Honorees’ & Sponsors’ Reception
Black-Tie Awards Dinner
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Presenting... ONYX MAGAZINE SEVENTH ANNUAL MEN OF HONOR
Being a leader is not without its challenges. It often requires that you beat impossible odds, stand alone, face adversity head-on, make unpopular decisions, and be strong when others are not. ONYX Magazine recognizes the fastidious care each stalwart takes in his quest to improve the world around him. That is why we celebrate outstanding men who are relentless and successful in their efforts to do so. The seventh annual ONYX Magazine Men of Honor presents “The Tallest Trees in the Forest,” men who excel in their professions and community work and inspire others to follow their lead. Encouraged by a quote from Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune, “The Tallest Trees” stands for strength, resilience, and humble power. ONYX Magazine and Founding Partner Orlando Health introduce "tall trees" who exceed this notion. Join us as we celebrate them on a night that will motivate you to do more and incline you to stand tall.
2026 MASTER OF CEREMONIES
CURTIS MCCLOUD
ANCHOR, SPECTRUM NEWS 13
For nearly a decade, Curtis McCloud has served Central Florida communities as a multimedia journalist and anchor with Spectrum News 13. As co-anchor of Your Evening News, you can catch him delivering the latest top stories during the week alongside Tammie Fields. Curtis also highlights special community “Everyday Heroes” for their dedication and service to Central Florida each Monday.
2026 HONOREE ANNOUNCER
DARALENE JONES
ANCHOR, WFTV 9
Daralene Jones anchors Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 4 with Greg Warmoth. She is also an Emmy award-winning investigative reporter who contributes to our 9 Investigates team, focusing on in-depth reports. She was the executive producer of the Ocoee Massacre project, a comprehensive television documentary, with a companion website and podcast detailing what sparked the killings of Blacks and destruction of their property on Election Day 1920 in Ocoee. She also produced “Groveland Four: Journey to Exoneration,” which tells the story of four Black men who were wrongly accused of raping a white woman in 1949.
2026 RED CARPET HOST
JULIE GARGOTTA
ANCHOR, SPECTRUM NEWS 9
For more than a decade, Julie Gargotta has worked to tell stories that make a difference, shed light on issues, and add context to the conversation. What inspires Julie most is connecting with others, sharing their personal stories, and crafting quality journalism. She is an Emmy-nominated, Associated Press (now, FABJ) award-winning anchor who relishes in making complex (or even mundane!) issues digestible for viewers, so that they may see the impact to their daily lives.
2026 AWARDS GALA OPENING ENTERTAINMENT
JARRED ARMSTRONG
RENOWNED TRIPLE-THREAT SAXOPHONIST, VOCALIST, PIANIST
On the cusp of a new soulful soundscape comes the genius of Jarred Armstrong bringing a sound influenced by many genres and styles of music. A talented musician of many instruments with a smooth voice trained on jazz classics, he combines vintage sound and organic soul with a modern style spanning from edgy to elegant.
2026 AWARDS GALA ENTERTAINMENT
SOUL REPLY BAND
ENTERTAINERS
Soul Reply Band is one of Central Florida's premier live entertainment bands, delivering an electrifying blend of classic and contemporary R&B, soul, funk, Motown, pop, and dance favorites. Known for their exceptional musicianship, powerhouse vocals, and high-energy performances, Soul Reply creates unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages. Whether performing at corporate galas, festivals, weddings, or private celebrations, the Orlando-based band keeps dance floors packed with timeless hits and crowd-pleasing favorites, bringing professionalism, passion, and nonstop entertainment to every event.
ONYX FOUNDATION INC.
SCHOLARSHIPS & CAREER PATHWAYS
INVESTING IN FUTURE LEADERS
COLLEGE • SKILLED TRADES • PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
EDUCATION • MENTORSHIP • OPPORTUNITY
ONYX FOUNDATION BELIEVES EVERY PATH FORWARD DESERVES SUPPORT— FROM EVERYTHING BETWEEN COLLEGE DEGREES TO CAREER CREDENTIALS.
Since 2017, the ONYX Foundation has invested in students through scholarships rooted in education, mentorship, service and legacy. Its portfolio includes the Lillian Seays Achievement Scholarship, the Udell T. Black & Linda Y. Braynen Legacy Scholarship, and the Reginald Alexander Maycock Black & Everett Braynen Hope Scholarship. The ONYX Foundation Inc. Brenda March Beacon of Light Scholarship honors March’s work guiding young people by supporting real estate licensing, skilled-trade and vocational training, technical certifications and other professional credentials beyond the traditional college pathway.
JOIN US!
ONYX Magazine Men of Honor celebrates distinguished men whose leadership, service and professional excellence create lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
distinguished
By acknowledging their intellectual prowess, we pave the way for a future where intelligence is celebrated irrespective of the color of one's skin. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that intelligence is is a universal gift.
intelligent
Intelligence knows no bounds, and across every race and ethnicity, there are individuals who exemplify extraordinary intellect and achieve remarkable feats. In this event, we shine a light on the intellectual prowess and accomplishments of our intelligent men.
Confident
The brilliance of intelligent men transcends boundaries and stands as a testament to the extraordinary potential that exists within every individual, regardless of their race or background. These individuals have made immense contributions in various fields.