Cen-Tex African-American Chamber Honors Community Members at 20th Annual Awards Banquet

WACO, TX (FOX 44) — The Central Texas African-American Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 20th Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, recognizing individuals and businesses with outstanding dedication and service to the community.

The Rising Star Award recognizes young adults in the community who exhibit leadership and passion, whether through owning a business, working with nonprofits, or being actively involved in service. The Chamber’s coordinator for the Center of Business Excellence, Jocelyn Williams, emphasized the importance of celebrating these individuals who inspire others through their hard work and dedication.

“For that particular award, we kind of just look at those in the young adult community who are the rising stars, who are movers and shakers within the community,” Williams said.

Among the honorees was Tonee Shelton, a self-published author and poet from Waco, who was awarded the Rising Star Award for her contributions to both the literary world and her local community.

Shelton, known for her poetry and book tours across Central Texas, has touched the hearts of many with her words. She has held numerous book readings and signings, creating spaces for others to feel heard, seen, and valued.

Shelton says her writing serves as an avenue for connection and healing, particularly for those whose voices have often gone unheard.

“I love helping people. I love getting to know people. And poetry is just another strategy, an avenue to do that, to connect with people, to allow them to feel seen and heard,” Shelton said.

Shelton, who has a strong connection to her hometown of Waco, credits the city for shaping her career and supporting her journey.

“Waco has been hard on me and it’s been beautiful to me and it is the reason that I launched my career. And so I’m excited for what’s next. And I’ll always be able to say that Waco was my beautiful foundation,” Shelton shared.

Despite the challenges, Shelton’s commitment to helping others and fostering the success of others in her community remains at the core of her work.

The annual banquet is an opportunity for the Chamber to honor the contributions of community members and businesses, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and appreciated.

This year’s ceremony continued the tradition of uplifting those who make a difference in Central Texas, with Shelton as a shining example of the power of hard work, dedication, and community spirit.

“I think the sky’s the limit for her,” Williams added, looking ahead at Shelton’s promising future. As Shelton’s career continues to grow, she remains committed to amplifying her message and supporting others in their journeys, solidifying her place as a rising star in the Central Texas community.

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