2022 Maine Black Excellence Awards Luncheon and Celebration

The Third Place is returning to Caswell Farm and Wedding Barn to recognize and celebrate members of the community who are working to achieve an equitable quality of place for Black Mainers. The Third Place Awards Celebration will recognize ten individuals (see below) making strides in community development, leadership, and business.

We welcome you to join us for a festive afternoon of delicious food by Barn and Table Catering, sweet treats by Zam Zam’s Fine Dining, musical vibes by DJ Mosart, and soulful melodies from songstress Jennifer Rachele.

This event is designed for and by Mainers who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color (BIPOC). Partners, spouses and community allies are welcome to attend with guests from the BIPOC community.

Please email info@thethirdplace.me if you have any questions.

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11:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.- Arrival and Networking

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Welcome and Awards Presentation

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m – Lunch and Entertainment

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. – Networking and Lawn Activities

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Closing Entertainment

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Catering by Barn and Table

Cheese and Fruit Board-Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Local Cheeses and Crackers with Fresh and Pickled Vegetables.

English Cucumber Canapes with Hummus and Fire Roasted Tomato

Fire Roasted Corn & Crab Fitters with Brown Butter

Southern Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Maine Maple Chili Drizzle

Caprese Skewers-Local Heirloom Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella with Basil Oil

Seasonal Turkey Meatballs with Mulled Hard Cider Reduction

Assorted Desserts Provided by Zam’s Fine Dining

Cash Bar

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Ticket sales end - Thursday, July 21, 2022 5 p.m.

Attire- Dressy Casual for Garden Party

Tickets: $5 - $25

$35 - At the door

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**Nicole Mokeme Community Place Maker Award – This award goes to a leader who has been instrumental in the development or creation of necessary cultural infrastructure that enhances the sense of belonging and community among Mainers of African descent. This individual is someone who works at the intersection of quality-of-place issues both through their work and volunteerism. Their personal passion is evident in their organizing - creating opportunities for many people to learn and grow with each other.

Samaa Abdurraqib

**Winward Community Trailblazer Award- This award goes to an individual who has a well-established track record of fighting for racial equity and justice and achieving clear successes for people at a regional or state level. This person has a demonstrated ability to galvanize others toward action and engage multiple stakeholders in affecting change. They are invested in cultivating future leaders and remain steadfast in their resolve to build a better Maine.

Rachel Talbot Ross

**Community Wayfinder Award – This award goes to an individual under 30 who is creating pathways of excellence both for themselves and the community. Their impact in the community is both subtle and obvious. They are building a personal and professional platform that stands out from their peers while ensuring that their work remains in service to the community.

Zam Zam Elmoge

**COMPASS CAREER AWARD – This is awarded to an individual who has accomplished a standout achievement in their workplace or sector. They use their professional position as an opportunity for intersectional change and awareness. They don’t shy away from amplifying the voices of those who are historically excluded in their field or sector and are working towards systems change.

Craig Hickman

**Community Navigator Award - This is awarded to an individual or organization that is working to improve connections within Maine’s Black economic and community ecosystems. The work of this individual/organization is one that is critical to facilitating representation and visibility and allows others to locate resources within and outside of the community.

Black-Owned Maine

**Community Bow & Stern - This is awarded to two individuals who are the best all around leaders. They exemplify tireless effort working towards racial equity and justice. They are recognized as leaders throughout the state and are known for working towards racial equity and justice from a broad intersectional lens. They are changemakers that are highly skilled at community-building and community advocacy. They embody excellence in all areas of their personal and professional endeavors.

Mufalo Chitam

Pious Ali

**BUSINESS BUILDER AWARD – This recognition goes to a Black-owned business that is invested in supporting Black culture or Black-led initiatives and community organizations. Amplifying the voices, culture, and presence of Black people in Maine is integral to its brand identity or mission. It fills the gap in meeting an infrastructural need supporting black business, culture, or community.

Krystal Williams – Providentia Group

Martin Beavers – Soul Food Paradise

**Anchor Award – This award recognizes an organization that is providing critical cultural and physical infrastructure that is reshaping the dialogue within a key economic sector in Maine and/or holding space for Black Mainers to connect and engage across cultures and communities. Its work raises the visibility of Black Mainers and serves as a catalyst for others to grow personally and/or professionally.

Indigo Arts Alliance