The Legacy Awards; Showcasing diverse talent and celebrating the contributions of underrepresented communities

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The stage was set for a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration at Toronto’s most anticipated award ceremony, honoring the very best in Black entertainment. The city’s brightest stars, from media personalities to talented artists and impactful content creators, arrived in style, dressed to the nines, and radiating excellence. With the spotlight on them, they showcased the talent, creativity, and cultural influence that make Toronto not only a hub for entertainment, but one of the greatest cities in the world.

On Sunday, September 29^th, 2024 at  HISTORY (1663 Queen Street East)  The Black Academy honoured the best and brightest in Black Canadian talent at The Legacy Awards, a star-studded live broadcast on CBC and CBC Gem, hosted by Adrian Holmes.  The Legacy Awards aired live on CBC and streams CBC Gem on Sunday, September 29^th, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT)

Honourees included Cameron Bailey (Visionary Award), Kardinal Offishall (Icon Award), Weyni Mengesha (Trailblazer Award) and a special Athlete Tribute for recent Olympic Gold medalists – hammer throw champion Camryn Rogers and the men’s 4×100 metre relay team, Aaron Brown, Andre De Grasse, Brendon Rodney, and Jerome Blake.

The night kicked off in style with the infamous Black Carpet, where celebrities arrived to dazzle under the spotlight. Cameras flashed as some of our favorite stars made their grand entrance, including Executive Producers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, alongside charismatic host Adrian Holmes. Visionary Award recipient Cameron Bailey, Trailblazer Award honoree Weyni Mengesha, and the legendary Kardinal Offishall, who was celebrated with the Icon Award, all graced the carpet. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as these luminaries and many more lit up the night, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening!

The Fan Choice Nominees included: Access By Tay (Toronto); Citron Rose (Montréal); OT The OG (Toronto); Queeny Kuffour (Toronto); Ryan Holtz (Edmonton); and Toni Olaoye (Toronto).

The Legacy Awards Fan Choice Digital Content Creator Award was presented to OT The OG, a fitness enthusiast, fitness coach, and owner of the Female-Only fitness facility, Club Enhergy. This award allowed fans to choose their favourite Black-identifying Canadian digital content creators.

OT The OG attained her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto for Sociology & Psychology, and her post-graduate degree in Human Resources at George Brown College. After experiencing both parents suffer from severe illnesses, she was compelled to take control of her own health at a very young age. In 2018, she left the corporate world to pursue this passion and in 2020 she created a fitness brand for women called “Enhergy,” an e-commerce business which sold fitness bands, apparel, and more. She now runs “Club Enhergy,” a one-of-a-kind fitness facility, which opened in August 2021.

PartyNextDoor was awarded 2024 Artist of the Year, for his pivotal role in reshaping the modern R&B and hip-hop sound and bringing Caribbean and dancehall influences to contemporary urban music. His personalized lyrics and chart-topping collaborations with some of the biggest artists on the planet; and for his international influence, PartyNextDoor deserves to be recognized for his achievements.

It was an unforgettable evening that celebrated both the achievements and the vibrant spirit of the Black community in Toronto, and once again the Legacy Awards did not disappoint.

Award shows like the Legacy Awards play a crucial role in promoting representation, especially for young people who need to see reflections of themselves in spaces of achievement and recognition. These events highlight the successes of individuals who have pursued their dreams and worked toward their purpose, demonstrating that with determination, passion, and perseverance, greatness is within reach. By showcasing diverse talent and celebrating the contributions of underrepresented communities, such shows inspire the next generation to believe in their potential and strive for excellence.