Prime Minister Stephen Harper participates in the 28th Annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards

April 24, 2010

TORONTO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) Harry Jerome Awards ceremony recognizing and honouring outstanding Black Canadian achievement.
 
“Black Canadians continue to make outstanding contributions to this country in all areas,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “Today’s award recipients epitomize this pursuit of excellence.  They are role models for Canadians seeking to make their communities and this country a better place.

The Prime Minister offered his congratulations to the following fourteen award recipients, all of whom have distinguished themselves in their respective careers and have enriched Canada with their skills, knowledge and talents:
Mr. Kwesi Johnson (Academics), Mr. Aaron Brown (Athletics), Mr. Michael Chambers (Arts),  Ms. Delores Lawrence (Business), Mr. Winston W. La Rose (Community Service), Dr. Lisa Robinson (Health Sciences), Ms. Saron Gebresellassi (Leadership), Mr. Stanley G. Grizzle (Lifetime Achievement), Mr. Ron Fanfair (Media), Mr. Hamlin Grange (President’s Award), Mr. Akwatu Khenti (Professional Excellence), Dr. Abdullah K. Kirumira (Technology & Innovation), Dr. Andy Knight (Trailblazer), Mr. Thomas Tewoldemedhin (Young Entrepreneur).

Harry Jerome represented Canada on the world stage in track and field, bringing sporting glory to this country.  He competed for Canada in the 1960, 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in Tokyo in 1964 in the 100-metre sprint.  Mr. Jerome also showed great dedication as a champion of justice and social consciousness as well as an advocate for economic development among Black Canadians.  An award in his name was established in 1983.  The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards ceremony is an annual national event that recognizes and honours outstanding achievement in the Black Canadian community.