RECIPIENTS OF THE 2019
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Saturday, October 19th 2019, Meridian Arts Centre, Toronto, Canada
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The 2019
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
LEGACY AWARD
Denham Jolly
Business Executive, Author
& Founder of FLOW 9.35 FM
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Denham Jolly is a distinguished businessman, philanthropist, author, civil rights activist and community advocate. A graduate of McGill University, he served as Founder, President & CEO of Canada’s first Black-owned commercial radio station, FLOW 93.5 in Toronto, and a major partner at Bounce 97.1 FM in Edmonton. In 1982, Jolly founded the Black Business Professional Association (BBPA) and the Harry Jerome Awards, serving as its first President. In August 2019, Jolly paid off the outstanding mortgage of the Jamaican Canadian Association a $312,000 donation. He is sponsoring a soccer team for boys under 12 in Regent Park, Toronto.
Jolly was the publisher and financial backer for the Contrast weekly newspaper, served as Toronto International Film Festival Director and owner of Tyndall Nursing Homes. He owned properties, including a Days Inn Hotel, medical laboratories and other nursing homes. Jolly received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal; Diamond Jubilee Medal; Canada's 125th Confederation Medal and is named in Who’s Who of Canada. In 2017, the City of Toronto named the “Jolly Way” street in his honour. In October 2017, he won the Toronto Book Award for his memoir “In the Black: My Life”. He receives the 2019 Martin Luther King Legacy Award at the Afroglobal Excellence Awards gala.
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The 2019
ENTERTAINMENT AWARD
Ramsey Nouah
Esteemed Movie Star &
Nollywood Producer
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Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah is one of the leading movie stars in Nigeria’s Nollywood, the world’s second largest film industry after India’s Bollywood.
He shot to the limelight for his role as Jeff in the soap opera Fortunes, a smash hit. In 1996, he made his movie debut. In 2004, he starred in
Dangerous Twins
, and his stellar performance of two roles as a good and bad twin, projected him as a multi-layered actor. Ramsey has since appeared in over 160 films, often starring as the lead actor. He has been called
"lover boy”
for his leading-man roles in romantic films.
One of Africa's greatest actors of all time, Ramsey has sold millions of movies and tends to always be a Box Office hit. He has won awards for his contributions to the global African entertainment industry. In 2010, he won Best Actor Award at the African Movie Academy Awards for his performance in
The Figurine
(2009). His burning desire to add to the growth of Nollywood and African cinema led to his founding of the Ramsey Films production company. He was the lead star in the 2016 award-winning film
'76
, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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The 2019
LIFETIME
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Hon. Zanana Akande
First Black Female Minister &
Member of Provincial Parliament
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The Honourable Zanana Akande is the first woman of African descent to be elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1990. In her appointment as Minister of Community and Social Services, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to hold a cabinet position in all of Canada. She helped shape public policy for marginalized women and led social welfare reform transformed women in shelters. Her efforts enabled the passing of Ontario’s first mandatory Employment Equity Legislation brought protection to women in the workplace.
Before politics, Zanana served as a Toronto public school principal. She co-founded Tiger Lily, the first magazine in Ontario that featured the aspirations and experiences of women of colour. She served as President of Harbourfront Centre and on the boards of the YWCA and Centennial College. She served as President of Urban Alliance On Race Relations, and the Canadian Alliance Of Black Educators. She has supported the United Way of Greater Toronto, the Family Services Association, and the Elizabeth Fry Society. Zanana receives the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program in Canada.
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The 2019
RISING STAR AWARD
Amanda Parris
Host, Reporter & Producer
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
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Amanda Parris serves as host, reporter & producer at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). She
writes weekly for CBC Arts, hosts three CBC TV shows, namely The Vaults, The Filmmakers and Arts: Exhibitionists. She is the host of Marvin’s Room on CBC Radio. Her play, ‘The Other Side Of The Game’ rose to critical acclaim in 2017, now published by Playwrights Canada Press. She has worked as an educator, researcher, actor and community organizer. She is the co-founder of the alternative education organization Lost Lyrics. She has worked on The Remix Project and the Manifesto Festival.
As a public speaker, Amanda has delivered keynotes at summits and festivals, including U.N. conferences. She completed her B.A. Honours degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies at York University, and her M.A. in the Sociology of Education at the University of Toronto. She studied writing and acting at B Current Anitafrika Dub Theatre, and The Lee Strasberg Institute of Film and Theatre. She was playwright in residence at Cahoots Theatre and Alameda Theatre. Amanda receives the 2019 Rising Star Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
MARCUS GARVEY
MEMORIAL AWARD
Dr. Carl E. James
Professor, York University
Jean Augustine Chair in
Education, Community & Diaspora
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Dr. Carl Everton James is a Professor and the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora in the Faculty of Education, York University, where he is also the Affirmative Action, Equity & Inclusivity Officer. Dr. James is recognized internationally as an outstanding youth studies, race and ethnic relations, social justice, and education scholar. A sociologist and former youth worker, his eminence is evidenced by his formidable contributions, which appear in 20 books, more than 140 journal articles, book chapters, research reports, and conference papers.
In 2012, Dr. James was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), one of the highest recognitions a Canadian scholar can achieve in the Arts, Humanities and Science; and in 2006, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Uppsala University, Sweden, where for 17 years, he has been a visiting Course Director in the Department of Teacher Training. James is a highly respected educator, mentor and teacher, particularly to the more than 100 doctoral and masters degree students he has supervised over the years. Dr. Carl receives the 2019 Marcus Garvey Memorial Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
VISIONARY AWARD
Dr. Babatope Agbeyo
Group Chairman
Cornfield Group Of Companies
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Dr. Babatope Agbeyo is the Chairman of Cornfield Group of Companies. He has established Media Concepts International, Cornfield Transnational, Botosoft Technologies and FOAM Studio. A graduate of Dramatic Arts from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Nigeria, Agbeyo holds a Master’s Degree in Media and Communications from Birmingham City University in the UK. He established Media Concept in 2005 to provide tailored and strategic solutions to major examination boards in West Africa, including; WAEC, JAMB and NECO. He caters to a combined total of over 3.5 million users a year.
Media Concepts developed enterprise solutions for a National Police Force positioned to cater to over 150 million people. Cornfield Transnational developed a patented, built-in scientific mathematical set known as KAPEK, which has over 400 functions. Dr. Agbeyo received the Outstanding Enterprise Award at the 5th Commonwealth Africa Summit in London and Honorary Doctorate degree from Joseph Ayo Babalola University. He was named by TOP 10 magazine as Man Of The Year 2017. Dr. Agbeyo receives the prestigious 2019 Visionary Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards.
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The 2019
PROFESSIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Anthony Stephen Benjamin
Lawyer & Managing Director
Benjamin Law
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Anthony Stephen Benjamin is a practicing Lawyer and Managing Director of Benjamin Law, which has three branches in the Toronto area. He established Benjamin Law, a firm that specializes in Motor Vehicle Accidents, Long-Term Disability, Wrongful Dismissal and Real Estate. He started his practice based on the belief that every person, of every background, should be properly represented. Prior to establishing his firm, Anthony worked with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), where he advised on pension plans and regulations. He was also a principal legal consultant at Mercer.
During his time at FSCO, Anthony observed treatment the injured got from insurance companies. This prompted him to act for those who might be intimidated by the complex world of personal injury law. He believes that major tools against disadvantages in life involve education, knowledge and hard work. He encourages business development and supports initiatives that foster the entrepreneurship. Anthony receives the 2019 Professional Achievement Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
RENAISSANCE AWARD
Itah Sadu
Co-Founder & Principal
A Different Booklist Cultural Centre
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Itah Sadu is the Co-Founder and Principal at a Different Booklist. A dynamic entrepreneur and community builder, she is also the Founder of ‘Walk With Excellence’, for schools in Toronto, and Founding Member of the annual Underground Freedom Ride in celebration of Emancipation Day. A true renaissance woman, Itah is a bestselling children’s author, whose books are used by schools for curriculum and adapted to film.
A great contributor to the Canadian publishing sector, she is also a Founding Member of the My People Literary Awards and of the Black Book Affair.
Itah created the Fresh Elements program, designed for youth to develop technical and production skills in cultural industries. She collaborated with school boards, colleges and universities to provide opportunities for youth and educators to be exposed to diverse educational and artistic experiences, involving Nobel Peace Prize presentations in the TDSB by African Diaspora Scientists. She holds a BA degree in Political Science from York University. Itah Sadu receives the 2019 Renaissance Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Olusola Orifa
Founder & President
CLI College of Business,
Health and Technology
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Olushola Orifa is the Founder and President of CLI College of Business Health and Technology, a private Career College licenced in Ontario and Alberta. He has two corporate and one franchise campuses in Toronto; as well as two campuses in Edmonton and Calgary in Alberta. The institution has been in operations for 24 years. He previously worked as a banker, before shifting focus to empower Canada’s workforce. A distinguished leader who is dedicated to the success of his students and staff, he is committed to community transformation through high impact initiatives.
As an educator with a master’s degree in Adult Education; worked with the Toronto district school board and the City of Toronto for 16 years. He has served in the Board of Directors of the Parkdale community health center as well as other community organizations within the Greater Toronto Area. In September 2019 CLI College, received Alberta Avenue Business Recognition award for excellent service provided to the people of Alberta Avenue and the public in general. Orifa receives the prestigious 2019 Leadership Awars from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Dr. Sheridan Cyrus
Dentist & Founder
Sheridan Cyrus Dentistry
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Dr. Sheridan Cyrus attended Dalhousie University, where he obtained a dentistry degree. He opened his practice in Malvern in 1991. He has contributed to many scholarship programs, including the Association of Black Law Enforcers Scholarship and the Church of the Nativity Scholarship for many years. He has a scholarship endowment at the Dalhousie University Dental School, which is awarded annually in his name. His diverse team, which speaks more than 12 languages, uses ultra-modern technology with in-house orthodontic services in Scarborough.
Over the years, Dr. Cyrus has volunteered in various capacities at the Malvern Family Resource Centre and served as Chairman of the Board. There is a donor award in his name at the Malvern Family Resource Centre. His latest projects are helping with the rehabilitation program for Prisoners in Grenada and Dominica; and helping with Smiles GCP, an organisation that provides free dental care to people in Grenada. Dr. Sheridan Cyrus receives the prestigious Science and Technology Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
ENTERPRISE AWARD
Jai Waterman
Co- Founder, Chief Technical Officer
& Chief Enterprise Architect, Blockstation Inc.
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Jai Waterman is the Co- Founder, Chief Technical Officer & Chief Enterprise Architect at Blockstation Inc. He has excelled in software development, enterprise architecture and technology optimization. He engineers technology to evolve organizations out of legacy systems to adopt turnkey solutions. Jai develops the technology for organizations to compete. Blockstation has deployed it’s suite of products to Stock Exchanges, Depositories, Financial Institutions and Regulators. Jai invented Cross Company Automation for data exchange across many organizations.
Jai’s expertise in enterprise architecture and software development has created a unique blockchain and digital assets space, where exchanges are inclusive, attractive, competitive and accessible. Prior to Blockstation, Jai founded CloudDunk, an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) cloud company, with customers across 12 industries under one flexible platform. CloudDunk serves customers in 12 industries, including Diamonds and Jewellery, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Mortgage and Finance, Property Management, and not-for-profit organisations. Jai Waterman receives the 2019 Enterprise Award from the Afroglobal Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
MEDIA AWARD
Phina Brooks
Founder & President
Phinchic Productions Inc.
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Phina Brooks is the Founder & President of Phinchic Productions, a film and television company. She is the host and producer of Afro-X, a television program on OMNI TV. One of the pioneers of the Nollywood movie industry, she was inducted into Nollywood’s Who’s Who in 2011. She hosted Youth Scene, a television program in Nigeria, acted in many drama series and participated in television commercials with Swift Productions and the Nigerian Television Authority. Phina has worked on many Hollywood projects, TV commercials, music videos and political campaigns.
Phina graduated from Southern Alberta Institute Of Technology in the Cinema, Stage, Television and Radio Program with academic distinction in 2003. She then graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies in 2006. She has received accolades for advancing African culture, including Best Director and Producer for her movie “Missing Link” in 2011; Outstanding Business Woman Award from the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in 2016; and the Black History Person Of The Year 2012 in Edmonton. She receives the 2019 Media Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
NELSON MANDELA
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
All Nations International
Development Agency
Samuel Donkor Jr.,
Executive Director
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All Nations International Development Agency (ANIDA), was founded in 1997 by Dr. Samuel Donkor and Rev. Rose Donkor. Today, Samuel Donkor Jr. is the Executive Director and Dr. Albert Gyimah is Chairman of the Board. ANIDA’s work in Africa, the Caribbean and Canada involves providing skills and empowerment of underserved communities. It believes that all children have the right to education, regardless of their background, gender or country of origin. It has sponsored over 500 children in Ghana and Jamaica. The sponsorship includes tuition, nutrition and family aid. ANIDA has helped to establish All Nations University in Ghana, which was responsible for sending the GhanaSat-1 satellite into orbit in 2017, the first in Africa.
ANIDA Women’s Development Centre is a resource network for women seeking to upgrade their skills. It has offered academic and vocational programs to over 2800 women in Ghana. The School of Continuing Education offers literacy, skills development, computer training, business classes and others. ANIDA hosts food banks in Toronto, serving over 100 individuals and families per week. In the wake of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, ANIDA partnered with Global Medic to provide disaster relief. The 2019 Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program is presented to ANIDA.
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The 2019
GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD
George H. Moses
Executive Director
North East Area Development Inc.
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George H. Moses is the Executive Director of North East Area Development Inc. (NEAD), a member of the Neighborhood Preservation Coalition of New York State. For over 30 years, he has worked in community development. He has proven leadership, guidance, and service, evidenced by his strong commitment at all community levels. NEAD’s mission is to improve the quality of life of residents in the North East area of the City of Rochester. He is also the Executive Director of Group 14621 Community Association, which advocates for lasting community transformation.
A graduate of Monroe Community College, George served in the United States Navy. Today, he is taking his model of community development, which is focused on family, education, housing and economic empowerment to Canada, Ghana and beyond. He has served as a contributor to the Democrat and Chronicles’ Editorial Board. He received the 2003 Monroe County Democratic Committee Volunteer Of The Year Award, ABC’s Lena Gantt Award, the MCC Alumni Award, Beechwood Leadership Award, and the City of Rochester Unsung Heroes Award. He receives the 2019 Global Impact Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program in Canada.
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The 2019
HERITAGE AWARD
Marjorie Taylor
Director and Past President
United Achievers Club
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Marjorie Taylor was born in Jamaica, and immigrated to Canada in 1969. She served as President of United Achievers’ Club, now as Director and Chair of it’s Celebrity Chef - Men Who Cook initiative. In the Kiwanis Club of Brampton, she was President from 2013 to 2015, and remained an active member. She has volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society since 1993. Marjorie currently serves on the William Osler Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and the Peel Regional Police Black Advisory Committee.
She attended Duff's Business College in Kingston, and Ryerson University in Toronto, where she studied Human Resources. Marjorie worked at the Metropolitan Toronto Library, Women’s College Hospital and Peel Memorial Hospital. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Spelling Bee of Canada Certificate of Recognition (2008), Ontario Volunteer Award, the 2015 Brampton Citizen Of The Year Award, and the 2019 Mayor’s Black History Legacy Award. Marjorie receives the 2019 Heritage Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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The 2019
COMMUNITY
SERVICE AWARD
Ron Cunningham
Founder & President
Citizens For The Advancement
Of Community Development
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Ron Cunningham is the Founder and President of Citizens For The Advancement Of Community Development (CACD), a charity committed to changing the lives of at rick youth through programs that serve their unique needs, develop leadership skills and foster civic participation. An accountant by profession, Ron worked in the financial sector for over 20 years. He worked in the Chief Accountant and Corporate Finance divisions of Bank of Montreal, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Bank of Nova Scotia, Banca Commerciale Italiana of Canada and Royal Bank of Canada.
As a social innovator, he has impacted many lives in his after-school, leadership, mentoring, youth justice and health programs. They experience improved academic achievements, self-confidence, social networking, volunteering, and participation. In 2005, he was awarded a Peace Medallion by the YMCA. He received the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, Ontario Volunteer Service Award, and the City of Mississauga Civic Award. Ron holds degrees in Economics and Accounting from York University, with designations in banking (AICB), and management (CIM). He receives the 2019 Community Service Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.
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This event is has changed from banquet style to theatre style, just like the Oscar and Grammy awards! Although there is no dinner, this remains a glitzy red carpet affair with cocktails, entertainment and the awards show. And of course it is cheaper now.
TICKETS
NOW ON
SALE
THE 2019
AFROGLOBAL EXCELLENCE
AWARDS GALA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19TH
Tickets are on sale now for the 2019 Afroglobal Excellence Awards gala, presented by the 24-hour Afroglobal Television channel. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th at the Meridian Arts Centre, (formerly the Toronto Centre For The Arts), 5040 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada. The event celebrates leadership and excellence at the national and international level.
Since 2004
, the red carpet awards gala has honoured achievers and brought together people of African background and others of goodwill, to celebrate inspiring success stories. Headliners and Keynote speakers have included, Dr. Bernice King, CEO of the King Centre and daughter of Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior; legendary South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka; and Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
Past recipients
of the awards include The Right Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, first female Prime Minister of Jamaica; Kevin Williams, President and Managing Director of General Motors Canada; Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate; Hon. Jean Augustine, Former Minister and Fairness Commissioner; Douglas Orane, Chairman of Grace Foods; Daniel Igali, Olympic Gold Medalist and Isaiah Washington, Hollywood Star. The event has also recognised African movie starts including Majid Michel, RMD, Desmond Elliott and Jackie Appiah among others.
GALA HIGHLIGHTS
Date
: Saturday, October 19th 2019
Awards
: Red Carpet Reception 7:00 PM, 8 Awards 8.00 PM
Venue
: Meridian Arts Centre, formerly the Toronto Arts Centre
Address
:
5040 Yonge Street Toronto
Tickets
: $80 each (Reception & theatre seating only)
Buy at:
www.ticketmaster.ca or at www.AfroglobalTelevision.com
Sponsors
have included Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Chevrolet, TD Bank, Canadian Armed Forces, York Regional Police, Ethiopian Airlines, Dream Maker Realty, Sterling Dental, FreshCo Supermarket, Mosaic Foods, Skye Bank, Bank of Montreal, Western Union, OMNI Television and MoneyGram International. Sponsorship opportunities still available.
Afroglobal Television
, a 24-hour global super channel, presents the awards gala with other partners. The sixteen recipients of each year are
role models
for youth in the Crossover Mentorship Program. All Planet Africa or Excellence Award recipients are profiled in special editions of Excellence Magazine. They are also spotlighted in inspirational programming on the Afroglobal Television channel.
Inquiries
: (416) 650-6424 | Tel: (416) 247-5777 |
info@afroglobaltelevision.com | www.AfroglobalTelevision.com
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