Last Thursday evening, Oakland County commissioners unveiled a plaque engraved with the names of recipients of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ Black Excellence Award. Initiated by Commissioners Angela Powell (D-Pontiac), Janet Jackson (D-Southfield) and Yolanda Smith Charles (D-Southfield) in 2022, the Black Excellence Award program recognizes Black residents of Oakland County for making outstanding strides to improve their communities. The unveiling coincided with other Juneteenth celebrations around the county.
“Our friends and neighbors in Oakland County communities are real everyday heroes,” Powell said. “They often go unnoticed, but their names and achievements will live on with this plaque.”
The ceremony included remarks from Commissioners Powell, Jackson and Smith Charles as well as a reading of an original poem, “Legacy,” written by 2022 Black Excellence Award recipient Ber-Henda Williams. P's and Q’s Bakery and Café, a Black, woman-owned shop based in Pontiac, also provided refreshments.
“Seeing this list of names on the plaque and knowing it will grow every year is inspiring,” Jackson said. “Recognizing members of the Black community for their outstanding contributions is truly a privilege.”
Several recipients attended the unveiling. In 2022, the Board presented awards to Williams, Richard D. Bell and Kristi Plain. This year, Ebony Bagley, Tiffany Cartwright, Brigitte Hall, Tameka Ramsey and Tia Marie Sanders were recipients. The new plaque will be updated to include recipients in coming years.
“The importance of lifting up the accomplishments of special residents like these cannot be overstated,” Smith Charles said. “With this plaque, they have a permanent place in our shared history and will be remembered each year as new names are added.”
The plaque is installed in the east lobby outside the Board of Commissioners Auditorium at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Bldg. 12 E, in Pontiac. Nominations are sought from community members each December and January with awards presented during Black History Month each February.
“Receiving the Black Excellence Award and being included on this award plaque is an extraordinary honor that reinforces my dedication to making a lasting impact in my community,” said Bagley, one of this year’s winners. “I am immensely thankful for this recognition and the privilege to be part of a rich legacy of Black excellence in Oakland County."
For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit www.oakgov.com/boc.
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