It was a night filled with positive affirmations, perceptive reflections and progressive inspiration at the sixth annual 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women Awards Gala, held on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at Woodbine Banquet Hall in Toronto.
More than 600 guests attended, representing sectors including: education, law, business, politics, healthcare, technology, arts and culture, skilled trades, community advocacy and entrepreneurship.
The gala welcomed Lieutenant-Governor Edith Dumont and the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, alongside visionaries Dauna Jones-Simmonds and Dr. Denise O’Neil Green. As the program booklet states, “Together, the co-authors have helped build a lasting record that celebrates Black Canadian Women, preserves legacy and inspires future generations.”
Photo Courtesy of Shelly-Ann Skinner
Under the theme “10 Years of Impact,” the publication celebrates the initiative’s sixth edition and reports that 600 women have been recognized across six editions. Its mission is to preserve stories of achievement, leadership and service while strengthening representation and inspiring future generations.
Messages from dignitaries and government officials underscored the importance of recognizing Black women’s contributions. Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the honourees, noting that their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to others. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized the role women play in building stronger communities, stating that empowering women helps uplift families and establish a strong foundation for future generations.
Lieutenant-Governor Dumont also praised the authors, organizers, supporters and nominees whose efforts have sustained the initiative. She highlighted the publication’s potential to inspire young people by presenting examples of leadership and possibility.
Photo Courtesy of CBTU Ontario, Canada
Toronto Councillor Amber Morley, representing Ward 3, Etobicoke-Lakeshore, reflected on the importance of mentorship. As a Black woman in government, she said, having role models such as Dr. Jean Augustine has been invaluable and continues to inspire her work amplifying Black voices.
Among the outstanding honourees was Dr. Rhonda N. McEwen, who became the ninth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Toronto in October 2025. Tanya Walker, managing partner of Walker Law, is recognized as the first Black woman from Toronto elected as a bencher of the Law Society of Ontario.
Technology journalist Takara Small, a CBC national columnist, founded VentureKids Canada, which offers coding and entrepreneurship education to young people. Dr. Cynthia Maxwell, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and healthcare executive, works to advance equitable reproductive and pregnancy care for Black women.
In the arts, Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu, artistic director of Obsidian Theatre, is helping shape the future of Black Canadian theatre. Theatre artist, dub poet and educator Dr. d’bi.young anitafrika has spent more than 25 years advancing Black storytelling.
Education and community advocacy were also represented. Charline Grant, CEO of Parents of Black Children, advocates for educational equity. Dr. Barb Hamilton-Hinch, an eight-generation African Nova Scotian scholar, co-leads Dalhousie University’s Black Health Researchers’ Hub.
Alethia Cadore, founder and CEO of Mindlike Wellness Foundation, is a registered psychotherapist, educator, researcher and community leader. Claudette Howell Rutherford, a York Region District School Board department head, also serves as vice-president of the Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association and is a co-founder of Parents of Black Children.
Kamelah Blair Sanderson, founder of Royalty Helping Hands and the Royalty Institute for Trauma-Informed Practice, has developed trauma-informed frameworks addressing issues including inherited trauma and literacy suppression.
Photo courtesy of D’bi.young Anitafrika
Hosted by Dr. Itah Sadu, co-owner of Blackhurst Cultural Centre, and Sarah Onyango, the gala featured a keynote address by Dr. Module Tunde-Byass and performances by Kimya Hypolite and Eddie Bullen and his sons. The evening also included a bouquet presentation to Dumont and a surprise marriage proposal from the fiancé of one of the recipients.
Following the celebration, Cadore expressed gratitude on Facebook, dedicating her recognition to her late parents, whose love, sacrifice and belief in her continue to guide her.
Monique Daniel also celebrated her sister, Dr. Tiffany M. Gordan, praising her research, mentorship and advocacy for Black women and girls, including work addressing justice reform and gender-based violence.
Together, the honourees’ achievements reflect the leadership, creativity, scholarship and community commitment that this initiative seeks to preserve for generations to come.
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