The Harry Jerome Award is an annual award presented by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) that recognizes and celebrates achievement in the Black Community throughout Canada.[1] It is named in honour of Harry Jerome, a Canadian track and field runner.
The awards ceremony was conceived in late 1982, following the founding meeting of the Black Business and Professional Association. Initially, the organizers planned the event as a dinner to celebrate six Black athletes who had excelled at the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Harry Jerome was invited as the keynote speaker, however, died suddenly before attending the event. In response to his death, the organizers reorganized the event as a dinner and awards ceremony to honour his life. The first ceremony was held in Toronto on March 5, 1983. In the years since, the awards dinner is also a fundraiser, raising money for a series of scholarships.[2] CBC has said that the awards are "widely considered among the most prestigious honours in Canada's black communities."[3]
Awards
In its first year, 1983, the awards only honoured athletics. In 1984, the categories were expanded to include academics and arts.[4] Since then, categories have expanded significantly, with several categories appearing only for a few years. The following people has received the Harry Jerome Award between 1983 and 2016.[5]
Academics
As of 2021, the academics award is awarded to an individual between the ages of 16 and 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Happy Inibhunu
2015
Edmond Nankam Dzokou
2014
Andrew Ojo
2013
Monique Jarrett
2012
Eugenia Duodu
2011
Michelle McFarlane
2010
Kwesi Johnson
2009
Regine Debrosse
2008
Vera Muna
2007
Andrew D. Brown
2006
Ndija Anderson
2005
Martina Lawson-Isse
2004
Kersha Walker
2003
Lilian Moalim-Nour
2003
Danielle Gordon
2002
Tamara Gafoor
2002
Arisa Cox
2001
Hesper Phillip Chamberlain
2000
Janienne Foenander
2000
Kai James
1999
Zuwema Walters
1999
Husam Abdell-Qadir
1998
Kalkidan Belay
1998
Garfield Miller
1997
Jean Andre Marc Brown
1996
Imansu Osei Tomlinson
1996
Jason Humphreys
1995
Kofi Ofosu
1995
Yvonne Botchey
1994
Colleen Halliday
1994
Maydianne Andrade
1993
Natasha Johnson
1993
Annamie Paul
1992
Nathalie Campbell
1992
Candace Benjamin
1992
Ede Wilson
1991
Frank Lalonde
1991
Pauline Prince
1990
Nadia Scott
1990
Dumisa Adama
1989
Olga Jacqueline Brooks
1989
Dominick Shelton
1988
Phillip Mayers
1988
Herns Pierre-Jerome
1987
Leslie Allen
1987
Amorell Saunders
1986
David Lowe
1986
Brigette Arrindell
1985
Grace Allison Permaul
1985
Robert Mounsey
1984
Mark Holness
1984
Dawn Roach
Arts
As of 2021, the arts award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Robert Small
2014
Nicole Brooks
2013
Andrea Douglas
2012
Errol Lee
2011
Kayla Perrin
2010
Michael Chambers
2009
Trey Anthony
2008
Cheryl Foggo
2007
Farley Flex
2006
Louis Mercier
2005
Rafaell Cabrera
2004
Martin Scott-Pascall
2003
Randi MacQueen
2003
Alison Sealy-Smith
2002
Weyni Mengesha
2002
Wes Williams
2001
Ullanda Neil
2001
Clement Virgo
2000
Kristopher Alexander
2000
Tiffany Kizzito
1999
Serena Lea
1998
Dwayne Morgan
1998
Djanet Sears
1997
Monique Allen
1996
Michele Joseph
1995
Joel Gordon
1995
Othalie Graham
1994
Maxine Greaves
1993
Kahlil Calder
1992
Marsh Pitt
1991
Melissa Adamson
1991
Stephanie Samuels
1990
Clayton Ellis
1990
Anais Granofsky
1989
Anne Louise
1989
Julie Pollard
1988
Atamere Omoruyi
1988
Devon Haughton
1987
John Devonish
1987
Denyse Thomasco
1986
Lorelei Eccleston
1985
Ronald Chambers
1984
Kevin Pugh
Athletics
As of 2021, the athletics award is awarded to an individual between the ages of 16 and 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Jamal Murray
2015
Cory Joseph
2014
Andrew Wiggins
2013
Quillan Roberts
2012
Tut Ruach
2011
Keneca Pingue-Giles
2010
Aaron Brown
2009
P.K. Subban
2008
Anne Olukemi Ogundele
2007
Brittnee Habbib
2006
Jaleesa Rhoden
2005
Tessa Thomas
2004
Matthew Black
2003
Sheldon Francis
2002
Omar Miles
2001
Arnel Scott
2000
Tijuana Cox
2000
Christopher Gudge
1999
Patrick Stephen
1998
Jude Timol
1998
Kerry Carter
1997
Marvin Brereton
1997
Tammy Sutton Brown
1997
Donovan Bailey
1996
Susan Stewart
1995
Natasha Bacchus
1994
Robert Esmie
1994
Kevin Weekes
1993
Tom Europe
1993
Sandra Hamilton
1992
Tenn Crichlow
1992
Stellah Umeh
1991
Cheryl Allen
1991
Michael Trought
1990
Kirk Johnson
1990
Chris Parris
1989
Carol Hamilton
1989
Lennox Lewis
1988
Curtis Hibbert
1988
Anton Skerritt
1987
Ian Boyce
1987
Michael Smith
1986
Darren Lowe
1986
Kyle McDuffie
1985
Rueben Mayes
1985
Martia Payne
1984
Angela bailey
1984
Molly Killenbeck
1984
Atlee Mahorn
1983
Desai Williams
1983
Mark McCoy
1983
Ben Johnson
1983
Milt Ottey
1983
Tony Sharpe
1983
Angela Taylor-Issajenko
Business
As of 2021, the business award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Nadine Spencer
Business
2014
Selwyn Richards
Business
2013
Kemeel Azan
Business
2012
Anthony Sterling
Business
2011
Isaac Olowolafe
Business
2010
Delores Lawrence
Business
2009
Wayne Isaacs
Business
2007
Emmanuel C. Mbulu
Business
2006
Larry Gibson
Business
2005
Kabu Asante
Business
2004
Michael R. Duck
Business
2003
Georgina Thompson
Business
2002
Grace Carter-Henry Lyon
Business
2001
Errol Johnson
Business
2000
Phillip Vassell
Business
2000
Donna McCurvin
Business
1999
Albert Wiggins
Business
1998
Al Green
Business
1997
Jean Pierre
Business
1996
Davis Felix Henry
Business
1995
Ron King
Business
1994
Leo Lewis
Business
1993
Arnold Auguste
Business
1991
Joseph Dadson
Business
1991
Beverly Mascoll
Business
1990
Carlton Brathwaite
Business
1989
Roy Williams
Business
Community Service
As of 2021, the community service award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Francis Atta
2015
Wanda Thomas-Bernard
2014
Orlando Bowen
2013
Roz Roach
2012
Paul Barnett
2011
Ileen Pat Howell
2010
Winston La Rose
2009
Christopher Harris
2008
Roger Rowe
2007
Richard L.M. Lord
2006
Joyce Ross
2005
Maria Crawford
2005
Karen Warner
2004
Patricia Horsham
2003
Inez Elliston
2003
Francis Jeffers
2002
Howard McCurdy
2001
Ettie Dawkins
2000
Eslin Payne
1999
Veronica Sullivan
1999
Ned Blair
1998
Marlene Green
1997
Dwight Whylie
1996
Donald H. Oliver
1995
Kamala-Jean Gopie
1994
Al Mercury
1993
Carl Masters
1993
Dorothy Wills
1992
Isaac Akande
1992
John Brooks
1991
Clotilda Yakimchuk
1990
Bromley Armstrong
1988
Ruth Johnson
1988
Wilson Head
1987
Stanley Grizzle
1987
Lloyd Perry
1987
Calvin Ruck
1986
Carrie Best
1986
Alton Parker
1985
Harry Gairey
1985
Violet Blackman
1984
Donald Moore
Diversity
Year
Recipient
2016
Wendy Cukier
2015
Scott Mullin
2014
Susan Marjetti
2013
Jennifer Tory
2012
Armand La Barge
2011
John Tory
Entertainment
As of 2021, the entertainment award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
David Woods
2015
Wendy Jones
2014
Denise Jones
2013
Anne-Marie Woods
2012
Jay Douglas
2011
Muhtadi Thomas
2008
Anthony Sherwood
Health Sciences
As of 2021, the health sciences award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Simone Atungo
2015
Carrol Althea
2014
Rosemary Moodie
2013
Nadine Wong
2012
Godfrey Bacheyie
2011
Upton Allen
2010
Lisa Robinson
2009
Sheila McKenzie
2008
Stephen Blizzard
2007
Kwadwo O. Asante
2006
David Burt
2005
Sharon Whiting
Heritage
Year
Recipient
2012
Fitzroy Gordon
Leadership
Year
Recipient
2016
Janelle Hinds
2015
Jelani Smith
2014
Madwa-Nika Phanord-Cadet
2013
Emilie Nicolas
2012
Julius Tapper
2011
LaShawn Murray
2010
Saron Gebresellassi
2009
Cameron Semple
2008
Emmanuel Ofori Atiah
2007
Tolu S. Quadri
2006
Simone Samuels
2005
David Green
2004
Runako Gregg
2003
Kristal Elliston
2002
Marlon Rhoden
2001
Kevin King
2000
Hassan Abukar
2000
Abena Evans
1999
Fana Seife
1999
Konata Lake
1998
Kemal Williamson
1997
Melissa Duncan
1997
Neckeisha Hudson
1996
Richard Appiah
1996
Njeri Campbell
1995
Wayne Adams
1995
Annetta Adu-Gyamfi
1994
Denise Campbell
1994
Malcolm Streete
1993
Aisha Wickham
1992
Cornell Wright
Legacy
Year
Recipient
2012
Irving Andre
Lifetime Achievement
Year
Recipient
2016
Juanita Westmoreland-Traore
2015
Archie Alleyne
2014
Gregory Regis
2013
Grant Morris
2012
Hugh Graham
2011
Bromley Armstrong
2010
Stanley G. Grizzle
2008
Willie O’Ree
2007
Leebert Wright
2007
Ouida Wright
2006
J. Douglas Salmon
2005
George Ethelbert Carter
2004
Louise Bennett-Coverley
2003
Leon Bibb
2001
Lincoln Alexander
2000
Leonard Gibson
1999
Paul Winn
1994
Jodie Drake
Media
As of 2021, the media award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Patricia J. Jaggernauth
2015
Nneka Elliott
2014
Rudy Blair
2013
Royson James
2012
Craig Smith
2011
Moses A. Mawa
2010
Ron Fanfair
2008
Marci Ien
2004
Tonya Lee Williams
President’s
Year
Recipient
2016
David Bell
2015
Masai Ujiri
2014
Donald McLeod
2013
Vincent Lai
2012
Michael H. Tulloch
2011
G Raymond Chang
2010
Hamlin Grange
2008
Chris Spence
2007
Mary Tidlund
2006
Stephen Lewis
2005
Shawn James
2004
Jean-Paul Brown
2001
Rubin ‘Carter’ Henry
2000
Erma Collins
1999
Madeline Edwards
1998
Beverley Salmon
1997
Gwen Johnston
1997
Len Johnston
1996
Denham Jolly
Professional Excellence
As of 2021, the professional excellence award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.[1]
Year
Recipient
2016
Orin Isaacs
2015
Mark Beckles
2014
Kevin Hewitt
2013
Carl E. James
2012
Cordell Samuels
2011
Kevin Junor
2010
Akwatu Khenti
2009
Corrine Sparks
2008
Njoki Wane
2007
Peter Sloly
2006
Icilda Elliston
2005
Afua Cooper
2004
Donald Meeks
2003
Dorothy Thomas-Edding
2002
Leonard Braithwaite
2001
Jude Igwemezie
2000
Mayann Francis
1999
Fil Fraser
1998
Harold Brathwaite
1998
Carol Aylward
1997
Miriam Rossi
1996
Luther Hansraj
1995
Ronald Blake
1994
Alan Hobbins
1993
John Alleyne
1993
Garth Taylor
1992
Alwyn Spence
Public Advocacy
Year
Recipient
2015
Gerry McNeilly
2014
Jim Rankin
Social Engagement
Year
Recipient
2015
Rudolph André Crawford
Technology & Innovation
Year
Recipient
2014
Collin Haughton
2013
Ray Williams
2012
David Tay
2011
John Akabutu
2010
Abdullah K. Kirumira
2009
Leesa Barnes
2008
Warren Salmon
2007
Victor Gooding
2006
Edward Ndububa
2005
Alexander MacGregor
2004
Amina Odidi
2004
Isa Odidi
Trailblazer
Year
Recipient
2016
Mark Saunders
2013
Kevin W. Williams
2012
Damon Allen
2011
Daurene Lewis
2010
W. Andy Knight
2008
Alex MacGregor
2007
Jean Augustine
2007
Alvin Curling
2004
Perdita Felicien
2003
Jay Hope
2003
Keith Forde
Volunteer
Year
Recipient
2005
Kevin Modeste
2005
Nicole Agard
2003
Carver Scobie
2001
Verlyn Francis
2000
Donald Cooper
2000
Debbie Innes
1999
Joyce Bannister
1999
Lisa Goldson
Young Entrepreneur
As of 2021, the young entrepreneur award is awarded to an individual between the ages of 18 and 35.[1]
↑Black Business and Professional Association. "Harry Jerome Awards". Archived from the original on October 2, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2021. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch (help); |last= has generic name (help)