Organizers of the inaugural Black Excellence Awards say they are impressed by the community response, with voting continuing until Feb. 1.
Organizers of the inaugural Black Excellence Awards say they are impressed by the community response, with voting continuing until Feb. 1.
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The awards were launched in December to honor those who have gone above and beyond in leadership, business and volunteerism.
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Co-chaired by Shannon Prince, Michelle Robbins and Doug Robbins, it features a half-dozen award categories – female and male of the year, youth, entrepreneur, agriculturalist and citizen – for which the public can vote.
Nominations closed this month, with the gala slated to take place Feb. 10 at Retro Suites. Tickets are still available.
“The response has been amazing from the community. It’s honestly so heartwarming to see the nominees and how much of an impact they’ve all made within Chatham-Kent,” Michelle Robbins said.
“Nominees range from 12 years old to 80, so it’s incredible to see the changemakers we have here and the legacies they’ve created for themselves.”
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It was also clear that the people who were chosen appreciated the recognition, Robbins added.
“When we started making calls to tell nominees they were nominated, we heard such a range of emotions from surprise and shock to just pure elation and a few tears of honor,” she said. “We are so excited for the event and to really show the greatness we have in our own backyards.”
The trailblazer award, which isn’t picked by the public, also will be presented, with the criterion being the recipient must have a Chatham-Kent connection.
Event sponsors include Enbridge, the lead sponsor, Sons of Kent, Teksavvy, Scotiabank, Maple Insurance, Impact Graphics, Chatham-Kent Economic Development and Tourism Services, Winmar and With This Ring.
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For more on the awards, or to vote, visit tinyurl.com/zas9yby8. For nominee biographies and ticket information, search for Black Excellence Awards & Gala on social media.
BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARD NOMINEES
Agriculturist of the Year
- Kaiya Farms, Chris and Aimee Prince
- Jeff Scott, Scott Farms
- Archibald (Archie) Prince (posthumous)
- Delores Shadd (posthumous)
Black-owned Business
- Social Ladybug, Jeral Lumley
- For Decisions Wine Co., Lisa Fraser
- Yardie Vibez, Kevry and Connie Piggott-Wilson
- The Health House, Shawna Regan
Citizen of the Year
- Floyd Porter
- David Middleton
- Mike (Bear) Wren
Female of the Year
- Tammy Lucas
- Deirdre McCorkindale
- Dr. Lasean MG Hardy
Male of the Year
- Blake Handsor
- Salt Jordan
- Teajai Travis
Youth of the Year
- Jaxen Baker
- Layla Bardyla
- Camryn Dudley
- Caleb Roberts
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