FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Pawtucket Celebrates Black History Month with the Third Annual Black History Month Impact Awards
Pawtucket, RI – February 13, 2025 – The City of Pawtucket proudly hosted the Third Annual Black History Month Impact Awards at Mixed Magic Theatre, honoring three outstanding leaders for their contributions to the community. The event, held at Pawtucket’s only Black-owned nonprofit theatre and performance venue, once again celebrated the numerous contributions of the Black community in the City.
Mayor Donald R. Grebien and Chief Equity Officer Chachi Carvalho led the evening, recognizing the remarkable achievements of Juan Wilson, Christian Siffrat, and Bernadet Pitts-Wiley. Each honoree was celebrated for their dedication to community engagement, leadership, and the arts.
“It is so important to celebrate these individuals whose leadership and dedication constantly enrich Pawtucket,” said Mayor Grebien. “Their work inspires us to keep pushing forward—honoring the past, uplifting the present, and building a future rooted in equity and justice. Congratulations to our honorees, and thank you for your impact on our city.”
Chief Equity Officer Charles “Chachi” Carvalho echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and uplifting Black history year-round. “The study and recognition of history, especially the histories of marginalized communities, make all of us more compassionate, informed, and engaged citizens,” Carvalho said. “Pawtucket is a city that remains committed to historical stewardship and community uplift. This is why we are so proud to honor our everyday heroes.”
The 2025 Black History Month Impact Award recipients are:
- Community Leader Award – Juan Wilson: Founder and CEO of The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island, Wilson has dedicated his career to empowering youth through education, mentorship, sports, and the arts. His work in creating accessible opportunities for young people, including TurnUpRI and Black Philanthropy Month, has left a lasting mark on the community.
- Student Leader Award – Christian Siffrat: A senior at Shea High School, Siffrat is a passionate advocate for student engagement. As Co-President of her class and the founder of Shea’s spoken word event, she has created spaces for student voices to be heard, inspiring her peers through leadership and creativity.
- Business Leader Award – Bernadet Pitts-Wiley: As co-founder of Mixed Magic Theatre, Pitts-Wiley has spent over 25 years ensuring that Black history and Black voices remain at the forefront of the arts. Her leadership has helped shape Mixed Magic Theatre into a cultural institution that educates, inspires, and fosters artistic talent.
Also during the awards ceremony, attendees were treated to a powerful performance by Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and Jeannie Carson of the Mixed Magic Exult Choir, which highlighted the richness of Black musical traditions and storytelling.
The City of Pawtucket remains committed to fostering a community where diversity, equity, and inclusion are celebrated. The Black History Month Impact Awards serve as an annual reminder of the contributions of Black leaders and the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive future.
For more information about the City of Pawtucket’s equity initiatives, please contact Charles “Chachi” Carvalho, Chief Equity Officer at [email protected]
###
