The Honoring Black Excellence Committee has announced the second annual Honoring Black Excellence Celebration, which is scheduled for Oct. 2, 2026, at the AC Hotel Worcester.
The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the formal program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Operating under the theme of honoring yesterday, empowering today, and inspiring tomorrow, the celebration is designed to recognize the contributions of Black leaders and ensure their stories are preserved to inspire future generations.
Three individuals will be recognized this year for their leadership and service within Central Massachusetts. Sean M. Harris, the director of community engagement at Quinsigamond Community College, will be honored for his work in education, workforce development, and community empowerment. Dr. Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, a physician and health equity leader at UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Memorial Health, will be recognized for her work in advancing reproductive health and equitable access for women and migrant communities. Additionally, Worcester Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief William Mosley will be honored for his more than 20 years of service and leadership in public safety.
The evening’s program will feature a keynote address by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and a musical performance by Angelo Gray. Previous honorees Deb Hall, CEO of YWCA Central Massachusetts, and David Connell, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, are scheduled to return to present the awards to the 2026 honorees.
Dianne Langford James, chair of the Black Excellence Committee, said the event serves as an investment in the future by recognizing the impact of current leaders and fostering hope and possibility for the youth. The committee noted that celebrating Black excellence strengthens the entire community by increasing visibility for Black leadership and providing young people with visible role models.
