Oakland County Board of Commissioners presents fifth annual Black Excellence Awards

Oakland County Board of Commissioners presents fifth annual Black Excellence Awards

February 19, 2026, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. - In celebration of Black History Month, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners recognized five recipients of its annual Black Excellence Award during today's Board meeting. The annual award, in its fifth year, receives public-nominated submissions that are reviewed and selected by a panel of commissioners which include Commissioners Angela Powell (D-Pontiac), Yolanda Smith Charles (D-Southfield) and Linnie Taylor (D-Southfield).

"The Black Excellence Awards began as a way to recognize contributions made by Oakland County's Black residents, often in quiet and unassuming ways," said Powell. "There are numerous community champions who work tirelessly throughout the year, and we definitely applaud their efforts. However, this award allows the community to nominate someone who is making a deep and meaningful impact that may not be seen beyond their neighborhoods. We want to lift up those unsung heroes and showcase their commitments."

The honorees were chosen for their notable achievements and selfless contributions to support those around them. This year, recipients also happened to have one other thing in common - their passion to mentor the future generation.

"This year we received the largest number of nominations, and it was eye-opening to see the work quietly being done across the Oakland County by people who simply want to make their communities better," Smith Charles said.

Recipients were presented with a commemorative keepsake, and their names have been added to a plaque outside the Board auditorium which includes all award recipients since the inaugural 2022 Black Excellence Award.

"Selecting only five recipients from a list of highly qualified and dedicated community leaders was difficult. However, these individuals stood out as shining examples of leaders, mentors and change makers in their own unique way," Taylor said.

The Board celebrates the passion and dedication of the 2026 Black Excellence Award winners, including:

• DaQuetta Baylor-Boothe - A resident of Pontiac, Baylor-Boothe has made a positive impact in her community as the owner and operator of Wee School Preschool. She has dedicated herself to providing a safe, nurturing environment for babies and children. She also leads a food outreach program supporting those in need, making her a pillar of the Pontiac area.
• Sanya L. Weston - A resident of Northville, Weston is a travel entrepreneur and founded Youth People Travel Global Edge, where she designs travel experiences to empower youth through cultural immersions and global awareness. Continuing her focus on supporting youth in her community, she has been a Girl Scout troop leader and also serves as a mentor to college students.
• Kevandre "Dre" Thompson - A resident of Southfield, Thompson has shared his leadership and mentorship across many different organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan, the Detroit chapter of the National Black MBA Association and its Leaders of Tomorrow high school mentoring program. He has combined his talents to become the lead organizer for the upcoming TEDxPontiac program, which will elevate local voices and innovation.
• Gregory Glenn - A resident of Southfield, Glenn has dedicated himself to the service of others. As a military veteran with a combined 21 years of service in the United States Army and the Michigan Air National Guard, he is now the owner of Minuteman Press in Clawson. He also mentors youth and young professionals and is a member of the Detroit Shriners.
• Justen Daniels - A resident of Southfield, Daniels combines his professional background in public health with his passion to educate young people about the importance of health and physical activity. He oversees programs to prevent and educate young people about the dangers of tobacco use with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. He has also worked with the Oakland County Sheriff Police Athletic League and the Pontiac School District Promise Zone Authority, contributing to a healthier and thriving community.

For more information about the Board of Commissioners, please visit OakGov.com/BOC or call 248-858-0100.