THE 2024

EXCELLENCE AWARD

RECIPIENTS

Presented By

AFROGLOBAL TELEVISION

Hon. Ahmed Hussen is the Canadian Minister of International Development. First elected as a Member of Parliament for York South—Weston in 2015, Hon. Hussen has held key ministerial roles such as Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion; Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development; and Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. An immigrant from Somalia, he co-founded the Regent Park Community Council, securing a $500 million revitalization project and advocating for 15,000 residents. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. As National President of the Canadian Somali Congress, he strengthened civic engagement. Hon. Hussen holds a law degree from the University of Ottawa and has served on boards supporting education and human rights in developing countries.

Rear-Admiral Olivier is the Director General of Culture at the Department of National Defence. In this role, he is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment by addressing professional misconduct and promoting a culture of respect and accountability. He also champions diversity, serving as the Defence Team Champion for racialized people and leading initiatives to enhance employment equity and combat anti-Black racism. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, Rear-Admiral Olivier joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986 from Montreal, Quebec. He is the first Black member of the Canadian Armed Forces to reach the rank of General Officer. Over his career, he has excelled as a naval officer and systems engineer, earning accolades for his leadership and commitment to innovation while inspiring future generations to achieve their full potential.

Professor Njoki Wane is a distinguished scholar and educator specializing in Black Feminisms, African Indigenous knowledges, and anti-Black racism education. She has served as Chair of the Department of Social Justice Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. Njoki has published four books, 18 edited volumes, and numerous articles and has presented her research at over 300 conferences globally, often as a keynote speaker. From 2011 to 2014, she was the University of Toronto's Special Advisor on Status of Women Issues and later served as a Special Advisor on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Njoki has also directed the Center for Integrative Anti-Racism Studies and is currently Co-Director of the Center for Black Studies in Education. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Equity Studies from OISE, University of Toronto.

Wes Williams, also known as Maestro Fresh Wes, is a legendary Canadian rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and author who made history as the first rap artist to have a song inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also a 2024 Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and a recipient of the 2024 Governor General Lifetime Achievement Award. His iconic single “Let Your Backbone Slide” was the first rap recording to achieve Gold and Platinum status, establishing it as a seminal classic. Wes is recognized for his role as teacher/vice principal Paul Dwyer in CBC’s sitcom “Mr. D.” He authored the motivational book “Stick to Your Vision” and presented at TED Talks in 2013 and 2017. Additionally, Wes has written theme songs for the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2015 and 2016 Pan Am Games.

Dr. Nadine Wong is the CEO of the Alabaster Wellness Clinic and a certified homeopath and wellness practitioner specializing in the causation of ailments through the body's symptoms and hair mineral analysis. An immigrant from Jamaica, she has called Canada home for over 30 years. Dr. Wong holds a medical diploma in homeopathic medicine, Ph.D. degrees in trichology and cosmetology, and four master's degrees. A board-certified member of organizations, she creates homeopathic medicines, mineral supplements, and cosmetic products to promote health and wellness. Dr. Wong has received many awards, including the International Women Achievers Award. In 2010, she founded the Alabaster Gate Children’s Charity, to provide education and life skills.

Chazz Okparanta is the President & CEO of Chazz Capital Assets and Chazz Financial Inc., a distinguished leader in the insurance and wealth management industry. With over a decade of experience, he has transformed Chazz Financial into a trusted name by prioritizing client success, innovation, and community involvement since immigrating to Canada in 2012. He won the national quality award through Advocis, multiple underwriting growth awards, and recognition for outstanding client service. Chazz holds the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) designations for his industry expertise. Beyond business, he supports youth sports and cultural development.

Orlando Bowen is a transformational leader, speaker, and community advocate, who empowers people in discovering their purpose. As the Founder and Executive Director of One Voice, One Team Youth Leadership Organization, he has impacted over 400,000 youth and business leaders across five continents. He sits on the Board of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. A former professional football player, Orlando mentors business leaders and high performers and guides youth. Orlando's contributions have earned him accolades, including induction into the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame, the African Canadian Achievement Award, the Harry Jerome Award, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Canadian Speakers Hall of Fame. Orlando’s personal journey as a survivor of police brutality underscores his advocacy for justice and inclusion.

Jenny A. Gumbs is a certified adjudicator and senior consultant to the Caribbean for a Canadian college, forging partnerships with governments and educational institutions. A former Consul General accredited to Canada, she proudly served her community while fulfilling a challenging mandate. She is involved in several community organizations, serving as Honorary Co-Chair of The University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala, President of Tropicana Community Services, and a member of the Governance Committee. A passionate supporter of the sickle cell community, she has worked with the sickle cell association of Grenada and served as chair of the sickle cell disease association of Canada. Ms. Gumbs has received several awards, including the BBPA Harry Jerome Award for Advocacy, and was recognized as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2016.

Stachen Lett-Frederick is the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto. She is also the Founder of BrAIDS for AIDS, a not-for-profit organization that raises awareness of HIV/AIDS in African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Canada and internationally through culturally relevant hair braiding practices. From 2016 to 2024, she served as the Executive Director of Weston Frontlines Centre, a youth charity in one of Ontario’s poorest ridings. Stachen emphasizes relationship-building and skill development for children and youth. Her work has been recognized by L’Oréal Paris as a Top 10 Women of Worth in Canada. She is a grant writer and facilitator, passionate about connecting with youth and fostering positive change. She won a scholarship for her Executive MBA at Ivey Business School.

Dr. Macaulay Onyekachi Obasi Kalu is the Secretary General of the African Union’s 6th Region. Before, he was Chairman of the African Union 6th Region Canada. With over 25 years of experience, he is a leadership advisor in management, diplomatic relations, coaching, and conflict resolution. Dr. Kalu has excelled as an executive, and is known for cultivating the Sixth Region process of the African Union for over two decades. Dr. Kalu is also an elected Policy Advisor on Diaspora Affairs for the Americas to the African Union Commission. His extensive academic background includes degrees in Business Administration, Executive Leadership, and Counseling, along with a Doctorate in Divinity. He has received numerous awards for his leadership contributions across multiple industries, including media, real estate, and tourism.

Bishop (Dr.) Ransford Jones is the Chairman of the Canadian Black Clergies & Allies, whose advocacy work is to dismantle anti-Black racism in Canadian society. He spent over twenty years in the automotive industry, reaching executive roles at multinational corporations like Toyota and Hyundai. An entrepreneur, leadership strategist, and certified executive coach, Dr. Jones founded Destiny Gospel Centre Church in Markham, Ontario, and is the lead pastor in 2014. He has served as Chairman of the Canadian Jamaican Diaspora Christian Alliance and is a director of the York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities. His accolades include the 2021 Harry Jerome Award for Leadership and the 2024 EFCCC Dr. Martin Luther King Award for Community Development. He is the author of Principles & Practices of Productive Leadership.

Gary Skinner is a passionate, visionary and founding team leader of Watoto Ministries, which includes Watoto Church, child care ministries, children's choir, and living hope initiative. Together with his wife Marilyn, he co-founded Watoto as Kampala Pentecostal Church (KPC) in Uganda's capital in 1984. Under his leadership, Watoto Church has grown into a thriving community with over 27,000 weekly attendees across 15 campuses in Uganda and South Sudan. Today, Watoto reaches more than 1 million viewers through online and on-air services. The Watoto Children’s Choir, known worldwide, has toured globally, showcasing the talents of orphaned children and sharing their inspiring stories. He has played a pivotal role in empowering thousands of vulnerable individuals through initiatives aimed at healing and rebuilding Uganda. 

Alfons Adetuyi is a director, producer, and President of Inner City Films. With over 25 years in the industry, he has made a diverse array of programming, including features, documentaries, and drama series such as the Canada/South Africa co-productions Ekhaya: A Family Chronicle, Jozi H, and Love Jacked, which streamed globally on Netflix. Alfons' work has been sold to over 60 countries, with credits such as High Chicago, Skin Deep, and Survivors. Indie Wire featured Alfons as a Black Filmmaker to Watch and Reelworld awarded him the 2021 Visionary Award. A member of the Directors Guild and a founding partner of the KIC Group, Alfons is currently in pre-production for Dreams of the Moon and developing the sci-fi series Rio Ten.

Jade Jager Clark is the owner and artistic director of Jade's Hip Hop Academy, a dance studio she founded in 2006 at the age of 18. Over her 19-year career, she has provided tens of thousands of youth across Ontario with affordable access to dance lessons, focusing on the history, technique, and vocabulary of Hip Hop and street dance styles. Her Academy has gained national recognition, featuring on major platforms such as Ellen DeGeneres, YTV, and CBC. Jade has attracted the attention of celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Missy Elliot. Her company has delivered halftime shows for major sporting events and collaborated with TIFF, Microsoft and others. She is dedicated to preserving the heritage of African American dance styles for future generations, making her academy one of a kind worldwide.

Oyin Oladejo is an acclaimed actress known for her impactful performances in film and television. She has appeared in notable productions such as Star Trek: Discovery (CBS), Hudson & Rex (Shaftesbury), and Endlings (CBC/Hulu). Oyin's film credits include The Village Keeper (levelFILM and CBC) and The Call to the Void (Zargara Productions). In addition to her screen work, she is currently portraying Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Oyin's extensive theatre experience includes performances in Three Sisters (Soulpepper), American Son (Drayton), and A Doll’s House (Soulpepper), among others. She was nominated for the Canadian Screen Awards for Performance in a Leading Role, Drama; for her brilliant work in Orah, a film by Lonzo Nzekwe, about a grieving mother's quest to bring her son's killers to justice.

Superintendent Keith Merith (Ret) is a law enforcement professional with experience in police operations, administration, and leadership. Keith held roles with York Regional Police Service, including unit commander in Court Services and organized crime. He earned a Justice Studies Degree from the University of Guelph Humber, a diploma in Law Enforcement and Security Administration from Humber Institute, and Police Leadership training at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. As past president of the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.), Keith has championed diversity and outreach efforts. He is also the co-founder of the Citizenship Initiative Group, aiding permanent residents in becoming Canadian citizens, and author of A Darker Shade of Blue: A Police Officer's Memoir.