The Blackcellence Gala was born from a bold vision: to shine a spotlight on Black excellence and elevate voices too often unheard in Saskatchewan. When Vinolia Apakoh arrived in Regina in 2012, she saw a glaring gap — the incredible contributions of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers were rarely recognized.Determined to change that,she launched the Gala in 2022, creating a dynamic platform that celebrates achievement, culture, and community.
From its first year,the Gala was designed to do more than honor excellence. It is a force for impact — partnering with a community-focused beneficiary each year, donating proceeds to initiatives that uplift, empower,and create real opportunities.The event sparks dialogue,fosters connections,and strengthens Saskatchewan communities.
Today, the Blackcellence Gala is more than an annual celebration. It inspires, motivates, and brings people together to honor the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of Black individuals. Every recognition, speech, and performance amplifies the message that Black excellence matters, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and transformative change across the province.
