The Sacramento Observer proudly announces the inaugural ONYX 25 Awards, an annual celebration of Sacramento’s most powerful and influential Black leaders. The event will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, honoring 25 individuals whose leadership, creativity, and service continue to shape the future of the region. The exclusive event will be hosted by talented comedian Tony Roberts.
The ONYX 25 Awards recognize those whose influence extends beyond titles — individuals who hold space for progress and lead with purpose, resilience, and integrity. From education and business to public service, faith, the arts, and community advocacy, these honorees embody what power and influence mean in Sacramento today.
“These awards are not about exclusivity or hierarchy,” said OBSERVER Publisher Larry Lee. “They are about shining a light on individuals whose contributions — often unseen by the mainstream — are transformative within our community. True power lies not just in achievement, but in collective advancement and the ability to uplift others.”
The name ONYX was chosen with intention. Onyx, a beautiful black gemstone, symbolizes strength, grounding, and transformation — qualities that reflect the spirit of Black leadership in Sacramento. Rooted in Responsibility. Polished in Purpose. The ONYX 25 captures the enduring strength, excellence, and intention that define these leaders and the community they serve. The 2025 ONYX 25 honorees are as follows:
- Rob Archie – Owner, Urban Roots Brewing & Hospitality
- Hon. Bunmi O. Awoniyi – Presiding Judge, Sacramento Superior Court
- Stevante Clark – Founder & CEO, I Am SAC Foundation
- Dr. Flojaune “Flo” Cofer – Public Health Visionary and Civic Leader
- Thomas Donaldson – Owner, Donaldson Properties / Florin Square Plaza
- Dr. Dawnté Early – President & CEO, United Way California Capital Region; West Sacramento City Councilmember
- Dr. Margaret Fortune – President & CEO, Fortune School
- Lynette Hall – Community Engagement Manager, City of Sacramento
- Chet P. Hewitt – President & CEO, Sierra Health Foundation; Founder & CEO, The Center at Sierra Health
- Teri Holoman – Associate Executive Director, California Teachers Association
- Myesha Jackson – Policy Director, California State Assembly Speaker’s Office
- Kevin Johnson – CEO, Seven Management, Inc.; Seven Ventures, Inc.; Fixins Holdings
- Jay King – President & CEO, California Black Chamber of Commerce
- Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace Jr. – Founding and Senior Pastor, Center of Praise Ministries; Vice President of Community, Jessup University
- Faith J. McKinnie – Curator & Critic; Founding Director, Black Artist Foundry
- Toks Omishakin – Secretary of Transportation, State of California (CalSTA)
- Tia Orr – Executive Director, SEIU California State Council
- Cassandra Walker Pye – President, Lucas Public Affairs
- Derrell and Tina Roberts – Co-Founders, Roberts Family Development Center
- James “Jay” L. Robinson III – Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Kaiser Permanente
- Scott C. Syphax – President & CEO, Syphax Strategic Solutions
- Dr. Shirley Weber – California Secretary of State
- Regina Brown Wilson – Executive Director, California Black Media
- Joshua Wood – Co-Founder & CEO, KozPure Development
- Dr. Luke Wood – President, Sacramento State University
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