Black Hollywood is Coming to Chattanooga!

The 2026 BEC Awards will be one unforgettable night as we honor legends, icons, and the heart of our community!

Introducing your official hosts:

Chris McDonald

Anthony Byrd

Tenesha Irvin

Featuring: DJ D. Strick

Join us at Memorial Auditorium

Black Excellence Reception starts at 430 PM

Show begins at 6 PM

A night for the culture.

A night for excellence.

Honorees

Chattanooga is proud to honor Dr. Mathew Knowles as the 2026 BEC Icon recipient. A global leader in business, entertainment, marketing, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Knowles has generated over $5 billion in impact while helping shape iconic careers including Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, and more. What makes this honor especially meaningful is his Chattanooga connection—his journey began at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he attended school and played for the UTC Mocs. From record-breaking brand campaigns and bestselling books to global thought leadership and advocacy for men’s health, Dr. Knowles’ influence is unmatched. We celebrate his legacy, leadership, and continued impact as a true icon at the 2026 BEC Awards.

We are proud to honor Keith Landecker with the BEC Legacy Award, recognizing his more than four decades as a radio legend, community champion, and pillar of Brewer Media. From stations across the Midwest to becoming a defining voice in Chattanooga, Keith has brought passion, professionalism, and purpose to every platform he’s touched. As Operations Manager at Brewer Media and an on-air personality on Power 94, his impact extends far beyond broadcasting—uplifting culture, mentoring others, and giving back to the community. This award celebrates a lifetime of influence, dedication, and service, and we are honored to recognize his remarkable legacy at the BEC Awards.

Homage Award Recipients

Johnny Taylor is a proud Chattanooga native and one of the city’s most accomplished basketball figures. A Howard High School graduate and standout at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he earned Southern Conference Player of the Year honors and helped lead the Mocs to a historic Sweet 16 appearance in the 1997 NCAA Tournament. Drafted in the first round as the highest NBA selection in UTC history, Taylor went on to a remarkable 15-year professional career, including time in the NBA and overseas. Now a respected coach with more than a decade of experience, including in the NBA G League, his journey reflects excellence, perseverance, and a lasting legacy that continues to inspire the next generation.

Reco Chapple is an acclaimed American fashion designer and creative director with over 25 years of experience in fashion and entertainment. From humble beginnings, he built the internationally recognized House of Chapple, known for bold elegance, precision tailoring, and culturally rich storytelling across couture, ready-to-wear, and custom design. His work has appeared on major television platforms and in film, while his influence extends beyond fashion through mentorship, philanthropy, and leadership within creative, pageantry, and ballroom communities. Currently serving as Mr. People’s National 2025–2026, Reco continues to elevate culture, champion emerging talent, and build a lasting legacy rooted in excellence and service.

Get in touch with Chattanooga Business Elite!

Chattanooga Business Elite founded by Shay McCowan is a collective group of creatives, entrepreneurs, community leaders, business owners, and advocates working together to inform and connect black individuals in Hamilton County and surrounding regions.

CBE is committed to inspiring, developing, and celebrating black people from all walks of life for the purpose of building a thriving and inclusive Chattanooga community

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