Saturday 28 February 2026
Community, Culture and Achievement Shine at 14th GCA Gala and Awards Ceremony
By: Obasola Bamigbola
On a night defined by elegance, reflection, and celebration, the Global Community Alliance marked its 14th Annual GCA Gala and Award Ceremony on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.
Held in recognition of the 30th Anniversary of Black History Month in Canada and the 40th Anniversary of Black History Ottawa, the evening carried the theme “Celebrating Diversity-Our Differences Make Us Better”, a message that resonated in every speech, performance, and award presentation throughout the night.
Guests began arriving at 6:00 p.m. for a lively reception and music. The atmosphere was warm and celebratory, as community members, elected officials, educators, youth, and leaders from across Ottawa gathered.
The formal program opened with a Land Acknowledgement delivered by Zybina Richards, followed by Oh Canada performed by Izzy Rose. These opening moments grounded the evening in reflection and unity.
In his welcoming remarks, GCA President Moses Abayomi Pratt reminded attendees that the organization’s mission is simple yet powerful: bringing people together. That message framed the entire gala, not simply as an awards ceremony, but as a testament to decades of collective work within Ottawa’s Black community.
Dignitaries in attendance included provincial and municipal leaders, school board trustees, Ottawa police chief, and community advocates, reflecting the broad support and recognition the gala has earned over the years.
A particularly meaningful segment highlighted Canada Post’s annual commemorative stamp, presented with the participation of community elders June Girvan and Ingrid John-Baptiste, reinforcing the national recognition of Black history in Canada.
The evening also paid tribute to the 40-year legacy of Black History Ottawa and the 25th anniversary of Jaku Konbit, acknowledging organizations whose long-standing contributions continue to shape Ottawa’s cultural and social landscape.
At the heart of the gala were the award presentations, honouring individuals whose work exemplifies professional excellence, community leadership, entrepreneurship, and youth achievement.
The Professional Achievement Awards recognized Ms. Allison Lendor, Senior Partner at Lendor & Guest LLP, and Deputy Chief Paul Burnett of the Ottawa Police Service for their distinguished leadership in law and community policing.
The Community Builder Award was presented to Mr. Hector Addison, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa(ACAO), whose tireless advocacy continues to empower African Canadian families in the region.
In the Business Achievement category, Mrs. Phyllis Dadson Bourne, Founder and CEO of Jesiwa B. Fashions & Giftware, alongside Mr. Dare and Mrs. Sonia Abdullahi of Sonia Footcare Services, were applauded for entrepreneurial excellence and economic contribution.
The most inspiring segment of the evening was the Youth Achievement Awards. Students from high schools across Ottawa were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. As each young recipient crossed the stage, applause echoed through the hall, a powerful reminder that Ottawa’s Black community’s future is bright and determined.
Performances by Abena Amoako-Tuffour, a spoken-word artist, and Izzy Rose added emotional depth to the evening. Their voices carried themes of resilience, pride, and hope, perfectly complementing the spirit of the gala.
The program also included a donation presentation to the Ottawa School Breakfast Program, reinforcing GCA’s commitment not only to recognition but to tangible community support.
Door prizes and a heartfelt vote of thanks from Kelly and Yomi Pratt on behalf of the GCA team closed the formal portion of the evening before guests transitioned into social networking.
In a city as diverse as Ottawa, the Global Community Alliance continues to create spaces where achievement is honoured, and community bonds are strengthened.
