May 19, 2012

Fashion & Highlights from HJA 2012 – Part2

Fitzroy_Gordon

Fitzroy Gordon President, of G98.7 received the Heritage and Youth award. Fitzroy  has more than 20 years of experience in Canadian broadcasting, including roles as a sports reporter, talk show host, R&B/Gospel music host, television call-in show host, and President/CEO of GCI Radio (a carrier of international live sports, talk and music programs). He is well-known for his 19 years as host of CHIN Radio’s “Dr. Love Show”. His looked polished in his tuxedo!           Celina Rayonne Caesar-Chavannes and husband Vidal Chavannes arrived at the event in fine style. Celina was the 2007 recipient of the Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award. She wore an elegant teal blue fitted gown which showed off her curves. Vidal donned a sleek, notched lapel tuxedo.             Candice Bromfield, former Miss Jamaica World Finalist, looked stunning and ultra glamorous in a coral, breezy gown from Holt Renfrew’s with matching accessories.  She was moved and inspired by Roland Martin’s keynote speech. She thought  the evening was uplifting,  positive and energizing.             Garnett Manning is a motivational speaker and Mentor.   He is the Founder of Garnett Manning Youth Leadership Foundation. He thought the atmosphere was incredible and inspiring. A regular guest at the Harry Jerome Awards he was motivated by what Roland … [Read more...]

Fashion & Highlights from HJA 2012 – Part1

Photo by Jason Beeston

What a Stunning Evening! The Harry Jerome Awards 30th year anniversary was a tremendous success; it was an all encompassing celebration. A sensational extravaganza filled with exciting and memorable moments and performances that entertained and engaged the audience. In addition to being a spectacular event, it was a great atmosphere for networking and reuniting with friends, family and acquaintances. The event was a sold out affair filled with distinguished attendees and keynote speakers. It was a phenomenal experience of the power of a community coming together. The gala was hosted by Marci Ien and Farley Flex, with keynote speaker CNN strategist, radio and TV personality Roland Martin. The evening honoured and awarded Black Canadians who have demonstrated commitment and success in a variety of fields including: Academics, Arts, Media, Entertainment, Athletics, Business, Community Service, Health Sciences, Leadership, Professional Excellence, Entrepreneurship, and Technology and Innovation. The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards is the premier national awards gala in the African-Canadian community and a coveted symbol of achievement. I had the privilege of speaking to guests and award recipients about their thoughts regarding this world class gala event. Everywhere I looked, I couldn’t resist settling my eyes on another unique and fashionable outfit that represented the personal style and swag of the individual wearing it. It was like being in a room full of brilliant, … [Read more...]

30 years of the BBPA’s Harry Jerome Adwards

Black Ink Magazine - HARRY JEROME - Thumb

“Never give up” was Harry Jerome’s motto.  (www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductees) When you take a look at his life and his accomplishments it is easy to see that he did his very best to live up to that motto whenever he could. He was a stellar example of the phenomenal achievements that can be reached when one pursues excellence on a consistent basis. He was a true model of how someone can, through sheer determination, overcome and conquer the utmost hardships and discouragement; rebound from disappointment and quiet the naysayers. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1940, Jerome was naturally athletic and excelled in various sports, but soon became well known for his speed. It’s not hard to imagine the challenges he would have had to face during the 50’s and 60’s as an African – Canadian competing all over the world, but despite this he excelled in track and field by running and breaking the Canadian record for the 220 yard sprint that was previously held for 30 + years by Percy Williams. He went on to break and meet several records during his running career.  Unfortunately, he was also plagued by several injuries that could have prevented him from achieving his personal goals. He pulled a muscle during the 100 metre semi-finals during the 1960 Olympics in Rome which resulted in his inability to compete in the finals, and then in 1962, he tore his left thigh muscle in the Commonwealth Games in Australia, and it was thought that his injury would prevent … [Read more...]

BBPA to award 14 winners at the 28th Annual Harry Jerome Awards

2010 Harry Jerome Winners

There is an abundance of excellence amongst the black Canadian population and this year the Black Business & Professional Association will be presenting awards to 14 of those black Canadians who represent excellence in business, education, academic, community, technology, arts, athletics and more. The BBPA introduced the winners at the Harry Jerome Awards media launch on Tuesday, March 23 at the Scotia Plaza in Toronto, ON. The winners in each category included: • Academics – Mr. Kwesi Johnson • Athletics – Mr. Aaron Brown • Arts – Mr. Michael Chambers • Business – Ms. Dolores Lawrence • Community Service – Mr. Winston La Rose • Health Sciences – Dr. Lisa Robinson • Leadership – Ms. Saron Gebresellasi • Lifetime Achievement – Mr. Stanley G. Grizzle • Media – Mr. Ron Fanfair • President’s Award – Mr. Hamlin Grange • Professional Excellence – Mr. Akwatu Khenti • Technology & Innovation – Dr. Abdullah K. Kirumira • Trailblazer – Dr. Andrew Knight • Young Entrepreneur – Mr. Thomas Tewoldemedhin The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards celebrates and pays tribute to the outstanding, inspirational and great achievement in the black Canadian community. The awards were established in memory of Harry Jerome, an Olympic athlete, scholar and social advocate. One of the premier track athletes of his time, Harry’s athletic achievements were partnered with scholastic excellence and social consciousness. … [Read more...]