Twelve community leaders to receive 2021 Harry Jerome awards at BBPA first virtual gala

Twelve leaders of the Canadian Black community will be among the honorees at  the 39th annual Harry Jerome Awards to held at a virtual gala on Saturday April 17.

The gala, presented  by the Black Business and Professional Association, (BBPA) is a fundraiser for Black businesses and Black youth.

“We are thrilled that our gala will move forward this year – online – so that we can continue this inspiring tradition,” said BBPA President, Nadine Spencer,

“With the impact of COVID-19, now more than ever, we desperately need the financial support from donors to assist people facing barriers.  We are truly grateful for the unwavering support from donors, corporate sponsors, and our many volunteers,” Spencer  said.

“The Harry Jerome Award acknowledges and celebrates the evolution, innovation and leadership of key individuals in the Black community. The recipients of this award have blazed the trail and shown a track record of immense support to the Black community.” says a news release from the BBPA

“Established in 1983 in memory of the late Harry Jerome, a Canadian Olympian and Social Advocate, the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards recognizes and honors achievements within the Canadian Black Community,” it noted.

The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards is recognized as one of the most prestigious national awards in Canada. The honorees receive awards in twelve categories: Athletics, Leadership, Business, Professional Excellence, Community Service, Lifetime Achievement, RBC Young Entrepreneur, Media, Technology, Decade Leader, and the President’s Award.

This year’s awardees are as follows:

• Ken Jeffers (Lifetime Achievement Award)
• Taylor Lindsay-Noel (Youth Entrepreneur Award)
• Al Ramsay (Professional Excellence Award)
• Louis-Edgar Jean-Francois (Business Award)
• Ransford C. Jones (Leadership Award)
• Dennis Mitchell (President Award)
• Jamaal Magloire (Athletics Award)
• Patricia Bebia Mawa (Media Award)
• Dr. Joseph Smith (Decade Leader Award)
• Claudette McGowan (Technology Award)
• Velma Morgan (Community Service Award)
• Kathy McDonald (Diversity Award)

For more information about the virtual gala, visit: harryjeromeawards.com