How a Pandemic-Era Idea Reached 1.2 Million Rotarians

It's hard to believe that what started as our little idea during the pandemic has turned into a feature article in this month's Rotary International magazine sent to 1.2 million Rotarians in 200 countries.

In 2020, our Rotary Club of Fort Worth realized 1) minority-owned businesses were disproportionally hurt during COVID, and 2) we didn't have many members of color in our club, so we created a values-based competition to recognize the great work happening in the City of Fort Worth.

This year, the 5th anniversary of the competition, we renamed the program after our late friend Richard L. Knight who had been a champion of the annual Minority Business Awards. His family members were in attendance, and his son gave a touching tribute to his life. We recognized six outstanding businesses (out of the 125 nominated!), and Deborah Ferguson of NBC5 worked her magic as usual.

Great story in the May 2025 issue of Rotary Magazine. Richard would be proud.