Brilliantly Black Is Back
• iHeartMedia Chicago’s group — 107.5 WGCI, WVAZ (V103), WGRB-AM (Inspiration 1390), WLIT (93.9 Lite FM), WCHI (Rock 95 FIVE), WKSC (103.5 Kiss FM) and BIN 640 AM — announced the annual “Brilliantly Black Business Awards,” presented by Wintrust Financial Corporation in partnership with the Chicago Urban League.
Local businesses and listeners will once again have the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite Black-owned business in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. A total of 10 winners will be selected to receive $100,000 of in-kind media on iHeartMedia Chicago radio stations and a small business development cohort from the Chicago Urban League. The categories include restaurants; beauty salons; churches; fashion; medical professionals; day care centers; nightlife; fitness trainers/gyms; financial/insurance; and realtors/brokers.
iHeartMedia Chicago launched “Brilliantly Black” in June 2020 to support local Black-owned businesses, restaurants and non-profits. Since its inception, iHeartMedia Chicago has showcased more than 1400 Black-owned businesses through digital, on-air features and the “Brilliantly Black” Podcast. The Brilliantly Black Business Awards were first presented in 2022.
“I have a personal commitment along with iHeartMedia Chicago to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland,” said Matt Scarano, President of iHeartMedia Chicago. “We are providing a tremendous marketing and advertising opportunity for Black-owned businesses to access our station brands with The Brilliantly Black Business Awards. We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Urban League as we continuously work together to support Black-owned businesses in Chicagoland.”
