Former Toronto Police Services Board member Ken Jeffers, ex Raptors star Jamaal Magloire, entrepreneur Taylor Lindsay-Noel and nine others have been honoured for their leadership roles in the Black community.

The awardees were presented with the 39^th Annual Harry Jerome Awards in a virtual celebration on April 17 held by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA).

Jeffers was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his four years on the Police Services Board in which the practice of carding was ended and his more than 30 years as an activist in the Black community.

Magloire, who was honoured with an Athletics Award, played 12 seasons with the National Basketball Association, including two years with the Raptors, for whom he is as a community outreach ambassador.

Bishop Ransford C. Jones received a Leadership Award for his role as Chairman of the Canadian Black Clergies and Allies (CBCA) and lead Pastor of Markham’s Destiny Gospel Centre.

Entrepreneur Lindsay-Noel was an elite gymnast looking to join the Canadian Olympic team in 2008 when she broke her back in practice and that dream went up in smoke. She owns an organic loose leaf tea company that has been endorsed by TV star Oprah Winfrey.

“We have adapted to continue this inspiring tradition and historic awards gala,” said BBPA president Nadine Spencer. “The Harry Jerome Awards Gala is a fundraising event and we are grateful for the support from donors, corporate sponsors and our many volunteers.”

Banker Al Ramsay received a Professional Excellence Award for helping the LGBT community. He holds the position of national manager of LGBTQ2+ business development at TD Bank. It’s the only role of its kind in North America.

Louis-Edgar Jean-Francois copped a Business Award for securing federal government investments to support black communities in Quebec. He helps entrepreneurs deal with the pandemic situation by working with certain partners to obtain financing for projects.

Velma Morgan received a Community Service Award for her work as a teacher and advocate for gender and cultural diversity. She is the Chair of Operation Black Vote Canada and was the architect of the first Black community provincial leaders debate. She has worked for four Cabinet ministers.

Patricia Bebia Mawa received a Media Award for directing and producing more than 15 TV programs. She has published multiple editions of three magazines and now hosts Planet Africa on OMNI TV. She and her husband launched Afroglobal Television, a 24-hour television channe, in 2016.

Dennis Mitchell was awarded a President’s Award for his 20 years of experience in the investment industry. He is a co-founder of the Black Opportunity Fund, a partnership between businesses, philanthropists, foundations, and the Black community

Kathy McDonald was recognized with a Diversity Award for her work. Claudette McGowan received a Technology Award and Dr. Joseph Smith a Decade Leader Award.

Named after a famous Canadian sprinter, the annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards was established in 1983 to celebrate outstanding and inspirational individuals in the Black community.