Celebrating Community Legacies recognized 15 companies that have been providing more than 20 years of services to the city of Raleigh and Wake County.
A barbershop with quite a history in the Capital City was honored at the event.
"I've been in business about 23, 30 years to be exact...Same location, 25 years there. I was on the other side of town, by Shaw University," said Michael Griffin, owner of Grips Barbershop.
That is why Griffin was one of the business owners honored at the Celebrating Community Legacies program.
"Whether you're black, whether you're white, Latino, Asian, it's everyone's history. It's American history," said ABC11's Tamara Gibbs, who emceed the event.
The program includes those who have run a business for at least 25 years along the New Bern Avenue Corridor.
"I do give positive talk to people. I always inspire people. Several young men are in business because of speaking to me!" Griffin said.
The shop is located just a couple of blocks away from the place where he got the honor. He is gratified, especially because it happened during Black History Month.
"Come from the south side of Raleigh. Been here, on the rough and seen the good side. But I have made it!" Griffin said.
Also recognized at the event was a young man with plans of his own.
"I may want to start my own business one day," said award winner Treshawn Boyd.
Boyd said the successful business owners inspire him, and those who have already achieved stand ready to mentor him.
"Oh, of course, of course. Always someone young that you can bring up. You can see some of his ideas as well as yours, so he won't make mistakes," Griffin said.
Perhaps someday Boyd will follow their lead and mentor others.
See It On TV | Report A Typo |
Send Tip |
Get Alerts | Send us photos
Follow @abc11 on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
