Four Lancaster County educators and a school board president are among those to be recognized April 25 at the Black Excellence Awards Gala in Manheim Township.

Presented by the African American Cultural Alliance of Lancaster, the event will be held at 5 p.m. at the Farm and Home Center at1383 Arcadia Road. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at lanc.news/BlackExcellenceAwardsGala2024. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday at 5 p.m.

The event’s theme is “Knowledge is Power,” which highlights the importance of education and its role in empowering individuals and communities, according to a post at the Alliance’s website.

“The Black Excellence Award Gala celebrates the triumphs of black individuals who have utilized education as a means to break barriers and defy stereotypes. These exceptional individuals have not only excelled academically but have also leveraged their knowledge to uplift their communities and make a positive impact on the world around them,” said Derek Smith, president of the Alliance.

This year’s honorees from the School District of Lancaster are Superintendent Keith Miles, district director of schools Camille Hopkins and school board President Robin Goodson. Lancaster County honorees also include Millersville University President Daniel Wubah and Lancaster Mennonite School Superintendent Michael Badriaki. Other honorees are from York and Harrisburg.

The gala will also honor Fredo Pagan, labor supervisor with the City of Lancaster’s Department of Public Works, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Education has always been a cornerstone of the black community, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment in the face of adversity. Throughout history, from the dark days of slavery to the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, education has been a powerful tool for liberation and social change. It has empowered individuals to rise above the constraints of systemic racism and realize their full potential,” Smith said.

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