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Black Excellence 365 Awards flyerBlack Excellence 365 Awards

The City of Jacksonville Mayor’s African American Advisory Board invites you to join us as we honor Black History and celebrate community members and projects that exemplify Black Excellence 365 days a year through service, leadership, and impact.

A Celebration of Black History Month

Presented by the City of Jacksonville Mayor’s African American Advisory Board

Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Hicks Auditorium, Main Library
Address: 303 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32202

Please join us as we honor Black History and celebrate community members and projects that exemplify Black Excellence 365 days a year through service, leadership, and impact.

This event is free and open to the public.
 



2026 Honorees

The Black Excellence 365 Awards recognize excellence across community service, education, wellness equity, arts & culture, civic engagement, and legacy.

Community Service & Grassroots Leadership

Glenn Foreman Jr. Headshot

Pastor Glenn Foreman, Jr.

Honored for consistent, year-round service that strengthens families and communities in Duval County— including outreach efforts such as food distributions, back-to-school drives, holiday assistance, and a year-round clothing closet— paired with a focus on economic empowerment and long-term stability.

Education, Youth Development & Institutional Leadership

Kimberly Brown Headshot

Kimberly N. Brown

Recognized for transformational leadership in education and an unwavering commitment to student success in Duval County. Under her leadership, Northwestern achieved a historic academic turnaround—rising from the lowest-performing elementary school to earning its first-ever B grade—supported by strong partnerships and high expectations for students.

Health, Mental Health & Wellness Equity

Desiree Jones Headshot

Desiree Jones

Honored for expanding access to culturally responsive mental health services and leading the largest Black-owned mental health facility in Jacksonville, Step-by-Step Behavioral Health Services. Her work provides year-round clinical care and includes support for students and families through Duval County Public Schools’ Full Service Schools initiative.

Arts, Culture, History & Creative Legacy

Dana Michelle Maule Headshot

Dana Michelle Maule

Recognized for preserving, celebrating, and amplifying Black history and culture in Jacksonville. As a cultural historian, filmmaker, and founder of Northside Pride, her work centers storytelling, community engagement, and cultural preservation—ensuring Black stories, businesses, and legacy are honored and protected year-round.

Civic Engagement, Advocacy & Justice

Jamil Davis Headshot

Jamil Davis

Honored for sustained civic engagement, advocacy, and community empowerment. Through organizing, education, and storytelling— including his work as host of BLKFLA: The Podcast—he helps ensure residents are informed, engaged, and empowered participants in the democratic process.

Legacy Award

Legends Public Art Installation

The visionary team behind the Legends public art display is recognized for transforming everyday community spaces into powerful, accessible celebrations of Black history and culture—projecting animated historical vignettes onto the façade of the Legends Center in Northwest Jacksonville and bringing visual storytelling to life each night.

Accessibility

Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please contact Disabled Services at VM (904) 255-5466, TTY (904) 255-5475, or email your request to KaraT@coj.net.

Questions?

For more information about this event, please contact ehenry@coj.net.