Working towards the empowerment and unity of the National Capital region's Black community
From the Archives of Black History
| Born and raised and Trinidad and Tobago, Blaine Edwards moved to Toronto, Canada in August of 2000 to pursue his studies in Computer Systems. He did not waste time establishing contacts in the Trinidadian Community of Toronto. Deciding to move to Ottawa in 2004 to be closer to his family who had recently moved to Canada, Blaine still continued to be involved in his community. He quickly joined the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa and soon after, was elected President of the Association. His vision is to rejuvenate this Association by bringing younger members on and getting them involved in the community by seeking their interests and opinions. Working to better the community, every Christmas, the Association chooses 5 families in need and donates a gift basket of food and certificates for groceries. As the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa, and as an active member of the Trinidadian community, Blaine organizes cultural events, galas, picnics, and boat cruises, to give Caribbean communities the opportunity to get together and present their culture to the citizens of Ottawa-Gatineau. Every year, Blaine actively participates in Caribe-Expo, Ottawa's Caribbean festival, by bringing on a band in the parade. Blaine also volunteers his time to represent the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission for events such as WaterCan and the Wine and Food Show in order to present the Trinidad culture to Canadians and other communities. Blaine has been employed at TD Canada Trust for the past 8 years but still finds time to manage all his activities and commitments as well as being the Captain of his cricket team, the Cathedral Cricket Club. He is happily married to a French Canadian woman and always involves his wife and extended family in his cultural activities. Blaine's main goal is to promote not only the Trinidad culture but the Caribbean culture as a whole, to the rest of the population in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. |  |
| Noella Charles' native homeland is St. Lucia. For the past thirty years, Ottawa has been her home. She is an active member in the community; past contributions include, Vice President of United Black Women of Ottawa, Vice President of Fete Caribe, Vice President of the St. Lucia Ottawa Association and presently the President of the St. Lucia Ottawa Association. For the past two years, Noella worked for the E.A.G.L.E. Training Centre as Outreach Fundraising Manager, and the Mentoring Coordinator from July 07- May 08. She also, owns an event planning business called Diamond Events'. She serves as a volunteer in the Ottawa community as a member to the Caribbean Associations Presidents committee, and the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean Advisory Committee to the OECS High Commissioner. She has volunteered for the Parent Council Awards Committee at Hillcrest High School and was a past Fundraising Coordinator at Robert Bateman Public School. Noella was part of the team who planned a very successful first for Ottawa; the Caribbean Games Evening, in March 2008. Her commitment and dedication to the community was recognized in 2007 as the recipient of the City of Ottawa, Civic Appreciation Award 2007. Noella is the proud mother of four. Hobbies include, creating new recipes, gardening, interior design, traveling, writing poetry and short stories. She enjoys watching sports and is a devoted track & field fan. Family highlights: she remembers watching her eldest daughter in her acting role as Sally Jones' in Stephen Spielberg series "Into the West" and watching her nephew play basketball at World's for team Canada. Noella's single greatest mission is to support her children in becoming all they can be. She uses a St. Lucia school motto as her guide "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve". |  |
| Born to diplomat parents, Damilola Otepola has lived in different countries with her family. In April 2003, her parents came from Nigeria to Canada and started grade 10 at Brookfield High School in Ottawa. Through her music teacher, Dami quickly became passionate about the Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund (NMCF) where they raised funds for the group through their songs. With her as a lead vocal, her group released a CD and the funds realised from the sales went to the NMCF. Under the supervision of her music teacher and Principal, Dami co-organized black history in her school where for the entire month of February they featured black pioneers and leaders, played African music, and celebrated black history. A member of Brookfield's World voices choir, they performed African music for their community and used their songs to raise awareness around them. With the aid of a few of her fellow choir members, she wrote a song, Move Your World for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for their 2006 theme Move your world' In the same year, she was nominated and won the Global Citizen Award organised by the Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa (CAYFO). Dami was later featured in the Ottawa Citizen and the Talk Black Radio (98.1) for her achievements and aspirations. In October 2006, Dami was the youngest speaker in a forum; Youth Speak Out for Development- an Interactive Forum with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean where she encouraged hundreds of youths to "leave their mark", as she had been taught by her high school teachers. Dami graduated from high school with honours and won several awards including the Principal's award and the Lieutenant Governor's Community Volunteer Award for Students. She is currently a third year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Ottawa and looks forward to every opportunity where she can leave her mark' in her community. |  |
| Kenneth Campbell, the fourth of seven children, was born in Kingston, Jamaica and immigrated to Canada in 1976. As a self-taught artist, Ken began drawing at an early age which culminated in building a career as a professional artist. Campbell's oil paintings, sketches and prints have been displayed at various community centres and public institutions in Ottawa. His love and passion for African cultures and aesthetics are evident in his work. Mixing brilliant colors with African motifs and themes have helped him to create his unique style. Ken is the current president of Jaku Konbit, a non-profit, Ottawa-based, African centered community and family-oriented organization which was established in 2001. Jaku Konbit's mandate is to support and ameliorate the lives of children and youth of African and Caribbean descent in the Ottawa Region. In addition, the main mission of Jaku Konbit is to create and foster positive educational experiences through its academic-based programs for African-Canadian children and youth. These educational programs have been instrumental in providing black youth and children with a head start in school and also providing invaluable assistance to those who are struggling academically in regular schools. With Campbell at the helm, Jaku Konbit has organized and hosted the annual Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration, the largest African-centered, cultural event during the holiday season in Ottawa. In February 2007, in partnership with the Ottawa-Carleton Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), Black History Ottawa (BHO) and the Canadian Science and Technology Museum, Jaku Konbit invited the International African Inventors Museum for a four day exhibition for Black History. The event was a resounding success with over 600 people attending the event. Ken is also one of the chief organizers and publishers of the Ottawa Black Business Directory. He has worked tirelessly to form community partnerships and to secure funding for the Jaku Konbit's Academy, a cultural and educational program for children and youth of African and Caribbean descent. As a result of his community work and dedication, the Academy has grown from 15 to 45 regularly attending participants each Saturday. Ken is a graduate of the Algonquin College Social Service Worker Program and has been employed at the city of Ottawa in that capacity for the last 10 years. He works with families who have become temporarily homeless due to fire, flood, abuse, racism, refugees, or relocating to Ottawa from other provinces. Several organizations and associations have recognized Ken for his work with children and youth in the community. For instance, he has received the Marcus Garvey Award from Planet Africa Television in 2005 in recognition of his work in the community. Ken was also a recipient of the Rod Scott Community Spirit Award in 2006. Ken presently resides in Ottawa with his wife, Nathalie, and two sons, Kerdeem and Joshua. |  |
| Born in Liberia, Augustus Reeves emigrated to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in 1995 with his wife Christiana and children Christian, Maima and Matilda. With a background in Administration, Management, Finance and Accounting, Augustus established REEVES Intercontinental Services Inc. to offer Accounting, Tax preparation, IT, Real Estate and Health Care services. He worked with Chateau Halifax, Bank of Nova Scotia, before moving to Ottawa. In Ottawa, Augustus worked with the International Department at the Canadian Red Cross before joining the Federal Government where he presently works within the Assistant Deputy Minister Office for Markets and International Services, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. He is a Canadian Citizen and believes strongly in giving back to the society/community by volunteering amongst other things. In Nova Scotia, he volunteered as a Board of Director with the Canadian Red Cross Nova Scotia Branch. Since 2005, he continues to organize, the Silent Auction to generate funds for the United Way through the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign. As a member of the Liberian Association of Ottawa, he has volunteered with the Association as an Auditor, Vice President and Advisor that allow him to improve accountability. Presently, Augustus serves as President for the Liberian Association of Ottawa where he has implemented a variety of projects including Resettling Refugees and Settling New Comers to Ottawa. During his time as President, the Association hosted the President of the Republic of Liberia to a Town Hall meeting and Reception in March 2007, started the publication of its first News Letter, revised and launch a website, hosted various social events for kids and families including Fundraising Dinners, Annual Picnics, and amended the constitution to make it more open, consistent, and membership accountable. In addition, he has ensured that the Association has applied for Charity status with the Charity Directorate of Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, expanded its contacts and relations with other community groups, Agencies and Governments. Also, to achieve some of the Association's program objectives, he has begun to work with the private, and public sectors to generate funds. In May 2008, the Association received its first corporate contribution. His team is presently exploring establishing educational and health projects overseas. Also, he is close to launching the Fibroids Awareness Public Information Campaign project that will serve Women-at-risk and promulgate greater awareness of Uterine Fibroids which actually impacts roughly 1.6 million women of child-bearing age in Canada. His interest includes reading writing and helping others. |  |
| Moving into Ottawa, ON from Toronto, ON in 2004, Bruce Kyereh-Addo has been an active member in the black youth community that is continuing the stride to lead for the future of Ottawa. He is dedicated within the Ottawa community and University level of work. Bruce is currently Co-President and Co-founder of Black Affinity Carleton (formally the Carleton University Black Student Union). This group is dedicated to diminishing stereotypes, poverty and racism that currently exists not only within the Canadian society, but with emphasis at Carleton University. The association had its launch in at the University in September 2007 as representation of the Black and minority population. Recently in the summer of 2008, Bruce was a full facilitator and volunteer of the Black Affinity Rise and Flow Camp that had partnerships with the Public Affairs Department at Carleton University and the Community Foundation of Ottawa through the Youth Empowerment Program the CFO coordinates. The camp consisted of predominately low-income black youth, (majority from the Russell Heights Recreational Centre) who were given an opportunity to join the free camp as an empowerment camp. The camp also involved music for the children to participate in and to achieve goals through writing and producing music. This camp thus far has been marked by the Community Foundation of Ottawa as "a huge success". Bruce has continued to volunteer full time work in helping low income youth rise to the top within the Ottawa community. Currently Bruce has hopes of working with the United Way Centraide in Ottawa. He also hopes to get more Black youth of the graduating classes to work with younger children in our communities to see success in our educational institutions from black youth. "Without education you cannot be a leader in your community". Bruce is currently an Intern at Parliament Hill working within the office of Rahim Jaffer M.P. |  |
| Patrice Essindi arrived in Canada in 1998 after studying and working in Lausanne (Switzerland) with a non profit organization called "Terre des Hommes". Since his arrival, he has worked with many non profit organizations in the National Capital Region, including as a consultant for Centre Haitien des Carrieres et des Emplois, CAASCO, CIFODE and many more. In 2006 he was elected presented of The Cameroon Community of Canada National Capital Region, where he has worked to build and strengthen links with other African communities in Ottawa. As Chairman of the Spotlight Africa Events organizing committee, Patrice has worked with a number of organizations to celebrate Black History Month in the National Capital Region. Patrice is also active with the Francophone Black Community in Ontario, where he serves as an Ottawa Region Board Member. His past community service also includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jeanne Sauvé School in Orleans. He strongly believes in the value of community service and is always ready and willing to provide support and input in support of community goals. Patrice is a graduate of the Centre Suisse pour l'enseignement du marketing et de la communication (SAWI) and with a « Brevet federal Suisse en marketing et communication » He is the president of a consulting firm: Marketing Attitude (www.marketing-attitude.com )and a Solar Control Film Company :Ottawa Window Tinting Inc (www.ottawa-window-tinting.com ). Patrice is happily married with 3 boys. |  |
| Rachel Décoste is a motivational speaker, community activist and software engineer who was born and raised in our nation's capital. Ms. Décoste moved with her family to the East End village of Orléans in 1981. She is fluently trilingual (French, English and Spanish) and holds a Bachelor in Computer Science from the University of Guelph and a Project Management Certificate from La Cité Collégiale. Ms. Décoste, a 1st generation Canadian, was raised in a Francophone household and attended French schools; however, she was involved in both English and French community groups, a testament to the linguistic openness of the Orléans area. Ms. Décoste, a published poet, has been a community activist since her youth, engaging in letter-writing campaigns to push for change in issues close to her heart: working with the Children's Aid Society to mentor foster children for over 15 years, assisting in the care of seniors at La Résidence St-Louis, and participating in the regional effort to save the Montfort Hospital, among many other activities. Ms. Décoste has a strong record of volunteerism: she received the Volunteer Appreciation Award for her efforts with the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund, a charitable organization which awards bursaries to bright disadvantaged students. She has served on the Event Committee of the Famous 5 Foundation from its inaugural year in Ottawa. Some of the other organizations which have benefitted from Ms. Décoste's enthusiasm include Ottawa Blues Fest, Ottawa Jazz Fest and Les Jeux de la Francophonie, to name a few. In 2008, Ms. Décoste became a member of the Selection Committee for the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case, a cause she is proud to serve. She was also invited to Senator Vivienne Poy's annual Era 21 Breakfast during Asian Heritage Month. In the past few years, Ms. Décoste was invited to speak on the subject of political involvement and responsible citizenship in Halifax (Dalhousie University), Montréal (Concordia University, Young Chamber of Commerce) as well as local institutions (CESOC, University of Ottawa, etc.). Her commitment has not been limited to local activities: she has traveled abroad to provide aid to people in need in Peru and Bolivia and helped with a drive to send literature to a library in Haiti. www.RachelDecoste.ca |  |
| Greg Frankson has been involved in community activism and leadership initiatives since his youth in his hometown of Scarborough, Ontario. He first made headlines by becoming the first Black person to serve a term as President of the Queen's Alma Mater Society, Canada's oldest university student government, in 1996-97. Greg led a successful initiative to pressure Queen's to name a room on campus after Robert Sutherland, Canada's first university graduate of African descent, Queen's first major benefactor and the first Black person called to the bar of Upper Canada. After graduating university in 1999 with degrees in education and history, Greg taught in western Quebec before moving to Ottawa in fall 2001. Since then, he has participated in numerous community initiatives led by Black History Ottawa, the Catholic Immigration Centre and other local groups. He has provided anti-discrimination training for several local organizations including the House of Commons, the Ottawa Police Service and various federal government departments. Greg writes monthly articles for The Spectrum and (Cult)ure Magazine and has had freelance articles published by Rabble.ca, Afro News (Vancouver) and Ottawa Magazine. Ritallin was the first director of the Capital Poetry Collective and co-founder of Capital Slam, one of Canada's most successful poetry series. He is the immediate past National Director of Spoken Word Canada, producers of the annual Canadian Festival of Spoken Word. Ritallin published his first poetry collection, Cerebral Stimulation, in 2006 and was included in Mic Check, Canada's first-ever national anthology of spoken word poetry, in 2008. He was appointed Poet Laureate for the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership in fall 2007. Greg has served on the boards of Tropicana Community Services in Scarborough and the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, and for eight years was an elected alumni member of the Queen's University Council, the highest decision-making body of the university. Greg received the Afro-Caribe Community Foundation of Kingston and District's Community Award in 1998 and was named an Honoured Man of the Village by Every Child is Sacred in 2004. Ritallin works with business, education and community organizations through his creative services initiative, Cytopoetics, while performing his poetry from coast to coast. Greg is a member in good standing of the Ontario College of Teachers and works as a researcher for the federal government. |  |
| Félicité Murangira was born in Rwanda, grew up in Congo and Burundi and came to Canada in 1986 as a landed immigrant with 4 young children. She is now a grand-mother of 4. Félicité has a Bachelor's Degree in Law from University of Burundi and is the Global Ottawa AIDS Link Project Coordinator at Women's Health Research Unit, University of Ottawa. Her involvement with the GOAL initiative links the Black community to the academic researchers for an exchange of knowledge and development of innovative best practices in HIV prevention, care, treatment and support. Félicité has been an advocate for immigrant community in Ottawa for the last 18 years. She is the recipient of the 1990 Canadian African Women's Organization Award, the recipient of the 1994 Canadian African Solidarity Volunteer Award, the 2005 Rwandese Association Award for contribution to the settlement and well being of the Rwandan community of Ottawa/ Gatineau, the 2006 recipient of the Planet Africa Volunteer of the Year Award and the recipient of the 2006 YMCA -YWCA Women of Distinction Award for Healthy Living. Co-founder and Co-Chair of the African and Caribbean Health Network of Ottawa; Félicité is also a volunteer member of the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario and a member of the National Steering Committee for the Springboarding a National Strategy for HIV/AIDS for Black Canadian, African and Caribbean Communities Project. She continues to support immigrant families, in her free time, with special focus on women and children affected and infected by HIV and AIDS. |  |
| Jocelyne Constant is a university graduate with 3 bachelors and has contributed in various assignments and at different government capacities. She has a deep commitment to both the local and the broader community, and is active socially as well as politically. Very fluent in both languages, Jocelyne has worked to bridge the gaps between various racial and cultural communities through her work with different committees. Jocelyne serves as a Champion with Outreach Recruitment Initiative for Ottawa Police Services. She also works as an Ambassador for the Beyond Bridges Initiative with Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Advocacy Chair for the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and as a foster parent, Jocelyne has a strong and positive influence on youth. Her belief in the importance of education has led to use part of her time as a co-trainer to bring better understanding to the Child Welfare System. As a community activist, Jocelyne sits on 2 board of Directors, the Children's Aid Society (CAS) and the Ottawa Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) to help with group consciousness in promoting diversity and cultural values. Her concerns for the welfare of the community have been reflected by her active involvement volunteering in the various organizations. Jocelyne has received numerous awards and recognitions including the Dr. Martin Luther King: 2008 DreamKeepers award. She has also been one the nominees at YMCA 2005 Women of Distinction. Her commitment in helping children and youth, seniors and new immigrants with a sense of social security in Ottawa and her vision of equality and equity of outcomes bring a lot of values to Jocelyne's leadership capacity. Jocelyne believes that change depends on each and every one of us each home and each community. |  |
| Ewart Walters arrived in Ottawa from Kingston Jamaica, in September 1964 on a scholarship to study Journalism at Carleton University where he became the first Black Editor of the university's weekly student newspaper, The Carleton, now The Charlatan. From his earliest days in Ottawa he showed an interest in community affairs and has been involved in several community organisations including the Spectrum community newspaper which he founded in 1984, the Ottawa-Carleton Immigrant Services Organization, the Caucus for the Recognition and Improvement of Blacks, the National Institute of Jamaican Canadians, Third World Players, and Black History Ottawa, of which he was a co-founder. In 1995, he was invited to be a member of the President's Advisory Committee at Carleton University. A federal public servant currently with Health Canada, he served for many years as Senior Advisor in the office of the President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). In 2000 he was elected to the Executive of the National Council of Visible Minorities in the Public Service (NCVM). Mr. Walters' community work has been recognized with citations from various groups including the Ottawa Police Service, the Jamaica Ottawa Community Association, and the Federal Government of Canada. Some years ago the Ottawa Citizen placed him on its list of the 100 most influential people in Ottawa. As a member of Jamaica's Foreign Service in 1981, he was responsible for arranging the New York official funeral of Reggae King Bob Marley. A Deacon of the Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, Mr. Walters is married to the former Merle Campbell. They have three sons, two grandsons and a granddaughter. |  |
| During a 1983 family visit to Canada from Jamaica, Carol Campbell was offered a job that propelled her to permanently move to Canada. From that time, Carol has been involved with the Ottawa Church of God, where she has served in various capacities including as liaison between the Church and various communities. In 2000, she served as the 2nd vice president for the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association (JOCA) representing youth. Later that year, she hosted a Youth Talent Show, aimed as raising the profile of youth in Jamaican Community. The following year she served as 3rd vice president for JOCA's Youth Committee, where she coordinated the annual JAM DAY entertainment, served on the Annual Brunch Organizing Committee as well as serving on the Open House/Reconstructing Committee. Most recently, Carol organized and hosted an annual Fund Raiser, in the form of a variety concert. Carol Campbell also represents the Jamaican Community as an active member of the Community Police Action Committee (COMPAC), an advisory and coordinating body representing a partnership between the Ottawa Police Service and visible minority and Aboriginal communities in Ottawa. As a Certified Girls Club Counselor, Carol regularly brings together girls who range in age from pre-school to Grade 6. The girls meet weekly at the Ottawa Church of God for an exciting learning experience through personal development, fellowship and recreation, all in a Christian atmosphere. Each week Carol leads the girls through various activities including crafts, sewing, cooking, etiquette and occasional outings, such as skating, sleepovers, visits to museums and attending theatre performances. In 2005, as part of Black History Month Celebrations, the club organized "LoveFest" which hosted churches from the Toronto area. As a result of this event Carol was awarded the Girls Club Counselor of the Year Award. Carol Campbell is also the proud recipient of the 2007 Black History Ottawa Community Builders Award: Child and Youth Category. |  |
| Dr. Horace Alexis was born in Port-of-Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. In 1958 Dr. Alexis left Trinidad for Ottawa to study medicine at the University of Ottawa. In 1968 Dr Alexis started his own practice in the small city of Petrolia, in Southern Ontario. A few hundred people signed a petition to prevent him from establishing his practice there -they did not want a black doctor to settle in their community. Despite the opposition Dr. Alexis remained in Petrolia with his wife and four children. Eight years later, when Dr. Alexis and his family decided to move back to Ottawa; over two thousand residents signed a petition asking them to stay. The black doctor and his family had fought prejudice and won. While in Petrolia, Dr. Alexis was involved in community volunteer work and sat on the Board of the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON), he continued his involvement with VON after returning to Ottawa where he established his practice in 1974. During his career as a family doctor, Dr. Alexis successfully mentored three foreign doctors in Petrolia and four in Ottawa. Dr. Alexis's community involvement includes helping to raise funds for the creation of the Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has also raised funds for the Trinidad and Tobago Association to provide scholarships for black students from his native island. Additionally, Dr Alexis sat for three years on the Board of Governors of the Community Foundation of Ottawa (1997-2000). In 1996, Dr. Alexis, with the help of three other community members, founded The Black Canadian Scholarship Fund, whose purpose is to give scholarships to black Canadian students with financial needs from Ottawa and who have been accepted at a Canadian university. Dr. Alexis is the recipient of various awards including the Pioneers Award, from the Catholic Immigration Centre (1998), Outstanding Contribution Award, from the Ontario Medical Association, 2004 and the Black History Ottawa Community Builders Award in 2008. Dr. Alexis is featured in the book "Millennium Minds, One hundred Black Canadians" by Ms Patricia W. Holas and Ms Yvonne Harper. Both authors are among the founders of The Black Canadian Scholarship Fund. |  |
| Mr. Kabundi is a National Manager with Ethno-cultural Programs for the Correctional Services Canada (CSC) in Ottawa. A former magistrate at the Superior Court for the Ministry of Justice in the Republic of Zaire, Marcel has been in Canada for the over 20 years. Marcel is a prolific author, whose works include, Successful Community Reintegration, A Practical Guide for Members of Ethno-cultural Communities (PWSGC, 2001) and L'Afrique sans masque (Éditions cinq continents, 2001) where he introduces readers to the African cultures and History. Marcel has been active in the African community for many years, from 1993- 1998, he was the producer of Focus on Africa a TV show on channel 22 Videotron Cable TV in Gatineau (Hull). The primary objective was to promote African culture and History as well as Canadians of African descent. He has also collaborated with CIFODE, a placement agency in Ottawa by assisting Africans in search of Canadian professional experience. As a mentor and coach, Marcel has helped many trainees secure permanent employment in different federal departments. Additionally, Marcel is the President of the International Foundation of the Friends of Africa an NGO that contributed to the creation of the University of Kasai in DRC. Most recently, Marcel Kabundi donated a container of books to the Embassy of Burundi for the development of a public library; he also fights for illiteracy in this African country Marcel has helped to establish a Multiculturalism Award in Corrections Canada and he recently contributed to the success of the Beyond Bridges multicultural recruiting event organized by RCMP in February 2006. He is regularly invited as a guest speaker at a numerous radio programs including Ici l'Afrique on CHOI- FM 89.1. In his daily work, Marcel promotes multiculturalism at the Correctional Service of Canada, where he works closely with correctional Service institutions to talk with staff and offender populations about ethno-cultural diversity. He ensures that the policies and programs are responsive to the dynamics and realities of ethno-cultural offenders and the communities in which they will live. February, the Black History Month is celebrated every year in all correctional institutions throughout Canada. He holds a master of science in criminology degree from the Université de Montréal and a master in law degree from the University of Ottawa and currently works as a part-time professor of correctional law at the University of Ottawa. |  |
| Stachen Frederick, 23 a citizen of Canada was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago by 2 loving and very successful parents Louis and Jennifer Frederick. From the age of 15, she was actively involved in many extra curricular activities. While at St. Joseph's Convent in San Fernando, Trinidad she was the Vice President of the Maths Society, Public Relations Officer of the Biological Society and a Multimedia Director for the UNESCO club. In 2003, Stachen co-founded Creative Minds, a Club that inspired and encouraged young women's creativity and entrepreneurship in different domains including Maths, Poetry, Art, Drama, Science and History. This drive for excellence and creativity has lead Stachen to be instrumental in the success of many groups in Ottawa. In 2007, she planned the First-ever Black History Month Event for the Kilimanjaro Black Student Association at the University of Ottawa. During her tenure as the first President of the Association, she planned numerous events including Conferences, Lecture Series and Social Events. In February 2008, she planned another packed event for Black History Month, themed I AM PART of Black History that brought over 1000 students to 4 events across Ottawa. In March 2007 Stachen represented Trinidad at a conference that focused on "Reparations for Historical Injustices done by past colonial powers" and was recognized with an award for "Best Delegate." Additionally, Stachen's drive and commitment as a student organizer earned her the Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award in 2007. Off campus, Stachen lends her time and energy to projects for the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission; Nexus Africa, a radio program highlighting the experiences of the Black Community; and Ebony and Ivory Entertainment, Ottawa's premier urban entertainment company. Despite a busy schedule, Stachen is a passionate spoken word artist that has performed in Ottawa and Montreal. Her poetry touches on her African heritage, and pride in her Caribbean roots. As she so rightfully says," I am Trini to the bone." Stachen is currently finishing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Ottawa. |  |
| Born in Ottawa to parents of Jamaican Heritage, Joanne Robinson is an active member in the Black Community. She currently volunteers her time as the 2nd vice president of the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association Inc., Board Member for JAKU Konbit, Secretary to The Sickle Cell Disease Parents' Support Group and The Multicultural Health Coalition Community. Additionally, she works with The City of Ottawa "The Never to Late program" -Women Advisory Group and with Black History Ottawa. As an active member of The Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association, she took an interest in the activities of the Healthy Lifestyles program and was appointed Chairperson for this Program, a position she still holds. She has introduced several new activities involving both the youth as well as the seniors. With the assistance of the committee members she has re-established various activities and offered new programs that are beneficial to the multicultural community. She has effectively secured funding for many of these programs. As a member of J(O)CA'S board she has established new partnerships in several community sports and out reach programs. i.e. Basketball, Soccer, walking and bowling, just to name a few. She has also arranged information sessions through the City of Ottawa, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Prostate Cancer Association, Alzheimer's Society, Osteoporosis Society, etc. Joanne has received the following acknowledgments for her volunteer services. In 2005 she received a certificate from the Government of Canada for her outstanding services as a volunteer. In 2006 she was one of the recipients of the United Way Community Builders Award. In 2007 she received the Community Services Award at the National Heroes Banquet for the Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association. In 2008 she was awarded the Community Builders award from Black History Ottawa, and will be a recipients of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigrations Ontario Volunteers Service Award. Joanne attended Algonquin College where she received certifications in Business Administrations, Occupational Health and Safety and Management. Joanne has also taken many university courses to compliment the courses from Algonquin. Joanne resides with her spouse, her two sons and her mother. |  |
| June's world view is rooted in family. In the public sphere, June Girvan is a graduate of the Ottawa Teachers' College. She served as a cattle-buying, outdoor education teacher, a kite-flying science teacher, regular classroom teacher; curriculum developer in mathematics through art and in human rights in education, based on the as a Special Education Teacher, Vice Principal and Acting Principal. Her work with human rights in education, with the Canadian Human Rights Foundation, led to presentations at International and Comparative Education Conferences in places such as Mexico City, at Harvard University, McGill University, University of British Columbia and the University of Prince Edward Island. She started the Association of Teachers in Settlement (OTIS), the first re-orientation training in Ontario, for foreign trained teachers, establishing a partnership with the Black Business and Professional Association, Queen's University and the Carleton Board of Education. During a paid sabbatical year, she studied in France and during an unpaid sabbatical year, she traveled to Djibouti to learn how best the education system could serve the Somali children coming in. She conducted train-the-trainer programs for teacher supervisors in 12 cities in China, teaching through Fun and Games and the principles of the rights of the child and the role of laughter in the classroom. She took an early retirement to establish the J'Nikira Dinqinesh Education Centre to do Share-Our-Bounty and History-in-the-Street programs rooted in Canadian history, specifically, the spirit and presence of Africa in Canada since c1607. Tribute Paying Focus The focus is on tribute paying, giving thanks to and for those who choose racial reconciliation and nurturing, protecting, affirming children and young people and permitting them voice. Her major partner for the history-in-the-street programs has been Library and Archives Canada. The Ottawa Police Service also supports her programs. The Good-Will In-Kind help that flows from diverse individuals of all stations in life and from various organizations ensures the success of her programs. Currently, she hosts the annual Reconciliation Day in Ottawa, dedicated to the voice of Chloe Cooley; the Era 21 Networking Breakfasts for Young Canadians, offered during Black History Month and Asian Heritage Month, in the Parliamentary Restaurant; and the Every Child is Sacred Celebration offered on Canada's National Child Day, November 20. In the UN Year of the Volunteer, the Belgium group, Prospective Internationale documented the JDEC partnerships, for "Volunteers' Odyssey", a television series, based on an adventure game focusing on volunteer's activities around the world. The June Girvan Bursary at Carleton University is awarded annually to a graduate student, researching a topic related to reconciliation. June has also initiated a program in partnership with Carleton University, Department of Public history, to involve youth in Canada in expanding their experience and understanding of inclusive citizenship in multi-cultural societies within a globalizing world. She is working on a book on the "Mother of Jamaican art", sculptor of Edna Manley, which was begun as a collaborative project with the artist. The title is: "It's Been a gorgeous Life. Come Mek We Walk and Talk." | |
| Since moving to Canada from his native Nigeria, Godwin has been actively involved in various aspects of programming and activism with newcomers and diverse disadvantaged communities. He has served variously in a volunteer capacity as a member of the Boards of the Ottawa Social Planning Council, Causeway Work Centre Inc., a not-for-profit agency that provides vocational training and work experience for persons with serious mental health disorders, and Tanglewood-Hillsdale Community Association, a residential community organization that provides recreational and family support services to 15,000 households, He is also a member of the Community Police Action Committee, which promotes a healthy relationship between the Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa's diverse communities. He is the immediate past President of the Nigerian Canadian Association, former President of the Otu Umunna Igbo Cultural Association and current President of Black History Ottawa, a non-profit organization that works towards the empowerment and unity of Ottawa's Black community. He is also the creator and moderator of "Black Ottawa Dialogue", an internet-based discussion group focusing on issues affecting Ottawa's black population. In 2001, the U.N. International Year of Volunteers, Godwin received an award from the Government of Canada "for outstanding service and contribution as a volunteer." He is a also a recipient of a certificate of merit from the City of Ottawa for his fund raising work on behalf of the United Way Centraide. A graduate of both the University of Manitoba and the University of Ottawa, Godwin was for several years a member of the Council of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, Administrative Director and Senior Occupational Therapist with the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. Godwin is currently employed with Ottawa Public Health, where as Healthy Living Project Officer, he promotes healthy lifestyles among newcomers and immigrants. Godwin is happily married with three children. |  |
| Sean Foyn is an AfriCanadian who completed his Bachelor of Arts at Dalhousie University in his Native province of Nova Scotia. After moving to Ottawa, he completed Masters of Arts in History at the University of Ottawa. Sean's passion and interest in the preservation and promotion of AfriCanadian history and culture has lead to the creation of an annual public presentation serious held in cooperation with the National Archives, the National Library, the University of Ottawa, the National Film Board and a number student and business organizations. His work in this capacity demonstrates his ability to maintain networks and contribute a significant amount of time and energy to the community at large. Sean is published author and aspects of his research have been broadcast on radio, television and the Internet in an award winning docudrama Honour Before Glory. Sean is also the author of "Why Aren't We In the War? The AfriCanadian Experience During the First World War" and The underside of glory : Africanadian enlistment in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1917 As one who never rests idle, he is currently the manager and producer of a multicultural radio show that airs once a week on CHIN Radio International on FM 97.9. Sean Foyn is the recipient of the Black History Ottawa's Community Builder Award, the Deputy Minister's Award, Canadian Heritage, National Gathering on Aboriginal Cultures and Tourism, Deputy Minister's Award, Canadian Heritage, Minister's Forum on Diversity and Culture. He has also received a Certificate of Recognition, from The Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), for his contribution to the Minister's Forum on Diversity and Culture. | |
| Abebe is an Ethiopian by birth and a Canadian citizen. He came to Canada in 1988 as a landed immigrant. He has B.Sc. (Public Health) from Ethiopia and MPH (Master of Public Health) from University of Michigan, USA. His work experiences include health program development, implementation and evaluation in Ethiopia, United Nations (UNICEF-Zambia) and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency). He has widely participated in humanitarian work, travelled extensively for meetings, conferences and symposiums. Abebe has an Adjunct Professor appointment with University of Ottawa, Department of Community Medicine and Epidemiology. He is the founder and Co-Chair of the Ottawa Multicultural Health Coalition, Board member of the Christian Children Fund of Canada, Chair of the Board of Trustee of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Past Vice President of the Canadian Council in Multicultural Health, Past Board member of the Catholic Health Association of Canada, Past Co-Chair of the Access and Equity Standing Committee of the Ontario Public Health Association, Past First Vice President of Ethiopian Red Cross Society. Currently he is the Equal Access and Diversity Health Specialist with the Surveillance Emerging Issues and Research Divisions, Ottawa Public Health. Abebe holds the Swedish Red Cross Society's Silver Medal Award for an Outstanding Humanitarian Work in Ethiopia and the Pan African Conference Gold Mercury International Award for outstanding contribution made towards Regional Development Planning. | |
| Justin Laku is the founder of the Canadian Friends of Sudan, a non-profit/non-governmental association committed to promoting peace and development in war-ravaged Sudan. In 2005, Justin was the coordinator of the Canadian Parliamentarians fact finding visit to Khartoum, and Darfur, where he participated in high-level meetings between Canadians MPs, the Sudanese Vice-President, the National Sudanese Members of Parliament, African diplomatic representatives and Internally Displaced persons. Through Canadian Friends of Sudan, Justin works tirelessly raising awareness and mobilizing action in support of peace-building initiatives in Southern Sudan. Through the Canadian Friends of Sudan (CFS), Justin coordinates the CFS Parliamentary Intern Program to secure internships for students of African and Caribbean descent on Parliament Hill. Justin is also the founder of South Sudan Community Association of Ottawa Carleton, and has previously served as a member of the Ottawa Carleton Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) Ottawa, 2001-2004, the United Nations Association of Canada (UNAC) Ottawa, 2004 and was the Founder and first President of Kilimanjaro Students Association of University of Ottawa, 2005-2006 Justin Laku is currently an MA candidate in Development and Mission Studies at St. Paul University in Ottawa. Justin has served as an advisor to the Secretary of State, Latin America and Africa, Instructor of Cultural Awareness for the Canadian Military Academy in Kingston, as an Advisor, and Interpreter UN Mission in Iraq and as Logistics Manager of the Bishop Gassis Sudan Relief Fund in the Darfur Regions. Justin is fluent in Arabic, German, Swahili and Bari. |  |
| 23 year old Kimalee Phillip left her island Grenada in 2004 to pursue a Bachelors of Arts Honours degree in Law and Human Rights- a program which she recently graduated from with high honours in June 2008. She chose Canada due to her need to experience a new environment and culture as well as due to the fact that the Canadian system closely resembles the British legal system present in the Caribbean region. In September, she will be pursuing her M.A. Legal Studies at Carleton University. She currently works as the Programming Coordinator at the Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Hall which is one of the Carleton University Students Association's (CUSA) nine student-run service centres. In that capacity, she has spearheaded the Black History Month celebrations at Carleton University for two years and has co-hosted and participated in a number of community and other organizational events. She is currently a summer intern with the union UNITE HERE participating in an organizing campaign called Hotel Workers Rising where the goal is to help hotel workers rise above the poverty line. She completed a placement with the National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women (NOIVMWC), was the President of the Caribbean Students Association for two years, a member of the Equity Committee and was recently awarded one of CUSA's Honours Award for Service. She is currently volunteering with the Caribbean Students Association, the Shepherds of Good Hope and the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa. Kimalee has participated in a number of forums and campaigns that promote equality and social justice issues targeting the reduction and awareness of racism, sexism, xenophobia, violence against women and other forms of discrimination. She just recently raised over $2000 for Ottawa's Walk to End Breast Cancer 2008 with the support of her close friends and participated in the 60km walk. Kimalee was awarded a scholarship from the Organization of American States to complete her MA which will help enable her to further contribute to the Canadian society as well as her country, Grenada. Due to her love for travelling, social justice and the achievement of human rights, she is hoping to visit a developing country next summer for volunteer and research purposes. She lives her life based on the following quote by Mahatma Ghandi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." | |
| Yohannes Drar is a former refugee from Eritrea. He left Eritrea due to the struggle for independence against Ethiopia. Most Eritreans came to Canada as refuges in the 1980s. In the 1980s he helped established the Eritrean Community Association in Ottawa, and has been actively involved in building a strong community. His areas of interest include Youth Education. He was one of the founders of the Eritrean Students Club while studying at Carleton University. He strongly advocates for the rights for people with Mental Illness. He actively works educating his community and recent refugees and immigrants on mental illness issues. He has been working at the Royal Ottawa Hospital for 20 years where he is a Social worker at the Schizophrenia Program. He has a Masters Degree from Carleton University. | |
| Adrienne Codett was born on June 30th 1967 in Ottawa at the Ottawa Civic Hospital to parents who came to Ottawa from Montreal in April 1967. From very early she was grounded in an understanding of Community involvement when my mother and a small group of other mother's created the most impacting experience in my life Impact Heritage. The children of Impact Heritage continue to make strong contribution to Ottawa's black communities as a result of the solid foundation we were given as children through the cultural program of Impact Heritage. After high school, Adrienne attended Howard University for three years where she studied Sociology of Sport and minored in Secondary Education. Upon returning to Ottawa Adrienne started ACCES the African Canadian Cultural and Educational Services. This was a program to help support the cultural and educational development of youth in the city. Adrienne began her career as an educator with the Catholic District School, as an Educational Assistant before being accepted the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Education. Upon graduation, Adrienne began teaching History and Law at Woodroffe high school where she has been since 1998. Adrienne is now in charge of the Student Success Program as the lead Student Success Teacher. In 1998, Adrienne co-founded the Ottawa Phoenix basketball program, a program to help black male youth discover their visions through basketball. The organization has been incredibly successful in developing some of Canada's most successful basketball players and have many players at the college, university and professional level. In 2000, she founded 3Dreads and a Baldhead, an organization that provides opportunities for people in black communities to transform their lives by maximizing their physical, mental, spiritual, and economic potential. Some of the regular activities include: Sisterhood Walking and Social Club, Black Girls Night Out, Literary Series, Black Youth Conference Day, Sisterhood Anthology, Ottawa Phoenix Basketball, Leadership Academy Black Youth to the Future to name a few. Our motto: "Doing our spiritual jobs towards our destiny and Living life like its Golden" |  |
| Bishop Afolabi was born in Nigeria into a devout and staunch Baptist Christian family. He was the second child of the first set of twins born into the Afolabi family of 8 children. In his teenage years, he was influenced through the study of philosophy, into believing in the non-existence of God. His father, on hearing this, was not in any way disturbed but promised to continue praying for him. By the time he met his wife, his search to know God had improved and he was given to fasting and prayer to seek for the knowledge of His ways. The problems of life as a young adult further triggered in his mind a deep personal desire to know God. He worked as an expatriate Engineer from 1968-1974 in the Broadcasting Services of Zambia, where two of his children were born. The last two were born when he returned home to Nigeria. He became born again in 1979, and in 1982 he enrolled in a Bible College, Faith Bible College, Otta, Nigeria. After obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Theology, later on a Master's Degree in Divinity, he lectured in the same college for three years before receiving the call of God to go to Canada with his family. Since he came to Canada in 1990, Pastor Afolabi has played an important and influential role in the life of many people, through teaching, preaching, praying, writing Christian-oriented articles for the newspapers as well as using slots on the radio to present "The Good Word." At present he is the Senior Pastor at Christ's Chapel Bible Church, at 2285 St. Laurent Blvd, in Ottawa. Recently he was dedicated a Bishop in the Church of God, with Head Offices in Tennessee, USA. He also is the coordinator of the Ottawa Pastors' Forum, a group of Christian ministers of new immigrant visible minority churches. Bishop Afolabi is an elder in the African Immigrants community of Ottawa. |  |
| Emmanuel Charles Ofori-Attah was born in 1989 in Ottawa, Canada to parents of Nigerian Heritage. His extensive volunteer experience includes service for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), where for the past 4 years he has fundraised, given speeches, and lobbied for patients in a variety of capacities for the hospital. Additionally he serves on the Regional Liaison Committee of the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and conducts campaigns for blood donation, and improves donor/recipient care. As a member of the Board of Directors of Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa (CAYFO) he has collected school supplies for under privileged children in the Ottawa area; and helped to create a more child and youth friendly Ottawa. In the summer of 2008 Charles was hired as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of State Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity. Charles is the recipient of the 2008 Harry Jerome Youth Leadership Award presented annually to a youth in Canada for outstanding advocacy in the area of health and social issues. Additionally he in 2007 he was awarded the Gilhooly Achievement Award by the Ottawa Carleton Catholic School Board for his perseverance and a positive attitude in the face of difficult challenges. In 2004 he was awarded the Spirit of the Capitol Personal Courage Award by Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa. An Ontario Scholar, graduate and class valedictorian at St. Patrick's High School, Charles is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management from Carleton University, Ottawa. |  |
| Isobel Anderson was born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Africa; she has been living and working in Ottawa for the past nineteen years. She began her policing career with the British South Africa Police, in a segregated Rhodesia now known as Zimbabwe, at that time there were two rank structures, one for whites and one for blacks. In 1979 Isobel crashed the gates of Apartheid to become the first black person to join the white ranks. Almost overnight a raging civil war between the Rhodesian regime and black guerilla factions began. Isobel went from doing regular police work to fighting for her life. Because of her boundless energy and the ability to demonstrate courage and calm under fire, she was one of the youngest officers promoted to the rank of sergeant; she realized then that she had a talent to lead. After the war ended she realized that it would take a while for the changes she longed to see, so she began the application process to immigrate to Canada. Isobel had read about Canada and her desire was for her young family to grow up in a land where they could be whatever they chose to be, regardless of their race. They arrived in Ottawa in the summer of 1989. Isobel had longed for the policing career she had left behind in Zimbabwe, so she found herself in the recruitment office of the Ottawa Police Service. Isobel has worked in different areas such as Patrol, Domestic Violence, Youth Section, Temporary Custody and Detention, Diversity and Race Relations and her current position as a patrol sergeant. In 1997 after sustaining a needle stick injury while searching an armed robbery suspect, and having to go through the traumatic experience of not knowing whether or not she had been exposed to HIV. She enlisted the support of members of parliament and community stakeholders to embark on a national campaign, to lobby the government to enact legislation to protect police officers and other emergency service providers in Canada. Her personal story formed the nucleus of the entire debate surrounding the private member's legislation. To date other provinces in Canada have passed legislation to protect emergency service providers, this is a direct result of her leadership Isobel believes that to police effectively it is crucial to have a relationship with the community. She currently serves on three boards of directors, the Ontario Women in Law; Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization and Leadership Ottawa. She has also traveled to Southern and Western Africa with Pearson Peacekeeping as part of a design and development team to work with police services in developing pre-deployment training for United Nations police officers. Isobel believes that in order to influence others, she herself has to role model the behaviors she desires to see and, that to effect change, she cannot merely sit on the sidelines and complain, she has to "get in the game" and give it her best shot. |  |
| In 1959, Matshela was one of the first black students to attend the tribal university of Turfloop. He helped mobilize students to collaborate with those at English universities, against segregated tertiary education. The following year, he and another ringleader were expelled and escorted off campus by white police. In 1960, Matshela fled South Africa under the banner of the PAC and travelled to Tanzania through neighbouring countries. He arrived in Germany in 1963. He helped establish the African Student Organization of Hanover and served as President for three years. ASOH joined other anti-Apartheid groups in Germany to mobilize public opinion and to stage rallies against Apartheid. After graduation in 1976, Matshela and his wife moved back to Africa, where he worked in Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia and Botswana. Their daughter and son were born in Kenya and Botswana, respectively. Because of cross-border raids by the Apartheid military into neighbouring countries targeting South Africans, Matshela and his family immigrated to Canada in 1986. Canada granted him citizenship and thus ended his long refugee status. He worked for the Ontario Health Research Centre from 1987 to 2005. Matshela participated in establishing the South African Rainbow Association, which united black and white South African nationals in Ottawa. From 2000 to 2006, he served SARA as vice-President, President and past-President. SARA organizes several annual social events such as car rallies, picnics, dinner dances, etc. Funds raised at dinner dances support needy rural communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Matshela was a founding member of the African Diaspora Association of Canada. He is the first and current President of ADAC, whose two main objectives are to unite people of African descent to better their lives in Canada and to assist with the socio-economic development of African and Caribbean countries. ADAC was officially launched on June 2, 2008. |  |
| Ketcia moved to Ottawa, from Montreal, to continue her education and build a future. She finished high school and after a 4-year hiatus to care for her younger sisters enrolled at Algonquin College. Here she started volunteering as an Executive for the Algonquin College "Black Students Association" she also had a part-time job on campus as a Student Administrator with the "Educational Outreach program". In the role of student coordinator she was active in counseling and mentoring foreign students that were having difficulties in adapting to the Canadian college culture. Her other responsibilities included working with a team to develop & implement activities to promote intercultural understanding. During this time she got involved with Black History Month and participated with conceptualizing and organizing the activities for College. This last year she was involved with different aspects of the joint (Ottawa University & Algonquin College) events. She was able to procure funding to bring Dr. Freeman to Ottawa. Dr Freeman is an international authority and keynote speaker and his message was an important contribution to the month. When asked, what she hopes to accomplish from taking part in these activities, her response was immediate. Both from her personal experiences and the people she encountered in her work at school she observed the black culture in Canada is fragmented and there is no place a student can go for assistance within his or her own culture. It is Ketcia's hope that through informing students and members of the black community that a mentoring program can evolve. Ketcia is presently continuing her program part-time in "Business Administration where she is focusing on International Trade. It is her hope to pursue an International Trade consulting profession in that industry. Currently, Ketcia is working for the Ministry of Public Safety Canada. This is a new department and she is enjoying the challenge of working with this department. She also keeps busy as an event coordinator part-time for the restaurant LAGO Bar Grill View. |  |
| Denise Siele was born in Nairobi, Kenya and moved to Ottawa in the early 1990s, and has been actively involved in the community in a variety of capacities. While an Honor Student in high school, Denise spearheaded the establishment of an annual Multicultural Showcase that brought high school students from across the region to celebrate the diversity and richness of Canada's multicultural communities. A Dean's List student at Carleton University, Denise founded what is now the largest African student organization, the East African Students Association, which won Carleton's Student Association of the Year Honor. Additionally, she was part of a wider effort to establish the Race and Ethnicity Hall at Carleton University, a dedicated space on campus that promotes cultural and racial awareness and stimulates change across Carleton. Her extensive community involvement includes founder of the Fibroid Awareness network and key architect of the Regional Fibroid Awareness Campaign. She continues to provide her professional skills and expertise fundraising for SOS Children's Villages, and their efforts to provide housing, food and education to children orphaned by AIDS in Nairobi, Kenya, The Miyombo Well Initiatives, building capped wells in Northern Malawi, and Bales for North, an outreach program that sends much needs household items and clothing to Aboriginal families in Nunavut and the North West Territories. Denise is co-host and producer of Nexus Africa, a radio show on CHIN Radio 97.9 FM, a program that showcases the insights and experiences of African descendent communities across Canada. She has volunteered for the CISCO Bluesfest, the Urban Music Festival, the Canadian Gospel Music Conference, the HELP Action Team, Black Votes Matter, Caribe-Expo, the Canadian Friends of Sudan and the Gloucester Cumberland Basketball Association. Currently, Denise is a Board Member with the Congress of Entrepreneurs and Professionals Ottawa. A top graduate of the Arthur Kroeger College of Public Affairs at Carleton University, Denise currently runs the award-winning public affairs and strategic event management firm at www.SEMgroup.ca | |
| Of Liberian roots, Fred Sherman's life-long record of community service is grounded in a firm understanding that the liberties afforded those living in progressive societies today are a result of the collective sacrifice of numerous souls who came before. While earning degrees at the University of Windsor; Fred Sherman was elected to various roles of responsibility including vice-president of the African Students' Association, Treasurer of the Caribbean Students' Association, and the first African-descent VP Administration of the Student Government where he managed a multi-million dollar health plan for 15,000 students. He wielded strategic influence while serving on various University Faculty Committees including the Board of Directors, the President's Advisory Committee on Student Life, and the Honourary Degrees Selection Committee. On the national level, he was elected International Commissioner of the Canadian Federation of Students; and matriculated as recipient of both the Hugh Simpson Student Profile and Performance Bursary, and the University of Windsor Alumni Association Award. Upon graduation, Fred Sherman began a career as a political strategist, serving as Special Assistant to Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Woman elected to Canada's Parliament, to whom he would provide strategic advice and support on a number of initiatives including the mobilization of all-party support to pass a unanimous motion designating February as Black History Month in Canada. Fred Sherman's national scale portfolio includes service as Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs, and Press Secretary for Canada's Minister of Multiculturalism; where he was a key architect in the crafting of Canada's National Action Plan Against Racism, and directed funding for NGOs and community organizations nation-wide; and managed key responsibilities on the House of Commons cross-country consultations on Social Security Reform, and the Public Service Commission and Treasury Boardʼs Employment Equity Positive Measures Program. In the community, Fred's civic participation is extensive and includes service as president of the Liberian Association of Ottawa, where his organizing efforts resulted in $800,000 in humanitarian assistance from the Government of Canada for the war-torn country. He has also volunteered his time coaching and mentoring teenage boys through the Gloucester Cumberland Basketball Association. A member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and a Leadership Ottawa Facilitator, Fred has contributed his expertise to Black History Ottawa, Friends of Sudan, the United Way, Confidence Booster, Jaku Konbit, Grace Canada, UMOJA, DreamKeepers, and The Routes to Freedom Endowment Scholarship Fund. Today, Fred Sherman is a writer, political strategist, broadcaster and entrepreneur and is currently Managing Partner of public affairs firm SEMgroup. He continues to serve as Executive Producer & Host of the Nexus Africa Radio Program, Editor-in-Chief of Planet Africa Magazine, and Director of the Congress of Entrepreneurs and Professionals (Ottawa). More information is on-line at www.fredsherman.ca |  |
| She is a former lawyer and a senior public servant. Liberal federal MP for Quebec riding of Notre-Dame-de-Grace/Lachine since 1997. Jennings is the first black woman from Quebec to be elected to Parliament in the history of Confederation. |  |
Born September 9, 1937 in St. George's, Grenada In the 1993 federal election, Jean Augustine became the first African Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada and subsequently the first black woman in a federal Cabinet. In 1995, she introduced the motion in the House of Commons which led to the Canadian Government officially instituting a national observance of Black History Month. |  |
(born in 1943 in Barbados) She was the first black person to be appointed to the Canada's upper house. She is a Conservative senator representing the Senate division of Toronto-Centre-York, Ontario. |  |