In celebration of Black History Month, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners awarded its fifth annual Black Excellence Awards during its Feb. 19 board meeting.

Five recipients were honored for their notable achievements and contributions to support those around them, according to a press release from The Oakland County Board of Commissioners.

The board receives public-nominated submissions for the annual award that are reviewed by a panel of commissioners who select the recipients. The panel includes 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.

The 2026 Black Excellence Award winners include:

• DaQuetta Baylor-Boothe, of Pontiac, is the owner and operator of Wee School Preschool, and is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment for babies and children. She also leads a food outreach program supporting those in need.

• Sanya L. Weston, of Northville, is a travel entrepreneur and founded Youth People Travel Global Edge, where she designs travel experiences to empower youth. She has also been a Girl Scout troop leader and serves as a mentor to college students.

• Kevandre “Dre” Thompson, of Southfield, has shared his leadership and mentorship with 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 is also the lead organizer for the upcoming TEDxPontiac program, to elevate local voices and innovation.

• Gregory Glenn, of Southfield, is a military veteran with a combined 21 years of service in the United States Army and the Michigan Air National Guard. He is currently the owner of Minuteman Press in Clawson. He also mentors youth and young professionals and is a member of the Detroit Shriners.

• Justen Daniels, of Southfield, uses his professional background in public health 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.

Recipients received a commemorative keepsake, and their names were added to a plaque outside the board auditorium which includes all award recipients since the inaugural 2022 Black Excellence Awards.

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