No stranger to the spotlight, visionary community activist, WCCO Radio and media personality, Sheletta Brundidge, brought down the house at the Upper Midwest Emmy® Awards on October 19, using her moment of recognition to devote attention to Black small businesses.
She received the prestigious Board of Governors Emmy® Award for her creation of a first-of-its-kind Black Entrepreneurs Day campaign. Last February, Brundidge and her team transformed the Minnesota State Capitol rotunda into a live broadcast event, lending a platform and a public voice to Black business owners across the Twin Cities.
During the event, stories of inspiration and stories of struggles shared by Black small business owners showcased a community that hasn’t had an equal voice or seat at the table. It gave attendees hope, and a chance to lobby for resources in front of legislators, public officials, and a live TV audience.
The Board of Governors Emmy® Award recognizes businesses and organizations using the power of media to do something good for the community. This is the first time an independent producer/production company has received a Governor’s Award in its 20-year history.
In true Brundidge style, she rapped to Run DMC's "Run's House," and altered the lyrics to "Sheletta's House” during her acceptance speech.
“I wanted to entertain and surprise the crowd with something new and different – you know I ain't never gonna do what everybody else does,” said Brundidge.
“I could hear the crowd talking about it and laughing, singing and clapping – she created a moment that everyone in that room will always remember,” said John Murray, Executive Director, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences - Upper Midwest Emmy® Chapter.
Her performance followed another standout moment when her entire ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com campaign team graced the stage and passed their Emmy award baton-style to each other, receiving recognition for their individual contributions.
As she teed up the Board of Governors Emmy Award to the crowd, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan gave nod to Brundidge’s notable efforts to take over the world one cause at a time.
“You see her on billboards rocking a denim jacket, but it’s what she did here at the capitol that’s getting much deserved accolades tonight, giving small business owners a pathway to prosperity with Black Entrepreneurs Day,” added Flanagan.
For Black Entrepreneurs Day participant, Sylvia Williams, co-owner of Soul Grains, the initiative has meant a lot to her personally. “We don’t get that kind of attention on a regular basis, so to have Sheletta shine a light on us is very impactful,” said Williams.
As a newer business owner in 2020, Williams, who refers to Brundidge as “the GOAT” is grateful to her for being a connector of people, helping her and others better understand where to get resources, seek mentorships, find money and guidance to help their businesses flourish.
For Brundidge, it was a surreal blessing to receive the Governors Emmy® Award and recognition for a platform she created to help other people. She thrives creating opportunities to shine a spotlight on people from all walks of life who are doing good work in the community to help African American businesses.
Everybody who worked on the Black Entrepreneurs Day campaign received an Upper Midwest Emmy® Award.
“From Nancy Lyon from Clockwork, Senator Bobby Joe Champion to Dameon Campbell from Comcast – all these people worked tirelessly behind the scenes and to be able to have them come out front and center on stage, holding their Emmy and saying their names in front of the audience was amazing to witness,” shared Brundidge.
Brundidge is deeply committed the mission of Black Entrepreneurs Day – to bring the Black community together to help go from just surviving to thriving. The event is set to return to the Minnesota State Capitol on February 3, 2025. For more information, visit ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com.