In the heart of the H Street Corridor, an extraordinary event unfolded on Sunday, March 24th, as the Black Bourbon Society (BBS), in partnership with Jack Daniel’s, hosted the prestigious Salon 7 Legacy Awards in DC. This annual event, part of a nationwide series, is dedicated to honoring Black excellence and legacy in the spirits industry and beyond. The intimate gathering, held at chic Afrofuturistic eatery, BRONZE, brought together a diverse group of individuals making significant impacts in their respective fields.

Samara B. Davis, founder of the Black Bourbon Society, expressed her excitement about bringing the event to Washington, D.C., for the first time. “We are thrilled to bring Salon 7 Legacy Awards to Washington, D.C., for the first time and to honor local legacy makers who have an appreciative palette for unique conversation, community, and cocktail craftsmanship,” said Davis. “This event is a celebration of Black empowerment and a tribute to the legacy of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green – Jack Daniel’s first master distiller.”

The Salon 7 Legacy Awards are a cornerstone of the BBS’s mission to bridge the gap between the spirits industry and African American bourbon enthusiasts. Founded by Samara B. Davis, the BBS has become a pivotal platform for celebrating Black culture and excellence in the spirits world. This year, in collaboration with Jack Daniel’s, the Awards series kicked off in Atlanta and will make stops in major cities across the country, including Harlem, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

The D.C. tour stop was a special occasion that honored seven local change-makers building legacies in their respective industries. These individuals, recognized for their contributions in fields ranging from the arts to health and wellness, included Aaron Joseph and Ezra Allen from the spirits industry, Khaleelah I. L. Harris from arts and culture, Keem Hughley from culinary arts, Shalanda Armstrong from entrepreneurship, D.C. Councilmember Janee Lewis George from social impact, and Paul Bashea Williams from health and wellness.

Khaleelah I. L. Harris, one of the honorees, shared her thoughts on the event’s significance. “The Black Bourbon Society Legacy Awards, which they call Salon Seven, is an event in partnership with Jack Daniel’s, and it celebrates seven legacy members who they believe are making an impact in their respective cities,” she said. “They admired my contributions to the local fine arts community and wanted to celebrate me with the Arts and Culture award.”

The event featured a panel discussion where honorees were asked about mentorship, risks they’ve had to take, and what legacy means to them. It was an opportunity for the awardees to share their stories and insights, further highlighting their contributions to their communities.

Paul Bashea Williams, another honoree, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “Sunday’s event was great to be acknowledged and also to recognize partnerships and legacy when it comes to Jack Daniel’s and the things we’re doing in the community,” he said. “It was an awesome way for everybody to really connect and just to see each other doing great things in each other’s spaces. I applaud Jack Daniel’s and Samara Black Bourbon Society for seeing those people trying to make those changes in communities and connecting us all.”

Samara B. Davis reiterated the importance of the partnership with Jack Daniel’s in achieving the BBS’s mission. “We are grateful for the partnership with Jack Daniel’s, which allows us to continue our mission of bridging communities through bourbon, one glass at a time,” she said.

The Salon 7 Legacy Awards serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black excellence and its impact on our communities and industries. As the event series continues to make its way across the country, it’s clear that the legacy of the Black Bourbon Society and its partners will continue to inspire and uplift for years to come.

For more information about the Black Bourbon Society and the Salon 7 Legacy Awards, visit www.salonx7.com.