IAAM CEO Awarded Inaugural Trailblazer Award at 5th Annual Black Excellence Brunch Charleston Edition

Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, President and CEO of the International African American Museum (IAAM), was selected as one of two inaugural Trailblazer Awardees during the 5th Annual Black Excellence Brunch – Charleston Edition. Held on Sunday, February 9th at the Montague Terrace in North Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Matthews was selected for demonstrating the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, civic and social responsibility within the community. 

The annual brunch is both a celebration and a significant gathering of Black excellence, honoring some of the city’s most successful business professionals. This year’s awardees ranged from backgrounds in education, medicine, entertainment, fashion, sports, community, faith-based, advocacy, mental health, influencers, and more. Hosted by Blue Note Bistro, co-owners Michael Antonio Brown, North Charleston city councilman, and Henry Smalls both spearhead the Black Excellence Awards with a committee of local leaders.

“During this time, when we remember past heroes, it is also important to acknowledge the accomplishments of modern-day trailblazers,” said Brown. “While keeping with the tradition of celebrating Black Excellence at every level, we are choosing to honor those whose local contributions make our communities better daily.”

“We know where we are, and it is not the title or the award that makes the man or the woman. It is faith, it is family, it is hope, it is love, it is the relentless and we all have that and then some,” said Dr. Matthews in acknowledging the award. “Let’s continue to be here for each other. I am because we are.”

In addition to the trailblazer award, Dr. Matthews was presented with an official South Carolina Senate Resolution, introduced by South Carolina State Senator Deon Tedder, confirming “that the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Black Excellence Award recipient Dr. Tonya M. Matthews.”