Black History Month provides a great opportunity for us to lift up those in the community who may not always get the recognition they deserve. It was great to honor these awardees, and I look forward to bringing more attention to the work of Black leaders in our communities.

Oakland County commissioners honored each of them with the first Black Excellence Awards Thursday. The morning commission meeting was the first of three daytime meetings set this year.

“These three awardees demonstrate both the visible and lesser-known ways our residents are changing life for the better in Oakland County,” Powell said.