Black Excellence isn’t waiting for permission anymore; It’s redefining Canada

The 2025 Afroglobal Excellence Awards was a declaration. On October 18^th, 2025, the Meridian Centre in North York transformed into a stage celebrating Black brilliance, resilience, and global impact.

Entrepreneurs, community leaders, civic officials, and dignitaries from across the Black, African, and Caribbean Diasporas filled the room, joined by allies from: banking, media, film, education, politics, religion, and sports. Together, they witnessed something extraordinary: a night where the achievements of a people echoed louder than applause.

“The program celebrates leadership and excellence at the national and international levels.”

In the autumn edition of Excellence Magazine, Moses A. Mawa, Publisher and CEO of Afroglobal Television, captured the night’s essence perfectly. “The program celebrates leadership and excellence at the national and international levels,” he wrote. Those words became the heartbeat of an evening that proved excellence is a legacy.

Hosted by Solange Tuyishime Keira, humanitarian, entrepreneur, and founder of Elevate International, the gala honored 15 remarkable individuals whose work transcends boundaries.

Award Highlights

• Martin Luther King Legacy Award – Craig Wellington:
  CEO of the Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), Wellington leads with a mission to strengthen the socio-economic future of Canada’s Black communities.
• Science & Technology Award – Zainab Bukola Abdurrahman:
  The 144th and first Black President of the Ontario Medical Association, breaking ceilings and rewriting the script of representation.
• Entertainment Award – Richard Lawson:
  The veteran Hollywood actor, director, and mentor continues to uplift and educate through decades of creative influence.
• Global Impact Award – Lawrence Muganga:
  As Vice Chancellor of Victoria University in Uganda, Muganga pioneers’ educational technology with a vision rooted in equity.
• Leadership Award – Olutoyin B. Oyelade:
  President of CASA Foundation and Managing Partner at InVcap Corporation, she embodies the intersection of leadership and global development.
• Enterprise Award – Bill Quincy Sandy:
  CEO of QE24 Group, Sandy proves that Black entrepreneurship scales borders and transforms economies.
• Heritage Award – Kizito Musabimana:
  Founder of the Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre (RCHC), Musabimana champions post-conflict healing and diaspora resilience.
• Community Development Award – Wilson Anoff:
  IBEW Journeyperson Electrician and founder of NDC Trades, he electrifies change for the next generation of skilled Black tradespeople.
  
• Renaissance Award – Kathy McDonald:
  Trustee for Peel District School Board, McDonald is an unapologetic advocate for equity in education.
• Professional Achievement Award – Staff Sergeant Don Yirenkyi:
  Head of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Unit and the Hate Crime Prevention Unit at York Regional Police, Yirenkyi bridges law and humanity.
• Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award – Judith R.A. James:
  Founder and CEO of The Beautiful Foundation, she restores dignity for women and families overcoming violence and poverty.
• Visionary Award – Femi Olawale:
  Continental Overseer of RCCG America’s II and Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s Christian College Canada, Olawale inspires faith in action.
• Marcus Garvey Memorial Award – Zsimbah D. Henley:
  Co-founder of One Love Philanthropic Foundation, Henley builds global networks of African empowerment.
• Media Award – Cheryl Nembhard:
  Host of On The Path and longtime co-host of See, Hear, Love, she uses storytelling to heal and ignite dialogue.
• Rising Star Award – Samuel Tita Jr.:
  Entrepreneur, designer, and founder of Black Men’s Style, he leads with authenticity and ambition.
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Emmanuel Ayiku:
  Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Ghanaian News Canada, Ayiku’s decades of journalism preserve truth and voice.

The night pulsed with rhythm and culture. Performances by Melissa Coke (Mel C), Alariwo of Africa, Jade’s Hip Hop Academy, and the Young Legends of Pan captured the spirit of a people in motion.

The 2025 Afroglobal Excellence Awards reframed what leadership looks like in Canada. Each honouree stood as proof that excellence, once marginalized, now commands the center stage.