Harry Jerome Awards Honours excellence and success at 41st Annual Gala

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was truly an empowering and enriching day on Saturday, April 29^th, 2023, when the Black Business and Professional Association held its 41^st Annual Harry Jerome Awards Gala at the Beanfield Centre.

In an email communication to members prior to the event, Ross Cadastre, Chair of BBPA board states, “We are pleased to have Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth  Dowdeswell attend our Awards Gala. Her presence underscores the importance of the work that we do, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our honourees with her.”

Nadine Spencer, CEO of the BBPA echoed the sentiments. She notes, “We are pleased to have Her Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell Lieutenant Governor of Ontario share this special moment with us and thank all of our guests, sponsors, and partners who have made this event possible. Together, we can continue to uplift, and advance the Black business community in Canada.”

The highlights of the Award Gala were special performances from: Siphe November, principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, pianist Tina Faye, vocalists Natalie Morris, Patricia Shirley, Kimya, opera performer Queen Hezumuryango, singer and songwriter Jaxx and the musical group Intercession. In addition, there was a performance by the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance (TKBA). Entrepreneurs Danielle Spencer and Stephen Dorsey were the red carpet hosts and stand-up comedian Jay Martin was the host of the gala.

A special fashion show was held titled, “Little Jamaica Stylin,” highlighting some of the businesses in Little Jamaica, a vibrant community along Eglinton Ave West. It showcased the unique styles and talents of local designers: Beni Boo Styles, Philan’s Fashion Design, Wallter’s Connection and Vogutique

The names of the honourees are:

Rosemarie Powell- Leadership Award-Sponsored by E.J. Gallo
She is the Executive Director of the Toronto Community Benefits Network(TCBN) and for over 20 years worked with at-risk youths.

Spider Jones – Lifetime Achievement Award- Sponsored by BBPA
Spider is well-known media personality and is a motivational speaker to a wide diverse audience though the city of Toronto and Canada

Jennifer Bernard-Health Sector Award -Sponsored by Nursing Homemakers Inc.
Jennifer serves as President & CEO of Women’s College Hospital (WCH) Foundation as of August 1^st, 2018.

Lindell Wigginton-Jerome Family Athlete Award-Sponsored by BBPA and Jerome Family
Lindell currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucs of the National Basketball Association.

Rick Gosling- President’s Award- Sponsored by BBPA
Rick has been active in the Jane and Finch community, where he started the Children’s Breakfast Club in 1984.

Frantz Saintellkemy – Business Award-Sponsored by Bell
Frantx currently serves as Chancellor of the Universite de Montreal and has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Leddar Tech.

Colleen Ward- Technology Award-Sponsored by Diversity Institute
Colleen currently serves as President of the Canadian Debit Credit(TD Credit Cards, Aeroplan, MBNA and CUETs), Merchant Solutions and Customer Assistance technology teams.

Deborah Richardson-Diversity Award-Sponsored by Loblaw Companies Ltd
Deborah is the first Indigenous woman to serve as a Deputy Minister within the Ontario public service.

Andria Case – Media Award-Sponsored by BrandEQ
Andria works at CTV News as an anchor after starting in 1997 as a general assignment video-journalist.

Emma Todd – Professional Excellence Award-Sponsored by TD Bank
Emma currently serves as the CEO of MMH Technology Group. She is a member of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium and also serves as the Chair for Girls in Tech.

Agapi Gesesse – Decade Leader Award-Sponsored by PepsiCo
Agapi is the Executive Director of CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals.

Agunbiade Seun Edwards-Young Entrepreneur Award-Sponsored by ITS Global
Agunbiade has been involved in many social activities on three different continents.

Ngozi Paul – Arts Award-Sponsored by Deltech CGI
Ngozi has excelled as an actress, writer, director and producer. She has been a part of the theatre production ‘da Kink in My Hair.’