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Oakland County honors three local leaders with Black Excellence Awards
Summary
Commissioner Angela Powell and colleagues presented the Black Excellence Awards to three community leaders—Dustin McCullough of Pontiac Community Foundation, Jamar Bray of Jamar's Jammies, and Camilla Rice of Green Olive Soaps—recognizing community service and entrepreneurship during Black History Month.
Commissioner Angela Powell presented the Oakland County Black Excellence Awards to three community leaders during the board meeting and outlined the award’s history and purpose. The awards, now in their fourth year, recognize residents nominated by community members for leadership and service.
Powell said the program began in 2022 to highlight contributions from members of communities that have historically been overlooked and to mark Black History Month. "They are truly committed to making our county a better place," Powell said of the nominees.
Dustin McCullough, founder and CEO of the Pontiac Community Foundation, received the first award. In remarks from the podium, McCullough said the honor was humbling and committed to continuing work that benefits Pontiac, particularly young Black men. The presentation cited his work mobilizing investments to the city and past roles in local boards and nonprofits.
The second award went to Jamar Bray, founder of Jamar’s Jammies, a nonprofit that distributes pajamas to youth in need. Presenters noted Bray began the program in 2018, distributing hundreds of pajamas in its first year and later partnering with shelters across Michigan.
The third recipient, Camilla Rice, was honored for founding Green Olive Soaps, a Troy‑based business that grew from serving a single customer to several thousand. Presenters cited Rice’s use of natural ingredients, charitable “bar soap” donations to local women’s shelters and recent retail partnerships with health systems.
Commissioners, awardees and families gathered for photographs following the presentations. Commissioners Smith Charles and Taylor joined Commissioner Powell in presenting the awards.
