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WHEREAS, Classic Events!, a public relations and marketing group, was created by Ralph P Watson to support small businesses through various platforms of direct marketing to successfully connect entrepreneurs with civic leaders, community stakeholders and elected officials to further accelerate their business growth and development; and,
WHEREAS, Classic Events! produces a series of market-specific networking events that include: Youthpreneur, Ladies who Network, Business/Political Forum, Taste o'da Burgh, and Salute to Legal Excellence. To further assist entrepreneurs, Mr. Watson is host of Classic Events! Entrepreneur Network, a public affairs show airing on PCTV21; and,
WHEREAS, Classic Events! will celebrate Heritage at its 6th Annual Black History Celebration Dinner with the theme "Entrepreneurs who Opened Doors" recognizing entrepreneurs of yesteryear who created a business blueprint and employment opportunities within the Black community; and,
WHEREAS, Classic Events! recognizes the civic, social, business and humanitarian contributions of these business owners at the 2017 Annual Black History Celebration Dinner: Mr. William and Pat Baker, owners of Baker’s Dairy and Images Art Gallery; Mr. Henry W. and Lillian Barksdale, owners of Hank & Don’s Bar, Don Chico’s Bar, Hank & Andy’s Bar and The Squawkers Club; Mr. Daniel and Marie Boykins, owners of Boykins Bar-B-Que; Mr. Arthur Burns, owner of The Southern Platter; Mr. James C. Russ Jr., general contractor, real estate investor, and owner of Dolphin Bar and Tony’s Place; and,
WHEREAS, Classic Events! will present its 2017 Business Vanguard Award to City of Pittsburgh Councilman R. Daniel Lavelle, board member of Lavelle Real Estate in appreciation of the courageous crusade to eliminate barriers for underserved people of color in their struggle against discrimination and poverty; and,
WHEREAS, Classic Events! posthumously recognizes the artistic works that chronicle the "Black experience in Pittsburgh" through the nationally acclaimed works of photojournalist Charles "Teenie" Harris and playwright August Wilson through his stage and film trilogy of Pittsburgh; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize the entrepreneurs honored at this year’s Classic Events! Black History Celebration.