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The Black Business and Professional Association proudly unveiled the 2008 winners for the 26th annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards during a press preview and reception held at the prestigious Perdiot Resto Lounge in Toronto, as a precursor to the Award Gala's 26th year.

"These recipients represent the true meaning of brilliance and distinction in the African Canadian community," said Karlyn Percil, Harry Jerome Awards chair.

"They symbolize excellence and the quality of the fabric that is the black business and professional community."

After receiving a record-breaking number of nominations for 2008, the association selected the following award winners in 13 categories: Academics Award, Vera Manu; Arts Award, Cheryl Foggo; Athletics Award, Anne Olukemi Ogundele; Community Service Award, Roger Rowe; Entertainment Award, Anthony Sherwood; Health Sciences Award, Dr. Stephen Blizzard; Leadership Award, Charles Oforia Attah; Lifetime Achievement Award, Willie O'Ree; Media Award, Marci Ien; President's Award, Dr. Chris Spence; Professional Excellence Award, Njoki Wane; Technology and Innovation Award, Warren Salmon; and Trailblazer Award, Dr. Alex MacGregor. The association's Harry Jerome Awards were established in memory of Harry Jerome, an outstanding African-Canadian Olympic athlete, scholar and social advocate.

Born Prince Albert, Sask., on Sept. 30, 1940, Harry Jerome moved with his family to North Vancouver at age 12. A natural athlete, he excelled at hockey, baseball and football, but was an especially gifted runner.

At age 18, he broke the Canadian record - held for 31 years by Percy Williams - in the 220-yard sprint. In the 1960 Olympic Summer Games in Rome, Jerome was poised for international triumph, however, during the qualifying heats for the 100-yard dash, a pulled muscle forced him to the sidelines. Two years later, Jerome was again ready for a podium finish at the Commonwealth Games, but was forced to withdraw from competition due to a torn thigh muscle.

Doctors initially believed that Jerome would not walk again let alone run. After tremendously painful rehabilitation sessions, Jerome again prepared for athletic triumph and successfully competed at the 1964 Summer Olympics, winning 100-metre bronze. He also won the gold in the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games and the 1967 Pan American Games. During his career, Jerome set a total seven world records, including running the 100 metres in 10.2, 10.1 and finally 10.0 seconds successively.

In December 1982, Jerome died suddenly as the result of a brain aneurysm at the age of 42. The following year, the association decided to pay tribute to Jerome through an awards ceremony that honoured six athletes (Angela Taylor-Issanjenko, Ben Johnson, Mark McKoy, Milt Ottey, Tony Sharpe and Desai Williams.) who had excelled at the most recent Commonwealth Games. The awards have since become an annual event, celebrating success and achievement in Canada's African-Canadian community.

"I'm very pleased to be connected with the history and evolution of this tremendous event, which works to foster inclusion, success and accomplishment in our various communities," said Dr. Anthony Sterling of Sterling Dental. "It's an honour for Sterling Dental to sponsor the Health Sciences award, and I wish continued success to the BBPA."

The 26th annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards will be held on Saturday, April 26 at the Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd. Tickets for the Harry Jerome Awards are $150. To order, visit www.bbpa.org or call 416-504-4097.

 

Visit www.insidetoronto.com/News/Feature/article/42855 for a feature on the association.

 

Jon Sarpong is the diversity officer at Durham College and UOIT. He has a special interest and expertise pertaining to ethno-cultural issues. Contact Sarpong by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.