Monday, March 12, 2012

Norbert Simmons honored as outstanding community leader

Norbert Simmons honored as outstanding community leader

Esteemed businessman and civic leader, Norbert Simmons was recently announced as the outstanding community leader by Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. Admist a sea of pink and green in the Pontchartrain ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel, Simmons was honored recently during a public luncheon that was a part of the Sorority's 68th South Central Regional Conference in New Orleans.

Simmons was recognized for his longtime commitment to improving the quality of life for African Americans. He was presented the Outstanding Leader in Economic Empowerment Award for his tremendous success in the business community.

"This was AKA's chance to recognize outstanding people in the African American community, and Norbert has certainly been an influential force in empowering and uplifting our people," said Conchetta White Fulton, chief protocol officer for the south central region.

"He earned the award because of his expertise in economics and because of his ability to make things happen and get the job done. His efforts should be commended, and we were more than happy to bestow this honor upon him. He is a man to be emulated."

Prior to his career in investment banking, Simmons founded the nation's largest, specialized small business investment company, MCA New Ventures, Inc., which financed numerous African American businesses and projects. He was also a highly respected Civil Rights attorney with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Defense Fund in New York, specializing in employment and economic discrimination. He represented such high-profile clients as Cleve Sellers, Stokely Carmichael and Angela Davis.

Today, Simmons is the majority owner of Bally's Casino and Lakeshore Resort in New Orleans and the founder of First Commonwealth Securities Corporation, a premier, minority-owned investment banking firm. Bally's is consistently listed by Black Enterprise Magazine as among the top 100 African American businesses in the nation.

"I have been blessed to receive many honors and accolades throughout my career. It is always gratifying to be honored by your peers and your community. It lets me know that what I am doing and have accomplished in my life is respected and effective in and for the African American Community. I hope that I continue to make great strides in business so that at least some Iota of our lives remains positive despite what others would have us to believe," Simmons said. "We are an incredibly gifted people."

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

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