The first ever Black Excellence Awards and Gala (BEA) are set to take place in Chatham in a couple of months.
BEA Committee Co-chair Doug Robbins made the announcement on Friday in Chatham, saying they will take place at the Retro Suites February 10, 2024.
He noted attendees from all cultures will come together to remember and celebrate the culturally overdue struggles of our past and blaze new socially responsible trails.
Robbins said Chatham-Kent is a very important spot in Black history.
"It's made history in Chatham-Kent. So, it's only fitting that we make history by putting on an event like the Black Excellence Awards," said Robbins. “This formal gala will be the backdrop and crowning moment of Chatham-Kent’s Black History Month."
“The Black Excellence Award and Gala is about recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of our community, while providing us the opportunity to celebrate our culture and community advocates. It’s a way to celebrate, how far we have come and applaud the now whilst elevating the future generations,” said the Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum and Committee Co-chair Michelle Robbins.
Chatham Councillor Marjorie Crew said thank you on behalf of her Council colleagues.
"On behalf of mayor and council, thank you for doing this work and continuing events that recognize our history, our Black history, and the diversity in our community," Crew said.
“We have been very fortunate to have received tremendous support from so many wonderful community leaders, including Enbridge as our lead sponsor. Many other gratuitous sponsors including; Teksavvy, Scotiabank, Sons of Kent, Winmar, Economic Development & Tourism Services, Maple Insurance, Impact Graphics and With This Ring, just to name a few. We couldn’t do this without their support,” said BEA Co-chair Shannon Prince.
Enbridge Gas Vice President Jim Redford said Enbridge Gas champions diversity, equity, and inclusion and the awards gala is an opportunity to celebrate those who have made meaningful contributions to the community.
"Enbridge Gas, we are champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion and more importantly we are pleased to do that here in our community. Nothing drives inclusion more than recognition and we think that's a great deal," Redford noted.
February is Black History Month.
Gala tickets are $100 each and begin selling January 1, 2024.
Nominations begin December 18, 2023 and end January 10, 2024.
Voting begins January 16, 2024 and ends February 1, 2024.
Categories include Female, Male, and Youth of the Year, Agriculturalist of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.
A Trailblazer of the Year award will also be handed out, but it won't be selected by vote.