By: Lennard James

Memphis is preparing for a night of elegance, honor, and cultural celebration as the Stomp the City Iconic Awards Black Tie Gala takes center stage on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the historic Cadre Building, located at 146 Monroe Avenue in Downtown Memphis. Presented under the visionary leadership of Michael Dockery, founder of the Stomp the City Iconic Awards and Telecast Media Group, this event, set to be a remarkable evening, brings together excellence and inspiration, showcasing Memphis on a national stage for its rich legacy of talent, faith, and resilience.

The Black-Tie Gala will begin with an intimate cocktail and dinner reception at 5:30 PM, setting the stage for a star-studded awards show at 7:00 PM. The night will feature a special performance by the soulful Larry Springfield and a guest DJ who will bring rhythm and energy to the elegant atmosphere. Dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns, Memphis’s notable figures will gather not only to celebrate success but to uplift the spirit of unity and community that defines the city’s cultural heartbeat. 

One of the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of honors to community trailblazers who have made remarkable contributions to Memphis and beyond. This year’s honorees include Ricky Floyd, Willie Mitchell, and the Memphis Health Center, which is celebrating 55 years of dedicated service to the community. These honorees represent the essence of what the Stomp the City Iconic Awards stands for — recognizing leaders, legends, and local heroes who continue to impact lives through their service, creativity, and commitment to progress. 

The gala will be hosted by Dr. Telisa Franklin and Commissioner Mickell Lowery, two respected leaders whose influence and charisma align well with the evening’s significance. Both are known for their work in uplifting communities, fostering faith-based initiatives, and creating platforms that promote empowerment and inclusion. Their presence will ensure that the evening flows with grace, purpose, and heartfelt celebration. 

Adding to the star power, the Black-Tie Gala will feature an impressive lineup of special guests, including acclaimed actor Charles Malik Whitfield, singer and actress Serayah McNeill, gospel legend Dottie Peoples, rising star Jasmine Sargent, and accomplished entertainer Terrell Carter. Each of these distinguished guests brings a legacy of artistry and achievement that underscores the gala’s theme, honoring those who continue to shape culture and community through their talents. 

At the heart of this grand event is Michael Dockery, whose vision for the Stomp the City Iconic Awards has evolved into a movement that celebrates both creativity and service. Dockery, a Memphis native with deep roots in entertainment and media, founded Telecast Media Group as a platform to bridge the gap between local talent and national recognition. His goal has always been to spotlight the positive, to give Memphis — and the South as a whole — the stage it deserves for the artistry, innovation, and influence it has given the world. 

“The Stomp the City Iconic Awards is more than an awards show,” Dockery has said. “It’s a cultural acknowledgment. It’s about giving people their flowers while they can still smell them artists, activists, and everyday heroes who pour into this city and make it better.” 

Under Dockery’s leadership, the event has become one of the region’s premier showcases, blending red-carpet glamour with a deep sense of purpose. From honoring musical legends and community leaders to highlighting health institutions and faith-based organizations, the Stomp the City Iconic Awards stands as a tribute to Memphis’ enduring impact across generations. 

This year’s honorees reflect that mission clearly. Ricky Floyd, known for his community leadership and ministry, has long been a champion for social change, inspiring others through his work to improve the lives of families across the Mid-South. Willie Mitchell, the legendary record producer and bandleader, helped shape the Memphis sound through his work with Hi Records, producing hits for artists like Al Green and Ann Peebles — music that continues to influence generations. The Memphis Health Center, a cornerstone of community wellness, has spent over five decades ensuring access to care for families regardless of income, race, or background. Their 55-year milestone is a testament to endurance, compassion, and service. 

The Black-Tie Gala will not only honor their contributions but will also symbolize a renewed sense of unity and pride for the city. Attendees can expect a sophisticated evening that balances celebration with purpose — a night of reflection on the progress made and anticipation for what’s still to come. 

Michael Dockery’s creative leadership continues to push Memphis into the national spotlight as a hub for excellence in arts, culture, and philanthropy. Through the Stomp the City Iconic Awards, he has built more than one ceremony; he has built a community that embraces legacy while encouraging the next generation to dream bigger, aim higher, and serve deeper. 

The elegance of the Cadre Building, with its timeless architecture and downtown charm, provides a wonderful setting for such a distinguished event. Guests will gather not only to celebrate the honorees but to network, connect, and be part of something truly meaningful a moment where Memphis stands tall, proud, and united under the banner of excellence. 

As the evening draws near, excitement continues to grow among attendees and media alike. The Black-Tie Gala is set to be a highlight of the Memphis social calendar — an event that blends the refinement of Hollywood with the heart of the South. With Michael Dockery at the helm, the vision for the Stomp the City Iconic Awards remains clear: to honor those who uplift, to empower those who serve, and to celebrate the city that continues to inspire the world.