March 11, 2026
Graves closed by asking attendees to think about how historical past will choose as we speak’s second.
Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. delivered a pointed name to motion throughout his opening remarks on the 2026 Legacy Awards Gala, marking the twentieth anniversary of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Ladies of Energy Summit.
Addressing a room of executives, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders, Graves celebrated 20 years of honoring Black ladies’s management whereas warning that the present local weather threatens hard-won progress.
“It’s my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the Legacy Awards Gala for our 20-year milestone of the one and solely Ladies of Energy Summit,” Graves mentioned. “At Black Enterprise, we’ll at all times rejoice the persistence, creativity, willpower, diligence, genius, integrity and religion we draw upon to succeed each day of our lives.”
However the president and CEO of BE mentioned the second calls for greater than celebration. Graves famous that the broader atmosphere has grown more and more hostile to the ambitions of Black Individuals—notably Black ladies within the workforce.
“We can’t ignore the truth that the present atmosphere has grow to be undeniably hostile to the ambitions of Black individuals—and particularly Black ladies,” Graves mentioned. “Greater than 300,000 Black ladies turned unemployed or left the workforce between February and July 2025 alone.”
The Legacy Awards acknowledge the achievements of outstanding ladies whose careers have reshaped industries and opened doorways for future generations. Among the many figures highlighted within the occasion’s commemorative journal are trailblazers corresponding to former Xerox CEO and chairman Ursula Burns, legendary singer Dionne Warwick and former White Home senior adviser Valerie Jarrett.
Graves framed the second as a check of management throughout company America.
“To these of you on boards and in govt suites, no matter your race or gender: you already know what is occurring is flawed on your shareholders, workers and clients,” he mentioned. “It’s unacceptable to be current however silent. Silence equals complicity.”
He urged executives to talk out towards the rising backlash concentrating on variety, fairness and alternative initiatives.
“It’s time so that you can arise and communicate up and say: sufficient,” Graves mentioned.
The summit’s mission, he emphasised, extends past recognition ceremonies and networking alternatives. Graves challenged attendees to view their affect by the lens of generational accountability.
“These extraordinary occasions require extraordinary ladies—and extraordinary motion,” he mentioned. “What we do right here is about greater than being current. It’s about doubling down on the aim and mission of the Ladies of Energy Summit.”
Graves closed by asking attendees to think about how historical past will choose as we speak’s second.
“Someday your grandchildren will ask what you had been doing throughout this time of backlash towards variety and equal alternative in America,” he mentioned. “Will you don’t have anything to supply—or will you have got used your voice, exercised your affect and brought a stand?”
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