Nominations are open for the second annual Black Excellence Awards and Gala, organizers say.
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The Black Excellence committee, along with Buxton’s Next Generation and Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, says nominations will close Jan. 18 and recipients will be unveiled during the March 1 gala at Retro Suites in Chatham.
“We are excited to announce that we have increased the youth of the year category,” said Michelle Robbins, event co-chair and Buxton museum curator, in a release. “We felt it was important to break up the age brackets to better represent the youth in our community.”
The categories are as follows:
- Female of the year
- Male of the year
- Agriculturalist of the year
- Black-owned business of the year
- Youth of the year
- Citizen of the year
For more information, or to nominate an individual or business, find the form on the gala’s Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554286071300
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In the lead-up to the event, there will be a youth expo and celebrations of Black culture, music and food at different local venues.
“We are so excited to bring the event back, bigger and better,” co-chair Shannon Prince added in the release.
“This would not be possible without the generous support of our lead sponsor, Enbridge, and additional sponsors Hydro One, Mainstreets Credit, Teksavvy, Scotiabank, Maple Mutual Insurance, Impact Graphics, Chatham-Kent Economic Development and Tourism Services, Winmar, Community Futures , Dillon Consulting, Sons of Kent, Retro Suites Hotel and With This Ring.”
Doug Robbins, co-chair, noted people can be nominated posthumously and that the prestigious trailblazer award will be announced that night.
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BLACK EXCELLENCE EVENTS
Black Youth Expo: Feb. 1 at WISH Centre; In partnership with Black student leaders, this showcase will inspire young minds, emphasizing education, leadership and empowerment. Two Black Excellence Youth Award recipients will be announced.
Stand By Me: A Century of Black Music and Its Influence: Feb. 15 at St. Andrew’s United Church; A soulful, candlelit concert exploring a century of Black music. This performance will highlight the influence of Black artists, past and present, on the world of music.
Soul Food Dinner and Dance: Feb. 22 at WISH Centre; An evening filled with soulful music and traditional cuisine, the dinner and dance will promote unity, culture and community.
Awards Gala: March 1 at Retro Suites; This formal event will honor achievements and contributions within the Black community. Tickets are $100. There will also be an exclusive VIP reception Feb. 28 for sponsors and dignitaries.
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