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<\/p>\nSignificant contributions made by members of Mississauga\u2019s Black community in areas of business, youth, education, health and in various other ways will be celebrated on Friday night at city hall.<\/p>\n
The fourth annual Celebrating Black Excellence event, taking place from 7-9 p.m. in the Great Hall (doors open at 6 p.m.), closes out Black History Month in the city. The evening includes live performances, keynote speakers and an awards ceremony, organizers say.<\/p>\n
Staged in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance and described by City of Mississauga officials as \u201can evening of cultural celebration,\u201d the event features other guest speakers, artwork displays and the presentation of the 2026 Black Excellence Awards to recipients in each of nine categories: Youth, Business, Community Service, Education, Health Services, Arts and Culture, Sports, Hospitality and Food Services, and Legacy \u2014 Lifetime Achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis special evening recognizes the achievements and contributions of Mississauga\u2019s Black community,\u201d the city said, adding the awards honour those \u201cwho make a meaningful impact in our city through leadership, innovation and service.\u201d<\/p>\n
The BCA is a group comprised of Black community members that advises Mississauga\u2019s mayor on issues affecting Black communities.<\/p>\n
The event gets underway\u00a0with dignitary remarks followed by entertainment, the keynote speaker and award presentations.<\/p>\n
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Mayor Carolyn Parrish, city councillors, Black Caucus Alliance members and awards recipients and their families will be in attendance.<\/p>\n
\u201cMississauga is now and has always been a proudly diverse city. It\u2019s through our work with community groups including the Black Caucus Alliance that allows us to better understand the needs, the struggles and the history of our residents,\u201d Parrish said in an earlier news release. \u201cAs a city, we are committed to continuing our work to create a united Mississauga, a space where all residents feel safe, understood and valued.\u201d<\/p>\n
BCA chair Shelly Scott-England pointed out this year marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, \u201ca milestone to reflect on the brilliance and sacrifice of those who built our foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scott-England continued, saying the alliance and City of Mississauga are, together, \u201chonouring this legacy and this year prioritizing youth well-being and equity. By celebrating our ancestors\u2019 resilience, we reaffirm our commitment to dismantling anti-Black racism. Together, we are ensuring tomorrow\u2019s visionaries inherit a city that protects their health and empowers their potential.\u201d<\/p>\n
Education, appreciation and celebration were at the core of Mississauga\u2019s efforts the past four weeks in recognition of Black History Month.<\/p>\n
The city, as it does each February, hosted dozens of events, exhibits, tours and other activities to mark the Black community\u2019s many contributions \u2014 both locally and further afield.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Mississauga and beyond, listen to their stories and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society,\u201d city officials said earlier.<\/p>\n
In an online description this year, the city added Black History Month also \u201cserves as a strong reminder that Black history is our history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Black History Month, which originated in the U.S., is celebrated every February across Canada and south of the border. Several other countries celebrate it in October.<\/p>\n
In Mississauga, the city partners each year with the Black Caucus Alliance to recognize accomplishments and shine a spotlight on talented artists, authors, musicians and others who are amplifying local Black voices and stories.<\/p>\n
(Cover photo: City of Mississauga X)<\/p>\n