25 February
The Sheraton Hotel in downtown Ottawa was aglitter as the national capital celebrated the conclusion of the 2017 Black History Month with the popular gala. Organised by the Global Community Alliance, under the leadership of Yomi and Kelly Pratt and Bertilla Christian, this social event brought together the very best, brightest and influential in the city. From Co-MC’s Eldon Holder Jr and Natalie Domney, right down to the dignitaries – provincial Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, Liberal MP Leslie Andrew, Catholic School Board Chair Elaine MacMahon, among others – it was an evening that once again demonstrated why the national capital is a true reflection of Canada’s claim to unity in its diversity. Among the evening’s highlights were: the keynote speech by Ottawa’s favourite police officer, Staff Sergeant Isobel Granger, who spoke on “The Essence of community Building”; tribute to Violet Desmond by Jim Carty; and the unveiling of the Black History Month commemorative stamp with Canada Post’s Elizabeth Wong.
Photo credit: Sarah Onyango
Community leaders and innovators were also recognised with the following awards:
Professional Achievement awards: Dr. Olusegun Agboola and Catherine Guisse; Community Builder awards: Serena Thadee, Tayo Olafimihan, Cassandra Auguste, Pascal Rene and June Girvan; Business Acheievement awards: Paula Whitelock and Jana Veltheim; Youth Achievement awards: Alisha Lubenga, Portia Mae Ray, Tashera Joseph-Mofford, Berhanu Tobian and Hafsha Seldrick.
Photo credit: Chase Me Photography (Omar & Melisa Harry)