The Third Place - Maine

Thank you Akakpo Design Group LLC for designing our Maine Black Excellence Awards again this year. The opportunity to have a Blackowned design group provide these awards for the men and women helping to build Maine's Black cultural infrastructure is what we are here for. Be sure to contact Akakpo Design Group LLC for custom designs for your home or office. There is still time to get your tickets to Friday's awards celebration. Go to: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ

Final call to get your tickets for the 2024 Black Excellence Awards! Join us for an inspiring evening on August 9th from 5 PM to 9 PM at the stunning Caswell Farm and Wedding Barn in Gray, ME, as we honor extraordinary individuals advancing a more inclusive and equitable community for all of Maine. Secure your tickets now and be part of this special celebration: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence

We are proud to present the Community Trailblazer Award to Gerald E. Talbot at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. Gerald, a lifelong advocate for racial equity and justice, has profoundly shaped Maine’s civil rights landscape. As Maine’s first African American legislator and a key leader in the NAACP, he championed landmark legislation like the Maine Fair Housing Bill and human rights protections. His dedication extends beyond legislation to education, with the creation of the Gerald E. Talbot Collection enriching our understanding of African American history in Maine. This award celebrates Gerald’s enduring impact, his ability to inspire action, and his commitment to cultivating future leaders. His legacy continues to guide our path toward a more just and inclusive Maine. Join us in honoring Gerald E. Talbot, get your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence

We are honored to celebrate Clifford “Kippy” Richardson with the Community Trailblazer Award at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. Kippy made history in 1971 as the first Black person elected to a municipal office in Portland, where he served with distinction on the school committee, City Council, and later returned to the school board. His enduring legacy in education and community service showcases his profound commitment to racial equity and justice. As the founder of Kippy’s Cleaning Service and a recipient of the Maine Minority Small Business Person of the Year award in 1984, Kippy's contributions have had a lasting impact on our community. His unwavering dedication to fostering leadership and advancing equity continues to inspire. We celebrate Kippy’s remarkable legacy and the enduring impact of his work in building a more inclusive Maine. Join us in celebrating Clifford “Kippy”'s achievement. Get your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ. #blackexcellence

We are honored to present Claudette Ndayininahaze with The Third Place Award at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of In Her Presence, Claudette leverages her extensive background in intercultural communication and personal immigration journey to advocate for New Mainers. Her work empowers communities and drives impactful change. This award celebrates Claudette’s steadfast commitment to racial equity and justice, highlighting her exceptional leadership, community-building, and intersectional impact. Join us in honoring Claudette, get your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence

We are honored to present Gabriela Alcalde with the Active Ally Award at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. As Executive Director of the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Gabriela has been a steadfast advocate for equity and social justice. With over 20 years of experience, she leads the Foundation in fostering a culture of interconnected well-being for people, animals, and the environment in Maine. Since joining the Sewall Foundation in 2019, Gabriela has leveraged her expertise in philanthropy, academia, and grassroots advocacy to drive meaningful change. This award recognizes her crucial role in supporting The Third Place network’s mission and her dedication to advancing racial equity and improving the quality of life for Black Mainers. Join us in honoring Gabriela, get your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence

We are excited to announce that Amara Ifeji is the recipient of the Wayfinder Award at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. As a National Geographic Young Explorer and a leader in climate justice, Amara bridges environment, conflict, and gender studies to highlight the experiences of women in her Igbo community and across the African diaspora. As Director of Policy for the Maine Environmental Education Association, she has driven significant grassroots advocacy, including a $2 million climate education program, and serves as a youth representative on the Maine Climate Council. This award recognizes Amara’s exceptional impact in creating pathways of excellence for herself and her community. Join us in honoring Amara, get your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence

We are proud to award Darmita G. Wilson the Compass Career Award at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. As Vice President of Medical Education at Northern Light Health System, Darmita is a pioneer in improving healthcare delivery and education. With over 35 years of experience, her leadership has driven advancements in both urban and rural healthcare. In her new role, she will build partnerships to enhance rural health training and develop innovative educational programs. This award recognizes Darmita’s exceptional achievements and her unwavering commitment to intersectional change, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare. Join us in honoring Darmita, get your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence

We are delighted to award Lisa P. Jones the Business Builder Award at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. As the founder of Black Travel Maine and Leisure Group Tech, Lisa brings over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, including managing Liberty Go Go Travel and achieving over $5 million in annual sales. Her innovative ventures, especially Black Travel Maine, reflect her dedication to supporting Black culture and community. Lisa’s startups, including the pioneering Leisure Group Tech travel booking engine, have revolutionized global travel planning and bolstered Black-led initiatives. This award honors Lisa’s significant contributions to amplifying Black voices and bridging infrastructural gaps for Black businesses and communities. Join us in honoring Lisa, get your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence

We are pleased to honor Bob Greene with the Community Navigator Award at the 2024 Black Excellence Awards. Bob is a distinguished journalist, Maine historian, AP tennis writer, and local music enthusiast with deep roots in Maine’s history. His contributions include covering major tennis events, writing about his family’s history in Maine Roots V, and advising on Maine’s Visible Black History. As a teacher of Maine history at the Oscher Lifelong Learning Institute and a local music contributor, Bob plays a vital role in connecting and representing Maine’s Black community. His unique experiences and dedication to improving connections within Maine’s Black economic and community ecosystems make him a key figure in facilitating representation and visibility. Join us in honoring Bob by getting your tickets to the award show today: https://lnkd.in/dCzz9swJ #blackexcellence