100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women book inspiring young black girls to achieve the unimaginable

BY: JELANI GRANT 

Quite literally presenting the tremendous impact black women have on Canadian advancement, the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women held their second gala at the Woodbine Banquet Hall. In addition to their book launch, the gala celebrated the successes of 100 black women across Canada who have made historic achievements, impacting the communities they work in.

The first gala was held in 2016, recognizing another 100 black women who are still doing their part to improve Canadian communities. “We did 2016 and it was so successful we said we had to do it again…Black Canadian women are resilient, hard-working, committed and contributors to Canadian society,” said the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.

The project continues to spotlight the accomplishments of black Canadian women who are from different walks of life and regions across Canada. The book, created by Dr. Augustine, Dauna Jones-Simmonds, and Dr. Denise O’Neil Green, was made with the intention of acknowledging the accomplishments of black Canadian women from various industries not limited to but including government, not-for-profits, financial, legal, real estate, health, education, entertainment, and fine arts professions.

Emcees for the night were two black women who deserved recognition for their own accomplishments. A Different Booklist co-owner Itah Sadu and PACE Canada President Sandra Whiting orchestrated the night, entertaining guests while proving that the list of honourees needed to be at least 102 black Canadian women.

More than 40 volunteers assisted with seating guests, serving food, selling the 100 ABC book, and organizing the 100 honourees into groups to be presented on stage. Co-authors of the book stood on stage to congratulate each woman who has done their part to contribute to their respective industries. Honourees included Dr. Lynn Jones, Chair of the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Global African X Congress, whom recently wrote a children’s ABC book about reparations. The first of its kind and written by children in Nova Scotia, the book is currently scheduled to be released in 2019.

Supporting Toronto’s leading health technology businesses, Dr. Linda Maxwell is recognized for founding the Biomedical Zone, a first-in-class, a hospital-embedded business incubator for emerging health technology companies. Since it’s inception in 2015, the Biomedical Zone has supported more than 160 innovators, facilitated for start-up companies in excess of $15 million in private investment and engaged in 25 hospital innovation projects. She also works with black youth as old as 30 in the Community Empowering Enterprises Centre for Young Black Professionals.

Aina-Nia Ayo’dele has made history as the Project Lead and Consultant for the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, the first initiative of its kind operated through the City of Toronto. Ayo’dele is also the founder of the Sacred Leadership Training which focuses on self-love and self-knowledge in encouraging successful graduates of the program to reach their full potential.

Noreen Callender’s volunteer work has been consistently impactful for more than 30 years. She has broken barriers by becoming the first female general manager of the Scarborough Caribbean Sports Club. Callender has produced masquerade bands with Jessie Matthews and volunteered with steel bands and bandleaders as a member of the Board of the Festival Management. Notably, her largest volunteering passion is directed at the Church of Nativity in Malvern, where she is known for leading the first youth group, organizing retreats, meetings, and events.

Also recognized for her mentorship and developing the musical talents of youth for decades, Yvonne Francis was another honouree highlighted during the gala. Chair of Dance Immersion and co-founder of Toronto’s famed youth-oriented Ngoma Drum and Dance Ensemble, Francis created a space for youth interested in African drum & dance before it became as highly regarded, in the city, as it is now. Dance Immersion has supported dancers of the African Diaspora since 1994. These are just a few of the women who continuously contribute to their communities through strong leadership and passionate commitment to their cause.

Representing TD Canada as the Platinum sponsor, Karen Richards spoke on the importance of 100 ABC Women recognizing accomplished figures from so many different fields. “This is a bunch of stories from role models that these young women can look up to and be inspired by whatever path they choose to pursue. Representation in every industry means the choir of voices expands which means opportunity for new ideas and new solutions,” Richards said.

Talented artists such as Ken Lewis, Lee-Anne Lyon-Bartley, and the Pan Fantasy Steel Band provided musical entertainment. Eddie Bullen and his son Quincy also provided musical accompaniment throughout the night and during the presentation of the honorees. The night concluded with a dance party instrumented by DJ Courtjester.

The gala also honored a number of posthumous ‘Sheroes’ including the former Executive Director of the Harriet Tubman Community Organization Andria Christine Walcott who passed away Feb. 28, 2017. Also known as Ekua Akala by the community, Walcott was instrumental in the creation of the Matanga Festival, which celebrated African culture through music, yoga, healing circles and workshops.

Each honoree was chosen through a nomination process. After submitting their nominations electronically, individuals were able to nominate others. It was also made possible for women to self-nominate. “For me, black women are trailblazers, sheroes, innovators, and caring of their communities…[they] have to survive in an environment where there are challenges almost on a daily basis,” Simmonds said.

The 100 ABC Women book has been acknowledged by Prime Minister Trudeau as, “An admirable initiative worthy of respect and recognition” and has become a milestone for young black Canadian girls to strive for in only a few years since its inception. For anyone who was unable to purchase the book during the gala, the book can still be ordered online through the 100 ABC Women website.