The Black Owned Business Excellence (BOBE) symposium was a resounding success, and DeAunte Damper, host of "We Live in Color" on Converge Media, was in the heart of it.  Not only did he experience the energy of Black excellence and entrepreneurship, but he also received the Elijah L. Lewis Community Advocate Award.

For Damper, BOBE was more than just a conference "It was great just to see Black excellence, Black business, and also Black elevation," he remarked. The symposium provided a platform for Black businesses to connect, learn, and grow.

Damper's recognition with the Elijah L. Lewis Community Advocate Award was a highlight of his BOBE experience. The award, named for Damper's friend Elijah L. Lewis, holds deep personal significance. "Elijah taught me accountability, learning how to move through community... with heart," Damper shared. "It gave me an opportunity to just reflect on community and what I do."

Damper's BOBE experience left him inspired and energized. He encourages everyone to tap into the resources and support that BOBE offers. "BOBE is really creating a space where you have a toolkit," he stated. "They are giving you the community compass to know how to support Black business, to know how to keep your Black business, and above all else, for us to be able to thrive."