Dynamic One-Day Celebration Honors 10 Years of Rucker Roots and 12 Years of the Rucker Education Scholarship Fund with Bakari Sellers Keynote at JW Marriott CHARLOTTE, N.C. – August 24, 2025 – The inaugural Rucker Legacy Awards concluded as a resounding, sold-out success, highlighted by a powerful keynote from Bakari Sellers, best-selling author, attorney, and CNN political commentator. Sellers captivated the audience with an inspiring address on building lasting change through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
The celebration brought together entrepreneurs, educators, creatives, and community leaders for a one-day event honoring 10 years of Rucker Roots and 12 years of the Rucker Education Scholarship Fund (RESF). Hosted at the JW Marriott Charlotte, the signature Legacy Awards Brunch treated guests to a catered, seated dining experience while recognizing trailblazers, thought leaders, and community champions. The celebration exceeded expectations and marked a milestone achievement for the Rucker brand and its philanthropic mission.
Milestone Celebration of Legacy and Leadership
Founded by sisters Ione Rucker Jamison and Dr. Ellen Rucker Sellers, the Rucker Legacy Awards brought together trailblazers, thought leaders, and community champions committed to generational progress. By consolidating programming into a single-day format, the event elevated networking opportunities and created a dynamic, engaging experience for attendees. Keynote speaker Bakari Sellers—best-selling author, attorney, and CNN political commentator—delivered an inspiring address, captivating the audience with insights on building lasting change through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Event Highlights
Rucker Legacy Awards Brunch – Sold Out. The flagship celebration (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) spotlighted legacy, leadership, and community impact with:
- Nationally recognized speakers and industry leaders. Entrepreneurs, educators, creatives, and culture shapers
- Community champions advancing generational progress
- First-generation college students and their supporters
Red Carpet Experience
From interviews to vibrant energy, the WOC Worldwide Corner kept the red carpet alive. Hosted by Makinna Moore of the National Black Movie Association, the arrival experience set the tone with unforgettable moments of celebration and connection.
Engaging Emcee
The program was guided by Destiny Chance, Emmy-nominated journalist and broadcast host, whose presence brought energy, warmth, and seamless flow to the day’s celebration.
Fireside Chat: Voices of Legacy & Leadership
A highlight of the day was the Fireside Chat featuring powerful insights from Marché Robinson, Alycea Adams, Megan Pinckney, Destiny Chance, and Kwame Molden. Together, they shared personal stories, professional lessons, and bold perspectives on legacy-building, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Their dialogue sparked meaningful reflection and inspired attendees to pursue generational impact with purpose.
2025 Rucker Legacy Awards Honorees
- Rachel Roff, Founder of Urban Skin Rx – Trailblazer in the Beauty Industry Award
- Carlenia Ivory-Cantey, Community Leader & Advocate – Rucker Living Legend Award
- Latoya Evans, Founding Principal & Chief Communications Officer, The LEPR Agency – Excellence in Community Leadership Award
The ceremony also featured a moving performance by the Johnson C. Smith University Concert Choir.
Community Impact
Proceeds from the Rucker Legacy Awards benefit the Rucker Education Scholarship Fund, in partnership with the Foundation For The Carolinas, directly supporting scholarships, mentorship, and resources for first-generation students in underserved communities across the Carolinas.
Gratitude to Sponsors & Legacy Circle Donors
The event’s success was made possible through the generous support of premium sponsors, including AFAM Beauty, SPGBK Watches, Louis Vuitton, Beautyworld Middle East, CHANEL, Olive Babies, Textura, Hawaiian Silky, TOM FORD, WOC Worldwide, OSSAT, Mischo Beauty, National Black Movie Association, and Radiant Recovery Co.
Legacy Circle Donors honored for their continued commitment include: Aaron Rucker · D.A. Rucker Trust · Dominguez & Rucker Family Dentistry · Dana & Chris Wilson · HairbyHarmoni · Krystal Magazine · Paula & Clarence Nunn · Rucker Law · Rucker Dentistry · Sylvan Learning of Indian Land · Strom Law · Skyla Inc. · WOC Worldwide
Event execution was led by Event production team, The V Eleven Agency, alongside vendor partners Goliath Worldwide, Santana Photography, Carries Florals, and the internal Rucker Roots and RESF team spearheaded by Nia Lewis and Brittany Hicks.
Founder Reflections
“Combining our programming into one dynamic day created an incredibly powerful experience,” said Ione Rucker Jamison, Co-Founder of Rucker Roots and Founder of RESF. “Seeing every seat filled with people committed to generational progress proves that our community is ready to invest in meaningful change.” Dr. Ellen Rucker Sellers, Co-Founder of Rucker Roots, added: “This sold-out success represents 12 years of building trust and impact in our community. Having Bakari Sellers join us for this milestone, along with our amazing sponsors and flawless execution by Event Team V Eleven Agency, brought the perfect energy to honor our legacy while inspiring our future.”
Looking Ahead
The overwhelming response to the inaugural celebration has already sparked discussions about making the Rucker Legacy Awards an annual tradition. “This day gave our community exactly what they needed—powerful dialogue, unforgettable moments, and meaningful connections in one elevated experience,” said event organizers.
Relive the celebration — Watch the official 2025 Recap Video Here
Enjoy the moments — View the Official Photo Gallery Here
Join Rucker Legacy Awards Waitlist 2026
About Rucker Roots & RESF
Founded by sisters Ione Rucker Jamison and Ellen Rucker Sellers, Rucker Roots celebrates 12 years of creating platforms that honor legacy and foster community growth through entrepreneurship, education, and advocacy. The Rucker Education Scholarship Fund extends this mission by providing scholarships and mentorship to first-generation students in underserved communities across the Carolinas.
More Information:
Rucker Roots – www.ruckerroots.com Rucker Education Scholarship Fund – www.ruckereducationfund.com
Social Media: @ruckerroots · @ruckereducationfund
Follow the conversation: #RuckerLegacyAwards #RuckerRoots