Saturday 22 February 2025
Celebrating Resilience: Ottawa’s 13th Annual Global Community Alliance Gala Honours Black History Month
By Ijeoma Ukazu, Editorial Associate
Despite the cloudy skies and light rain, residents of Ottawa gathered in large numbers to celebrate the 13th Annual Global Community Alliance gala and award ceremony on Saturday, February 22nd. This significant event, held at the prestigious Ottawa Conference and Events Centre, marked a vibrant celebration in recognition of Black History Month. The gala brought together community leaders, activists, artists, and supporters to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians.
This year’s celebration paid tribute to Marie Joseph Angelique, a Black historical figure wrongfully accused and tortured. A poignant video presentation shed light on the history of enslavement in Canada and the resilience of Black people. Angelique’s story of defiance and the injustices she faced served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for Black communities. Attendees were encouraged to support the initiative by purchasing first-day-issued stamps of Marie Joseph Angelique.
In his opening remarks, Godwin Ifedi, Editor-in-chief of Black Ottawa Scene and former president of Black History Ottawa, highlighted the long history of Black people in Canada, dating back to the 1600s. He noted that while the earliest Black inhabitants were enslaved, today, Canadians of African descent are represented in all aspects of Canadian life, including as lawyers, engineers, plumbers, members of parliament, doctors, nurses, and business professionals. This diverse representation underscores their significant contributions to the growth of Canada.
Councillor Rawlson King, Deputy Mayor of Ottawa, addressed the audience, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Black community but also emphasizing the opportunities to excel. He outlined three interconnected themes: the essence of community building, the importance of education and entrepreneurship for youth, and the courage required to make lasting change. King mentioned the City of Ottawa’s comprehensive anti-racism strategy, a five-year plan to proactively identify and remove systemic barriers. He highlighted the recent budget allocation of $150,000 to support anti-hate campaigns and community initiatives aimed at improving social and economic equity.
King also shared the success of a financial literacy program for youth, which was expanded to include parents due to its positive impact. He emphasized the importance of education and entrepreneurship for youth, noting the City of Ottawa’s significant investment in programs that support these areas. Additionally, King announced the allocation of over $30 million in the 2025 budget to support more than 100 non-profit social service agencies addressing the root causes of poverty. He underscored the City of Ottawa’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that every policy and program considers the diverse needs of the community.
Dr. Prince Ehoro, the superintendent, leadership and parent engagement at the Ottawa Catholic School Board, during his speech, thanked community advocates for their efforts in bringing lasting change within the school board. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and representation in educational practices and curriculum. Ehoro recognized the contributions of Black political leaders and their efforts to implement useful changes in the curriculum. He acknowledged the role of community partners in amplifying diverse voices within the school board and stressed the importance of celebrating diversity not just as a concept but as a spirit of collaboration and representation.
Honouring Excellence
The Global Community Alliance Gala is renowned for recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Black community. This year, the awards spanned various categories, including arts and culture, community service, education, and entrepreneurship. Notable members of the professional cadre, Anthonia (Toni) Francis and Rev. Dr. Olusola Olumuyiwa Womiloju, received professional achievement awards. Ms. Gelila Geremew was honoured with the Community Builder award, while Koele (Kay) Khutlang and . Vince and Mrs. Marie Boursiquot received the business achievement award. These awardees have demonstrated tireless efforts in building the Black community in Ottawa.
Fourteen young people were also recipients of the youth achievement awards from the Global Community Alliance: Serena (Sage) Satchiassa, Sarah Linn, Dylan Webster, Victoria Nnadiekwe, Ifetayo Kazeem-Oshinubi, Aysia Chu, Rachel Asrat, Ece Tavas, Esma Muhammed, Sabine Mustafa, Bellange (Bella) Romain Medina, Mehreen Hossain, Sirine Cherkaoui, and Tega Okoro.
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
The evening was graced with a fashion parade by Gifty’s, where selected attendees donned elegant African attire, from ankara to kente, reflecting the grandeur of the occasion. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement as guests mingled and shared stories of resilience and triumph. The highlight of the event was a powerful performance by Hibiscus Jamz, whose soulful rendition set the tone for the night. Maeesha B also performed new songs, and the audience, moved by the performance, rose to their feet in applause, embodying the spirit of unity and celebration.
To close the event, the president of Global Community Alliance, Yomi Pratt, spoke passionately about the importance of the Ottawa School Breakfast Program. He shared his firsthand experience as a school teacher, emphasizing how crucial the program is for students’ focus and success in the classroom. Thanks to the gala, the organization proudly donated $1,000 to Ms. Heather Norris for the Ottawa School Breakfast Program.
The 13th Annual Global Community Alliance gala was a night of celebration, reflection, and a call to action, highlighting the resilience and contributions of Black Canadians while addressing the ongoing challenges they face.
