DATE:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
TIME:
5:00 p.m. Reception 6:00 p.m. Dinner
VENUE:
ROSEN CENTRE HOTEL
Presenting... ONYX MAGAZINE SIXTH 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 sixth 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.
ONYX MAN OF THE YEAR 2025
His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis
FOUNDING VISIONARY
MOUNT TABOR CHURCH, THE BAHAMAS
GLOBAL UNITED FELLOWSHIP - 43 COUNTRIES
His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis steps beyond the pulpit with renewed purpose—championing global servant leadership, equipping believers for greater works, and building platforms for kingdom excellence.
His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis is a transformative leader whose impact reaches beyond communities of faith to the global stage. A firebrand, prodigy, and visionary, his influence is fueled by God-given wisdom, touching lives across the world. His legacy, rooted in vision, purpose, and promise, extends far beyond the pulpit, affecting the highest levels of business, politics, entertainment, and ministry. A preacher, prophet, and strategist, Bishop Ellis’s voice resonates with authority, guiding leaders across all sectors to fuller purpose and integrity. Bishop Ellis’s influence extends far beyond local ministry. He is the founding visionary of Global United Fellowship (GUF), a worldwide ecclesiastical body spanning over 40 countries and 1,400+ churches. Under his leadership, GUF became a global force for spiritual transformation and generational change. Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Ellis is a respected business leader, mentor to entrepreneurs, and advisor to political figures and Fortune 500 CEOs. His unmistakable preaching style has echoed across the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, Israel, Greece, and Europe—earning him numerous honors, including the Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) from Queen Elizabeth II, the Trumpet Award for Spiritual Enlightenment, and induction into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame as its youngest living honoree. His song Don’t Do It Without Me also earned a Dove Award nomination in 2010.
EVENT HOST & SPECIAL GUESTS
EMCEE
CURTIS MCCLOUD
ANCHOR/INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER
SPECTRUM NEWS 13
One of the original Spectrum News 13 Watchdog investigative reporters, Curtis McCloud is now co-anchor of the evening news during the week. For nearly a decade in Central Florida, he has made an impact covering major stories like the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial in Minneapolis, Wisconsin, and tackling a number of important issues across our communities including guardianship abuse, and uncovering the racial disparity that exists within Central Florida home lending. Curtis and his wife, Sydney, are the proud parents of four young boys.
RED CARPET HOST
JULIE GARGOTTA
AWARD-WINNING ANCHOR
SPECTRUM NEWS 13
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.
HONOREE PRESENTER
DARALENE JONES
ANCHOR/ MULTI-EMMY AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST
WFTV.COM
Daralene Jones anchors the 4:00 p.m. newscast on WFTV- Channel 9, and can be seen filling in on the 5:00 and 6:00 newscasts. She is also a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist, whose reporting has had significant impact across the state and in Central Florida for more than 15 years.
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.