Honorees – BCA

2015 HONOREES
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THE BLACK CANADIAN AWARDS

Exceptional And Outstanding Trailblazers

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Alvin Curling

The 1st Black speaker of the Ontario legislative assembly & the 1st Black Canadian to hold a Cabinet position. An advocate for youths & minority issues. Also the longest serving Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario. He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. He played an important role in shaping government policies addressing youth violence and much more nationa-wide.

Community Service Award

Frantz Benjamin

The First Black Canadian in Montreal to be appointed Chairman of the Montreal City Council and currently the Speaker. Respected amongst his colleagues provinces-wide for his record of integrity. He’s an author, a leader by example and a poet. Le 1er Canadien de race noire à être nommé président du Conseil de ville de Montréal. Respecté par tous ses collègues pour son intégrité. Il est aussi poète et auteur.

Professional Award

Elcho Stewart

Founder and President of the Network of Black Business & Professional Women. An insurance and financial security broker with her financial column distributed worldwide. Creator of both the “Femmeonomics-911″ & You’ve Got Money” empowerment seminars. Served as advisory board member with Montreal YMCA Centreville and the Montreal Diet Dispensary. She has helped in establishing a few scholarships.

Leadership Award

Mohamed Salih

The 1st politician of Sudanese origin elected outside of Sudan. Elected at age 28, Salih ran against 4 other candidates and won by a record landslide of 53% despite facing racism, islamaphobia, and other challenges. Presently one of the youngest politicians in Canada. Served in the Canadian Forces, Military Police and later worked at the Canadian Border Services Agency. Advocates for equality for all.

Public Service Award

Nathan Cirillo

Captian Nathan Cirillo was a respected member of the armed forces, who proudly defended our rights and freedoms. He united us in purpose and made us stronger together. A Great Canadian Hero. C’est un membre respecté des forces armées; il s’est battu fièrement afin de défendre nos droits et notre liberté. Il nous a réuni vers un but et nous a rendu plus fort.

Women Empowerment Award

Emily Mills

Founder & sheEO of How She Hustles women’s network, a vibrant network that connects thousands of women all around Canada and the US. In 1999, she created a financial assistance program for youths going through challenges. Over 20 yrs of working with women and recently celebrated 5 years of her “How She Hustles” movement.

Inspirational Award

Bishop McEwan Sr.

Over 45 years of serving others mostly in Ottawa and all over North America, the West Indies and Africa. Well known as the father and founder of the “Black Church” in Ottawa. Partnered with the Ottawa Police dept to provide intervention for at-risk-youth. Very involved in providing food for those in need and supports a local shelter for abused women.

Humanitarian Award

Ammar Kamara

A selfless man who has devoted his time and resources to the eradication of Ebola. Ammar is the campaign chair and co-founder of the “Help Fight Ebola Canada” awareness campaign. His work has influenced local and international partners; allowing for global call-to-action outcomes towards the eradication of Ebola and other infectious diseases.

Heritage Award

Kathy Grant

Celebrating Kathy Grant and her team at the Legacy Voices Project, for their work in showcasing the significant contributions of Black Veterans in Canada.

Entrepreneur Award

Ricardo McRae

A trailblazer known for his over 25 years commitment to business, creativity and community. Founder of Black In Canada and Chief Artistic Officer of Wedge15.

Diversity Award

Mary Galvan

An entrepreneur and community leader. Known for her diversity columns with the “Durham Citizen” and “Pride Newspaper”. Also the Executive Producer of the Durham Caribbean Festival.

Youth Empowerment Award

Orlando Bowen

Youth Empowerment Award Orlando Bowen With a mission to inspire people to be Game Changers. He is the founder and Executive Director of One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization.