CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Minority Business Alliance has selected this year’s recipients of the John F. Bell, Sr. Vanguard Award.

According to a release, this annual award recognizes an outstanding minority business person or individual who actively works to support and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the business community in the Charlottesville area.

Recipients mentor Black and Brown entrepreneurs and business professionals to help develop future business leaders.

This year’s recipients are Antwon Brinson of Culinary Concepts AB and Sabrina Feggans of Beyond Fitness with Sabrina.

“While all nominees were exceptional for this year’s Vanguard Award, Antwon and Sabrina rose to the top as finalists,” said Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer Andrea Copeland. “Our selection committee was so impressed by their qualifications and background, we decided to present two awards this year.” 

Brinson efforts include working with the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, the Starr Hill Pathways program and others to help build culinary careers for all and support minority entrepreneurs.

Feggans supports healthier lifestyles and founded the Women’s Empowerment Day event.

The Vanguard Award is named in honor of John F. Bell, Sr., the founder of J.F. Bell Funeral Home, which is the oldest Black-owned business in Charlottesville.

He established a business at a time when society in general was not welcoming or supportive of the minority business community.

The awards will be presented during a celebration that is scheduled for Sept. 15.

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