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 1st, 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
Click HERE to register.
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, 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!
Be part of an unforgettable evening at the 5th Annual Maine Black Excellence Awards, happening Friday, August 1st at the beautiful Caswell Farm in Gray, ME.
Each year, The Third Place comes together for an inspiring evening to honor the individuals and organizations leading the way toward a more just and equitable Maine—celebrating Black leadership, culture, and community impact across the state.
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.
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