Each February, Black History Month is observed across Oakland County. Black Americans have made numerous contributions to our county, and their history and heritage is an indelible part of our nation’s story. In Oakland County, countless local Black residents are dedicated to improving the lives of those around them, and the Board of Commissioners is committed to amplifying those efforts.
To celebrate Black History Month, the Board recognized three Oakland County residents with its Black Excellence Award during the Feb. 11 meeting. Awardees are nominated by the public, and the qualifying winners are selected by a panel of commissioners that includes Commissioners Angela Powell (District 9), Yolanda Smith Charles (District 17) and Linnie Taylor (District 18). Recipients were chosen for their significant achievements and contributions to the community and beyond. This is the fourth consecutive year of the Board’s Black Excellence Awards.
This year’s winners are:
- Camilla Rice – A resident of Troy, Rice has used her life experiences to create a thriving skin care business. When her son developed painful eczema at a young age, Rice’s struggle to find over-the-counter products that solved his condition inspired her to use her engineering knowledge to create a line of skin care products using only natural ingredients. Green Olive Soaps has grown from a single product to a storefront in Troy serving several thousand customers with a full line of vegan, organic and cruelty-free products handmade by Rice. Through a recent partnership with Corewell Health, Rice has expanded and now sells her products at several hospital gift shop locations in Grand Rapids and southeast Michigan.
- Jamar Bray – On a mission to ensure underprivileged youth have warm and comfortable pajamas, especially during the holiday season, Southfield resident Bray founded the nonprofit Jamar’s Jammies in 2018. Bray’s efforts have collected hundreds of pajamas each year and the organization partners with shelters for the unhoused across Michigan. Bray is a small business consultant for Oakland Thrive, working with local businesses to improve their operations and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
- Dustin McClellan – Pontiac native McClellan is dedicated to creating opportunities for and empowering residents of all ages in his community. As the founder and CEO of the Pontiac Community Foundation, he has utilized more than $10 million in investments to benefit the city, and his work with The Power Company Kids Club impacted more than 1,600 children each week through leadership and character development programs. McClellan is also the founder and lead pastor of Pontiac Church and holds leadership roles at several nonprofits. Additionally, he has made an impact by serving on several Pontiac city boards and commissions, including the Pontiac Housing Commission and as chair of Mayor Tim Griemel’s transition team.
For more about each winner, visit the Board’s Facebook page.
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