Honorees – BBA

2023 HONOREES
@
THE BLACK BUSINESS AWARDS

Exceptional And Outstanding Trailblazers

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Alvin Curling

The 1st Black speaker of the Ontario legislative assembly & the 1st Black Canadian to hold a Cabinet position. An advocate for youths & minority issues. Also the longest serving Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario. He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. He played an important role in shaping government policies addressing youth violence and much more nationa-wide.

Community Service Award

Frantz Benjamin

The First Black Canadian in Montreal to be appointed Chairman of the Montreal City Council and currently the Speaker. Respected amongst his colleagues provinces-wide for his record of integrity. He’s an author, a leader by example and a poet. Le 1er Canadien de race noire à être nommé président du Conseil de ville de Montréal. Respecté par tous ses collègues pour son intégrité. Il est aussi poète et auteur.

Professional Award

Elcho Stewart

Founder and President of the Network of Black Business & Professional Women. An insurance and financial security broker with her financial column distributed worldwide. Creator of both the “Femmeonomics-911″ & You’ve Got Money” empowerment seminars. Served as advisory board member with Montreal YMCA Centreville and the Montreal Diet Dispensary. She has helped in establishing a few scholarships.

Leadership Award

Mohamed Salih

The 1st politician of Sudanese origin elected outside of Sudan. Elected at age 28, Salih ran against 4 other candidates and won by a record landslide of 53% despite facing racism, islamaphobia, and other challenges. Presently one of the youngest politicians in Canada. Served in the Canadian Forces, Military Police and later worked at the Canadian Border Services Agency. Advocates for equality for all.

Heritage Award

Kathy Grant

Celebrating Kathy Grant and her team at the Legacy Voices Project, for their work in showcasing the significant contributions of Black Veterans in Canada.

Entrepreneur Award

Ricardo McRae

A trailblazer known for his over 25 years commitment to business, creativity and community. Founder of Black In Canada and Chief Artistic Officer of Wedge15.

Diversity Award

Mary Galvan

An entrepreneur and community leader. Known for her diversity columns with the “Durham Citizen” and “Pride Newspaper”. Also the Executive Producer of the Durham Caribbean Festival.

Youth Empowerment Award

Orlando Bowen

Youth Empowerment Award Orlando Bowen With a mission to inspire people to be Game Changers. He is the founder and Executive Director of One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization.