You are cordially invited to the 6th Annual Maine Black Excellence Awards!

The Maine Black Excellence Awards, presented by The Third Place, celebrate the outstanding achievements, leadership, and contributions of Black individuals and allied organizations across Maine.

We created these awards to shine a light on excellence that too often goes unrecognized — honoring changemakers who are strengthening Maine through leadership, service, entrepreneurship, education, the arts, advocacy, and community building.

More than an awards ceremony, this annual celebration is an opportunity to tell our own stories, recognize those making a lasting impact, and inspire the next generation of Black leaders in a moment when they need to see that possibility modeled clearly. It is a joyful evening of community, culture, and connection that highlights the people helping make Maine a place where everyone can thrive — all in the setting of a beautiful Black-Owned farm.

Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn, 120 Whitney Rd, Gray, ME
Dress Code: Garden Party Chic
RSVP by: Thursday, August 13th, 5 p.m.

As the sun sets over Caswell Farm’s blooming gardens and rolling fields, you’ll be welcomed into an evening of connection, recognition, and joy. The festivities begin with a cocktail hour, offering space to unwind, network, and take in the beauty of the venue. Then we’ll gather for an uplifting award ceremony that honors this year’s inspiring slate of changemakers and community leaders.

Enjoy delicious food by Barn & Table Catering, lively music by Kouchera, and opportunities to connect with fellow attendees as we celebrate the people and organizations shaping Maine’s Black future. The evening will close with dancing and celebration as we toast to six years of community-rooted excellence.

We welcome all Mainers—especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, and any ally who supports a more inclusive, equitable Maine for all. This celebration is for people of conscience who recognize the need to build durable cross cultural connections.

Come be part of this unforgettable evening as we honor excellence, inspire change, and foster a stronger, more connected community.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Meet our 2026 Honorees

Nicole Mokeme Place Maker Award - Winston Antoine

Awarded to a visionary leader who has been instrumental in expanding access to outdoor spaces for communities of color in Maine. This individual creates meaningful opportunities for engagement with nature, strengthening cultural infrastructure that fosters a sense of belonging and community. Their passion and work help connect Black Mainers to the outdoors in impactful ways, bridging quality-of-place through both professional efforts and volunteerism.

Community Trailblazer Award - Shay Stewart-Bouley

Presented to a seasoned advocate with a proven track record of driving racial equity and justice at a regional or state level. This leader excels at mobilizing diverse stakeholders, inspiring collective action, and achieving measurable progress. They are deeply committed to nurturing emerging leaders and remain unwavering in their pursuit of a more equitable Maine.

Wayfinder Award - Mana Abdi

Honors a dynamic individual thirty and under who is carving new paths of excellence personally and for the wider community. Their influence is both visible and quietly transformative, as they build platforms that highlight and advance critical community issues. Through their emerging leadership, they inspire progress and elevate important voices.

Compass Career Award - Dajuan Eubanks

Recognizes a professional who has achieved a significant milestone or breakthrough within their workplace or sector. This individual leverages their role to champion intersectional change and amplify historically excluded voices, actively working toward systemic transformation. Their leadership elevates equity and inclusion as integral to their career impact.

Business Builder Award - Flo Leighton- Shapiro

This recognition honors a Black-owned business that is committed to supporting Black culture and community. The recipient fills a critical infrastructural gap that fosters cultural building and belonging. As a true “third place,” this business creates space beyond home and work where community can gather, connect, and thrive. It serves as a hub for cultural affirmation, social bonding, and collective empowerment, playing a vital role in strengthening Maine’s Black social and cultural legacy.

Community Navigator Award - Leslie Hill, Ph.D.

Presented to an individual or organization that strengthens connections within Maine’s Black economic or social ecosystems. Their work is essential in enhancing visibility, connection and representation, making it easier for community members to access vital resources and opportunities both within and beyond the Black community.

The Third Place Award - Muhidin Libah

Bestowed upon an individual recognized statewide for relentless dedication to racial equity and justice. This changemaker approaches their work through an intersectional lens and is celebrated for exceptional skills in community-building and advocacy. They embody excellence in both their personal integrity and professional achievements.

Active Ally Awards - Meadow Dibble, Ph.D. and Ben Conniff

Acknowledges a nonprofit, for-profit, or philanthropic organization that has been a steadfast partner in supporting The Third Place or other communities of color. These allies leverage their influence, time, or resources to advance racial equity by providing essential funding, advocacy, or leadership. Their commitment is demonstrated through inclusive internal practices and impactful external engagement that is neither self-aggrandizing or extractive.

2026 Maine Black Excellence Awards Celebration

An inspiring evening honoring the individuals and organizations leading the way toward a more just and equitable Maine

Team Members