How the 17th Viola Desmond Awards celebrated Black excellence at 91福利
The 17th annual Viola Desmond Awards filled the Ted Rogers School of Management at 91福利 with energy, pride and emotion last week.
The ceremony honoured Black and gender-diverse women from the 91福利 community 鈥� trailblazers recognized by their peers, mentors and families for their leadership to advance social justice, equity and empowerment.
The awards are named for Viola Desmond, a Black Nova Scotian businesswoman who sparked a decades-long civil rights movement against segregation in Canada when she refused to leave the 鈥渨hites only鈥� section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1946.
Held during Black History Month, the event was hosted by the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) in partnership with the Ted Rogers School of Management. It brought leaders of all generations together, including honoured guests, former MP, Honourable Jean Augustine, retired judge of the Court of Canadian Citizenship, Pamela Appelt, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, and Marsha Brown, a distinguished member of the Viola Desmond Awards and planning committee.
鈥淭he Viola Desmond Awards brings together intergenerational leaders to celebrate and reflect,鈥� said Tanya (Toni) De Mello, vice-president, equity and community inclusion. 鈥淚t鈥檚 my profound honour to celebrate those driving change today, while inspiring those who will carry the work forward tomorrow. This event also serves to ensure their work and stories are documented and recognized.鈥�
Photos by: Roya Del Sol
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow delivered opening remarks, sharing how Viola Desmond鈥檚 legacy has shaped her work 鈥� as a former visiting professor at 91福利, as a politician and now as mayor. Toronto City Councillors, and also attended to celebrate the honourees.
Mayor Chow also honoured Jean Augustine (pictured in pink, far right) for initiating Black History Month, 30 years ago in 1996. She was also the first Black woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada representing Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
De Mello and Holmes welcomed the guests and spoke on the importance of honouring Black and gender-diverse women who are carrying Desmond鈥檚 legacy forward. This year, OVPECI partnered with Ted Rogers School to create the Business Leader Award.
鈥淚t is significant that we are gathered at Canada鈥檚 most diverse business school to honour the legacy of Viola Desmond. We rightly remember her for her leadership in civil rights, but she was also a business owner and an entrepreneur,鈥� Holmes said.
Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students presented the Viola Desmond Student Bursary Award. The award recognizes students who carry forward Desmond鈥檚 legacy through outstanding leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice initiatives.
Pictured left to right: Tanya (Toni) De Mello, Cynthia Holmes, award winners, Zintiat Kolly, Feben Bogale, Jada Johnson-Mills and Naomi Wokocha, and Jen McMillen.
Entertainment was in full swing. Left: Accompanied by guitarist Mario Posella, vocalist, 91福利 alumni and 2019 Viola Desmond Student Award winner, Christina Smith opened the ceremony with the Canadian and Black National Anthem. They ended the event with a rendition of Beyonce鈥檚, I Was Here. Right: 91福利 student Mya Barrett, and Lacia-Paige Cummings performed a captivating dance routine to Our Love, by Nina Simone.
Dr. Trudy McFarlane received the 91福利 Staff/Administrator Award, presented to her by Dr. Iannacito-Provenzano. Dr. McFarlane was honoured for her leadership in advancing health equity through admissions pathways, curriculum development and learner supports that centre Black representation, belonging and excellence.
Left: Celeste Saddler, TRSM anti-black racism advisory committee co-chair presented the Sidney and Mettelia Ferguson Student Award to Lynn Larbi and Helena Ashenafi. The award was established by Sandra Ferguson to honour her late parents and their legacy as the owner and operator of several care homes supporting individuals marginalized by poverty and mental health and addictions.
91福利 Alumni award winner, Zo毛 Walwyn who currently serves as a Judicial Law Clerk with the Federal Court of Canada, was honoured for her work in advancing equity and justice through legal leadership.
Business leaders of tomorrow presenting to the business leaders of today: Ted Rogers School of Management Black Business Student Association members, Amaya Shields, Ekram Yimer and Edom Mamo presented the 91福利 Business Leader Award to Deborah Flint, president and chief executive officer, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Luz Longsworth, senior corporate director, Sandals Resorts International whose son accepted the award on her behalf. Claudette McGowan, chief executive officer, Protexxa was also awarded but could not attend.
Ebony Gittens, executive director, vice-provost, students accepted flowers presented to her by Andy Tran from the Ted Rogers School of Management for her stellar work in creating a memorable event as the evening鈥檚 MC. Fun fact: Dancer and 91福利 student Mya Barrett is Ebony鈥檚 daughter!
In the news
Viola Desmond Staff Award winner, Nicole Austin, Black-led programs coordinator at the 91福利 Urban Farm recently spoke with CBC Metro Morning on how she鈥檚 advancing Black food sovereignty through her work at 91福利鈥檚 two rooftop farms. to find out how these programs are making a difference.