Every year, the Black Legends Awards of Silicon Valley honor people whose contributions have changed their communities and industries in ways that deserve to be remembered.
When this year’s honorees were revealed, one name instantly stood out to us at Power Personnel—a name synonymous with perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to the community —Robert Stewart.
He’s being honored with the Clay-Williams Business & Entrepreneur Award, not just for his business acumen but for the way he lived his values. For anyone who knew him, this award is a fitting tribute to a life that was all about turning personal success into collective progress.
For us at Power Personnel, this honor is special because it hits close to home. This year, the Black Legends Award is especially meaningful as we celebrate the life and legacy of Robert Stewart, whose legacy continues to shape and inspire everything we do.
A Military Foundation of Discipline and Leadership
Before stepping into the world of business, Robert Stewart dedicated more than 20 years of his life to military service. Raised in Mississippi, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, taking on various critical roles, including as an air traffic controller. His time in the military instilled in him invaluable lessons—discipline, order, and adaptability—which would later become the foundation for his entrepreneurial success.
In 1973, after retiring from the Army, Robert decided it was time to build something of his own. Armed with a vision, unwavering determination, and the skills he’d sharpened during his military service, he set his sights on business ownership.
A Trailblazer in Silicon Valley
Robert Stewart’s decision to open a business in Silicon Valley was as ambitious as it was groundbreaking. At a time when Black-owned businesses were nearly nonexistent, Robert made history as the first African American to own a retail liquor store in the area, opening B&H Liquors in North San Jose.
The store quickly became a community cornerstone. It was more than a business—it was a symbol of possibility and progress. People came not just to shop but to feel a sense of belonging and hope. Robert’s vision grew even bigger when he opened a second store, Country Time Liquors, expanding his reach and reinforcing his role as a trailblazer in the local business scene.
The Mentor Who Believed in Being Ready for Every Opportunity
What made Robert truly remarkable wasn’t just what he built for himself—it was how he helped others build their own futures. For Robert, success wasn’t something to keep to himself. It was something to share. Among the many he mentored was Walter Wilson, now CEO of the Silicon Valley Minority Business Consortium. Wilson credits Robert with fundamentally changing his life, recalling how Robert’s words— “Opportunity will come—make sure you’re ready for it”—shaped his mindset and career.
Robert didn’t just mentor with words; he showed up for people in ways that mattered. He took four young Black men in San Jose under his wing, teaching them how to run their own liquor stores. He guided them through the complexities of business management, helping them secure capital and understand the fundamentals of operations, finance, and customer service. Under his mentorship, these men thrived and became business owners in their own right, continuing the cycle of empowerment that Robert had started.
More Than a Business: A Lifeline for the Community
For many in the community, B&H Liquors was more than a store—it was a place of second chances. Robert Stewart hired local youth, giving them their first jobs and teaching them responsibility, self-respect, and the value of hard work. One story that captures who he was involves a struggling mechanic. Instead of simply offering words of encouragement, Robert paid him to take apart and rebuild a car that wasn’t even broken, just so the man could gain some confidence, earn a little money, and learn something new.
That was Robert Stewart—always thinking of how he could help people build skills that would serve them in the long run. And his generosity didn’t stop there. His store became one of the few places where workers without bank accounts could cash their checks, an invaluable service for many in the community. He helped single mothers, often offering support and advice to make sure they never felt alone in their struggles. He believed in staying ready, and he made sure those around him were, too.
Family First: A Legacy Rooted in Values
While Robert Stewart’s impact on the community was huge, his most cherished legacy was his family. Education was a pillar of his household. Although he didn’t have a college degree himself, he was determined that his daughters would have the opportunities he didn’t. He constantly spoke about how proud he was of them, pushing them to aim high and reminding them of their potential.
His youngest daughter, Cynthia Stewart, took those lessons to heart. Growing up, she spent countless hours working in her father’s store, learning how to negotiate, manage customers, and understand the ins and outs of business. By the time she was 11, she was already gaining experience that most don’t get until much later in life. Those early lessons laid the foundation for her success.
Today, Cynthia is the founder and CEO of Power Personnel, a thriving staffing company in Silicon Valley. For over 30 years, she’s led the company with the same values her father instilled in her—diversity, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others. Under her leadership, Power Personnel has become a bridge between job seekers and employers, helping people find their paths, much like her father did for so many.
Power Personnel: Continuing the Legacy
Power Personnel’s mission is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive. Under Cynthia’s leadership, the company has become a critical resource for healthcare and other professionals, connecting them with meaningful work while providing the support they need to succeed. Beyond simply matching candidates with jobs, Power Personnel focuses on empowering individuals—offering mentorship, career coaching, and resources to help candidates grow both personally and professionally.
For Cynthia, this is sentimental. Her father’s influence is woven into every aspect of how she runs the company. Much like Robert gave people second chances and practical support, Power Personnel takes a holistic approach to its work. It’s not just about filling roles—it’s about preparing candidates for long-term success.
The company has been a champion of diversity and inclusion in the healthcare industry, ensuring that professionals from all backgrounds have access to opportunities. Cynthia understands that, just like her father’s store gave many their first glimpse of what’s possible, Power Personnel can open doors for those who may have previously felt overlooked.
“When I think about how my dad built his business, it was always about more than profits,” Cynthia says. “It was about service. It was about helping people move forward, no matter where they were starting from. That’s exactly what we do at Power Personnel.”
A Legacy That Lives On
The Black Legends Awards remind us why stories like Robert Stewart’s matter. They are stories of resilience, innovation, and boundless love for the community—stories that continue to shape the future. As we reflect on Robert’s life, one thing becomes crystal clear: his influence is everywhere. It’s in the lives he changed, the businesses he helped build, and the lessons he passed on to his family and mentees. He showed that true success is about more than personal achievement. It’s about how many lives you touch along the way.
Walter Wilson said it best: “Your dad was amazing. I am the person I am today because of him. Not only did he influence me, but he also influenced so many men and women in the community.”
Robert’s legacy is far from over. It lives on through the Black Legends Awards, through Power Personnel, and through every person he helped along the way. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and community—a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.
