The Third Place is Maine’s premier Black-led networking and leadership development hub, connecting Black professionals, students, and entrepreneurs across the state to social, career, and economic opportunities. Our mission is rooted in community, collaboration, and culture. We believe that Black Mainers deserve not just a seat at the table—but a table of our own.

The Maine Black Excellence Awards were created to acknowledge and celebrate the immense talent, commitment, and impact of Black leaders in Maine—many of whom are often unseen or underrecognized. Now in its fifth year, these awards honor individuals and organizations whose work strengthens the cultural, civic, and economic fabric of our communities in general and Maine's Black community in particular.

These awards are more than recognition—they are a mirror reflecting the brilliance, resilience, and legacy of Black Mainers past and present. They help us tell our own stories, build social capital, and ensure that Black excellence is visible, celebrated, and sustained across generations.

By supporting this event, you're helping elevate a growing ecosystem of changemakers who are ensuring Maine is "The Way Life Should Be" for everyone.

We welcome you to join this celebration in community and solidarity.

You are cordially invited to the 5th Annual Maine Black Excellence Awards!

Step into a world of celebration and recognition as we gather once again at the beautiful Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn in Gray, ME—a Black- and woman-owned venue that has become a beloved tradition for The Third Place community.

This event is part of our ongoing commitment to honoring individuals and organizations across Maine who are working to build an equitable quality of life for Black Mainers—and the allies who walk alongside them with intention and integrity.

Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn, 120 Whitney Rd, Gray, ME
Dress Code: Garden Party Chic
RSVP by: July 29th

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 Chef Louis Pickens of Black Betty's Bistro, lively music, 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 five years of community-rooted excellence.

We welcome all Mainers—especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, and anyone who supports a more inclusive, equitable Maine for all. This celebration is for everyone.

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!

---------- Announcing the 2025 Maine Black Excellence Award Honorees -----------

Nicole Mokeme Place Maker Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2025 Maine Black Excellence Awards Celebration

Celebrate those creating an equitable quality of place for Black Mainers

Team Members