CE4C Mandela Gala Celebrates Durham Black Excellence

Cultural Expressions for Change (CE4C) celebrated nearly two decades of community leadership and cultural advocacy with the hosting of its inaugural Madiba Award Gala and Fundraiser on May 23 at the Ajax Convention Centre.

The Black-owned and Black-led nonprofit organization, under the leadership of President and Board Chair Esther Forde, brought together political leaders, artists, community advocates and residents from across Durham Region for an evening dedicated to honouring Black excellence and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Established in 2014, the Madiba Award recognizes a Durham Region leader of African ancestry whose service and leadership reflect the values of Nelson Mandela, affectionately known in South Africa as “Madiba,” or Father of the Nation.

This year’s gala paid tribute to the organization’s 12 previous Madiba Award recipients, while also recognizing celebrated educator, historian and diversity advocate Rosemary Sadlier as the first-ever recipient of the Lifetime Madiba Award.

A symbolic highlight of the evening saw 2025 Madiba Award recipient Gloria Small-Clarke present the 2026 Madiba Award sculpture to community leader Channon Oyeniran, continuing the tradition of “passing the torch” to the next Black trailblazer in Durham Region.

Among past honourees in attendance were Allison Hector-Alexander, Patrice Barnes and Dr. Leroy Clarke.

Guests were treated to performances by soulful vocalist Shaundell Parris and acclaimed saxophonist and flutist Keturah Gray, while emcee Sean Mauricette guided the evening’s program. Keynote speaker Kayode Akomolafe delivered an inspiring address calling for greater unity and collective action within the community.

Several elected officials attended the gala, including Juanita Nathan, Rob Cerjanec, Granville Anderson and Ajax Deputy Mayor Sterling Lee.

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