By Gerald V. Paul

The recipient of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) Harry Jerome Public Advocacy Award told The Camera last Monday on racial profiling and carding “I am not pleased about the way it is being done.”
Independent Police Review Director Gerry McNeilly continued, “Look, there is some necessity for police to carry out intelligence and do their work. What I am not in favour of is the random carding of people because of skin colour or of people of a certain ethnic group.
“I am hoping, especially in Toronto – not the only place where carding is going on – that some improvement comes from the Police Services.”
McNeilly was appointed Ontario’s first Independent Police Review director in June 2008 and in July 2013 he was reappointed for a further five years. His office is responsible for receiving, managing and overseeing all public complaints against police in Ontario.
He is among 15 recipients announced for the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards, presented by the BBPA and RBC Royal Bank. McNeilley’s award is sponsored by IBM. Presentations will take place April 25 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building at 222 Bremner Blvd.
Keynote speaker for the 33rd Harry Jerome Awards will be Rich Castillo, A&R Director of Universal Music Canada, responsible for music management and publishing.
BBPA President Pauline Christian said “The BBPA has been fortunate to continue to attract world-class honourees and we hope to inspire our community as we follow our theme for this year’s event, Excellence … the Journey to Success.”
Other award winners and sponsors are:
Edmond Nankam Dzokou, Academics – Jamaica National; Cory Joseph, Athletics – BBPA; Wendy Jones, Entertainment – G98.FM; Nneka Elliott, Media- BBPA; Dr. Wanda Thomas-Bernard, Community Service – RBC Royal Bank; Dr. Carol Althea, Health Sciences – Sterling Dental; Jelani Smith, Leadership – Scotiabank; Mark Beckles, Professional Excellence – Nursing Homemakers Inc; Tamar Huggins, Young Entrepreneur – Bell; Archie Alleyne, Lifetime Achievement – TD; Scott Mullin, Diversity – Ontario Government; Massai Ujiri, President – BMO; Kareena Ellison, Youth Advocacy – BBPA and Deputy Chief Rudolph Andrew Crawford, Social Engagement – BBPA.
