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Some of the nation’s most influential Black men in the fields of business, entertainment, sports and public service will head to Florida this fall as BLACK ENTERPRISE brings its XCEL Summit for Men to Orlando.
The three-day summit, set for Oct. 21–23 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, is built to support men at every stage of their careers, from entry-level to C-suite, while celebrating leaders shaping industries and communities across the country.
XCEL comes at a time when conversations about Black male leadership, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship and representation remain especially important. Since the summit launched in 2017, the mission had always been to elevate and celebrate Black men through professional and personal development workshops.
“Black Men XCEL is both a declaration and a quantum leap forward in the recognition of the achievements, leadership, and excellence of Black men,” said Black Enterprise President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves. “It is the perfect opportunity for Black men — and the women who love them — to indulge, celebrate, and enjoy themselves.”
One of the premier highlights of the summit will be the XCEL Awards, which honors men whose careers span music, business, science, sports, and corporate leadership.
This year's honorees include 20-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer Kirk Franklin; BET founder and The RLJ Companies Chairman Robert L. Johnson; physician, entrepreneur and former NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr.; NBA Hall of Famer, entrepreneur and investor Isiah Thomas; and Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler.
The summit will also recognize its 2026 Impact Awardees, spotlighting men making a difference in business, media, government, and service.
The group includes former NBA star and multimedia personality Jalen Rose; former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Victor J. Glover Jr.; Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott; and Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor.
Beyond the awards, organizers say the summit will allow attendees to have the opportunity to meet business leaders, entrepreneurs and other professionals while picking up strategies they can bring back to their own careers, businesses, and communities.
For emerging professionals, there is access to mentors, professional networks and examples of Black men succeeding at the highest levels. And for established executives and entrepreneurs, the summit offers a chance to swap ideas, build partnerships and think about how their influence can help open doors for the next generation.
To learn more about the XCEL summit go to