Captain Victor J. Glover as the 2026 Sheila Jackson Lee Legends Award honoree. The recognition honors an individual making a global and generational impact through their work. Captain Glover will be formally honored at the Pinnacle Awards & Gala in November.
2026 Pinnacle Awards Finalists
Pinnacle Award
b.iD, LLC • Come Bee Enterprises, LLC • Innovating Marketing Group • Level One Fitness • Nuksy’s Ventures • Right Time Solutions, LLC • The Community Collective for Houston • Three Key Coffee • Top Choice Lending • TLN Family & Cosmetic Dentistry • UPExcel
Mack H. Hannah Jr. Upstart Award
EBTeam Global, LLC • Financial Chaplain Group • Sevün Cosmetics, PLLC • The COOL Collective • Zayam Design, LLC
Mickey Leland Public Leadership Award
Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy • Houston Museum of African American Culture • Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation • Shades of Blue Project • SurviveHER
Endurance Award
Kutz-N-Zone Barber Parlor • Simply Scents Candle Co.
Rising Star Award
By Suga Studio • Dako • MBA Women of Houston • Paperboy Media & Four Corner Podcast
Young Entrepreneur Award
Bright Shining Creations, LLC • Off CNTR Productions • WingWorkz
