By Shelley Smithssmith@salisburypost.com
Brian Miller of Salisbury has created a fun and unique way to celebrate and recognize local black businesses, young and old. He started an organization, Our Community Appreciation Awards (OCAA), which has three unique events coming up, all in November.
“I wanted to do something for the businesses in the community that are sometimes underrepresented,” said Miller, of M & M Construction. “The vision I had was to plan a night where we can all come together and have a good time. This is for the community, by the community.”
On Nov. 19, OCAA is hosting an awards banquet for five special businesses that have been open for 30 or more years. The businesses being recognized are McLaughlin Groceries, Frankie’s Chicken Shack, Krider’s Cafe, Brown’s Barber Shop and Weeks Construction.
And there’s another fun, community -nvolved element to the banquet.
Miller and his committee have planned the OCAA Show for Saturday, Nov. 28, from 7-10 p.m. at the Civic Center.
Up until Friday, community members have been able to visit OCAA’s Web site, www.ocaashow.com, to nominate their own “bests” in the community. Categories included best barbershop, best choir, best cook, best community leader, best social club and nine other categories. The top three in each category will be recognized at the banquet.
“We had 12,000 votes cast by the end of Friday,” said Miller, who was very pleased with the participation.
During the OCAA Show, there will be entertainment by BET-featured comedian “Syk Wit It.” There will also be several local singers and praise dancers. The winning “Bests” in each community category will also be recognized and given an award.
“This will be a dress to impress event,” said Miller, who said a red carpet will be rolled out for attendees, complete with paparazzi. “It’s one night to shine and help bring that great spirit of life back to our community.”
Following the OCAA Show will be an after-party hosted by 30+ Entertainment at the VFW Post 3006 on Brenner Avenue from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Miller said 60 people have already committed to being at the show and after-party.
Providing music for the official after-party will be the world famous Mike Jones and Adam Boyd. There will be an open bar, and bottles will also be available for sale.
The awards banquet will be held at the Park Avenue Community Center, starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the OCAA Show are $15, and you can get into the after-party for $5 with your ticket stub, or for $10 without.
For tickets, contact Brian Miller at 704-754-1863, or contact Margaret Kelly or Necole Fantt.
You can also buy tickets from OCAA’s Web site, www.ocaashow.com, which is a great site for connection with others, blogging and promoting the community.