Citizens for Advancement of Community Development hosts International Decade for People of African Descent Excellence Gala

BY PAUL JUNOR

On Saturday, November 9^th, 2024, the Citizens for Advancement of Community Development (CACD) hosted a memorable and inspiring Excellence Gala at the Mississauga Convention Centre. The event brought together a diverse audience, including former politicians, civic and community leaders, business professionals, and distinguished guests from across the Black, African, Caribbean, and broader Canadian communities. The evening was filled with moments of empowerment, celebration, and meaningful interactions as attendees engaged, networked, and reflected on shared histories and collective futures.

In a press release issued on October 16^th, 2024, CACD described the Excellence Gala as “the highlight of the year,” emphasizing that the event would not only be a celebration but also a powerful platform for social justice and equity. The theme of the evening, “Ubuntu”—meaning “I am because we are”—captured the essence of the gathering: together we honor the past, celebrate the present, and champion a future rooted in recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent. The gala also served as a moment of reflection and action for a more equitable future, coinciding with the ongoing International Decade for People of African Descent, a global initiative extended by the Government of Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a message featured in the gala’s program, praised the event as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity and culture of African Canadians. He also acknowledged the many contributions that Canadians of African descent continue to make in all areas of society. “This event highlights the richness and diversity of African culture,” he stated, “and celebrates the invaluable role that African Canadians play in shaping our nation.”

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Edith Dumont, also expressed her support, noting, “Events like this remind us of all the great work being done to ensure that every individual has the chance to succeed and be valued. By addressing challenges around equity and access, we move closer to creating a society where all voices are heard, and everyone can thrive. The efforts of CACD are crucial in advancing these goals, and I commend their dedication to fostering positive change and growth within our communities.”

The evening’s entertainment was nothing short of spectacular. Master of Ceremonies Chris Hayles kicked off the evening with a captivating performance of the iconic Candy Man, invoking memories of the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. The talented Liberty Silver then took the stage with a vibrant jazz performance, blending genres like R&B and reggae, engaging the audience in a way that was both energetic and deeply personal.

A highlight of the evening was the fashion show featuring stunning African and Caribbean-inspired designs by Stephanie Olurunfemi, CEO of Ninies, one of Canada’s leading fashion influencers. The show celebrated the beauty and diversity of cultural attire, showcasing the richness of African and Caribbean heritage. Another special moment was a moving performance by the Heritage Singers, founded by Grace Carter-Henry Lyon in 1997, who performed a selection of Jamaican folk songs that resonated deeply with the Jamaican community in the audience.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Greg Fergus, Canada’s first Black Speaker of the House of Commons, appointed in October 2023. Fergus’s speech was both inspirational and motivational, touching on themes of leadership, resilience, and the importance of building an inclusive future for all Canadians. He shared powerful quotes that left a lasting impact on the audience, including: “Let’s do what we can with what we have,” “If you try something, you might succeed,” and “Let’s build a Canada that, in 50 years, our kids will look back on with pride.”

The gala also honored several outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to their respective fields. The recipients of this year’s prestigious awards included:

• Distinguished Public Service Award: Hon. Dr. Alvin Curling, Former Speaker of the Ontario Legislature and Canadian Ambassador to Haiti, recognized for his leadership and dedication to public service.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black female Member of Parliament and a tireless advocate for the recognition of Black History Month.
• Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Mrs. Pauline Christian, CEO of EFCCC and founder of MLKConnexus, recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to business excellence.
• Community Leadership Award: Mrs. Harriett Thornhill, a senior leader at RBC and Chancellor of Tyndale University, acknowledged for her outstanding leadership and community engagement.
• Media and Communications Award: Afroglobal Television, a premier channel celebrating African heritage and diasporic programming.
• Outstanding Service and Leadership Award: Mr. Wesley McKenzie, a social justice advocate who empowers marginalized communities.
• Ally of the Year Award: Dr. Sam Lanfranco, for his support of international development initiatives bridging communities in Canada and Tanzania.
• Solidarity Award: David Walsh, a real estate investor with a deep commitment to urban planning and community development.
• Community Partnership Award: Russell Pooley, Community Development Coordinator with the City of Mississauga, recognized for his work with the Carassauga Festival and Peel Multicultural Council.
• Philanthropy Award: RBC Foundation, recognized for its generous support of education, health, arts, and sustainability initiatives.

A particularly moving moment of the evening came when Mrs. Sona Cunningham, a founding member of CACD and the wife of Ron Cunningham, was recognized for her unwavering dedication and support of CACD’s mission over the years. This heartfelt recognition underscored the importance of community-building and the lasting impact of individual contributions.

The Excellence Gala was not just a celebration but a call to action—an evening that inspired attendees to continue the important work of advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for all people of African descent in Canada and beyond. As the evening ended, the collective spirit of Ubuntu remained, a reminder that together, we are stronger and can build a brighter, more inclusive future.