Where There Are Black Men, There's Excellence

JAY-Z ONCE DROPPED THE LINE, “BLACK EXCELLENCE, OPULENCE, DECADENCE,” and that is the best way to describe the second annual Black Men XCEL Summit presented by FedEx. Men and women showed up to the PGA National Resort & Spa ready to celebrate the best of who black men are.

- Lydia Blanco

The event opened with enthusiasm as attendees arrived at registration. Throughout the day, people were able to receive a quick lineup in the Spark Studio presented by Walmart; get styling and measurement services; play tennis; and donate professional clothing to That Suits You.

Later in the evening, attendees put on their best red-carpet-chic attire and headed to the 2nd annual XCEL Awards Dinner sponsored by AT&T.

During opening remarks, host event sponsor Shannon A. Brown, senior vice president of Air/Ground Freight Services and chief diversity officer at FedEx Express made it clear that “This year’s #BMXCEL theme, ‘Celebrating the best of who we are,’ is more than a theme. It’s a call to action.”

Shortly after, Corey Anthony, senior vice president, Human Resources & chief diversity officer at AT&T introduced business mogul Kenneth Chenault as the first XCEL Award honoree of the night. After Chenault’s heartwarming speech, Tony Waller, senior director of Corporate Affairs Constituent Relations at Walmart, introduced the second honoree of the night, U.S. Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith. After that power moment, Anthony came back on stage to introduce Bishop T.D. Jakes of Potter’s House Ministries and CEO of T.D. Jakes Enterprises L.L.P. to receive his XCEL Award.