On Saturday, June 21, the Black Empowerment and Community Council (BECC) will be celebrating its first anniversary with a night of elegance, empowerment, and excellence inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. This year’s gala will honor a dynamic group of Vanguard Awardees that includes AARP “Walk with a Doc” lead volunteer and organizer Lydia Rivera and Osceola Magic G League global partner account executive Troy Groves, and many others who are shaping the community through excellence in public service, education, health and other sectors.
“The Vanguard Awards are our way of saying: we see you; we honor you, and we’re building with you,” Melanie L. Denny, Communications Director said.
BECC was founded 2024 by its founder and CEO, Tiffany Jeffers. As a dedicated community advocate, she said she knew that beneath the surface, a vibrant African American culture was waiting to be celebrate, and recognized the pressing need for a space where Osceola County’s Black community could come together, access culturally relevant resources, and receive the support they had long been denied.
“When we created BECC, it was with a vision to center Black excellence and create space for our people to be seen, heard and celebrated,” Jeffers said. “The Vanguard Awards are a reflection of that mission in motion, and every honoree is proof that our work is not in vain.”
With Osceola County rapidly growing and becoming more diverse, Tiffany launched BECC to bridge this gap. With 15.6% of the county’s population identifying as Black, BECC is driven by a deep passion to amplify Black voices, uncover hidden histories, and honor Black excellence. They create spaces where culture, heritage, and achievements are brought to the forefront. Through their four pillars—Connect, Contribute, Collaborate, and Care—they prioritize the collective success of the community. BECC honors the past, uplifts the present, and empowers the future, making Black excellence visible and unstoppable in Osceola County, according to beccouncil.org.
“Our stories deserve the spotlight, and this night is all about lifting up the brilliance, resilience, and leadership shaping Osceola’s future.” Denny said.
This year’s Vanguard Gala will feature live performances by JP & The Elements and Inez Patricia Dance Studio, a silent auction with luxury vacation packages to Mexico, Tuscany, and Hawaii, an elegant dinner and open bar, and an honoring of 23 outstanding community leaders. More information and ticket purchases can be found on their website www.beccouncil. org/gala.
