Starting the new year off with awarding a new Community Builder is a great way to feel the local love! Thanks to the help of Black History Ottawa, we surprised Sheila Pitt with a Community Builder Award at their Black History Month launch event.
On Saturday, January 27, 300 people packed the National Gallery of Canada auditorium to kick off Black History Month in Ottawa. Joining the crowd was Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nepean Lisa Macleod, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Ontario Marit Stiles, Ottawa city councillors, and many more.
With the theme of “Beyond the Decade,” attendees enjoyed musical performances, the unveiling of a new coin commemorating Black History from the Royal Canadian Mint, and Canada Post’s new Black History Month stamp. Attendees also indulged in numerous inspirational speeches from community leaders.
The host of the afternoon, Sarah Onyango—2008 Community Builder Award recipient and a CBA recognition team member—helped with our surprise presentation.
Sheila goes the extra mile to give back, use their voice, and take action to ensure people in their community are supported. Their consistent examples of hard work and compassion inspire others to do good and build stronger, healthier, safer communities for everyone.
United Way East Ontario understands the importance of shining a light on the remarkable work being done by members of racialized and marginalized communities in our region. We’re excited to continue celebrating the legacies left and created by African, Caribbean, and Black people in our communities.
We all have a role to play in combating systemic racism and we will continue to celebrate their past, present, and future achievements this Black History Month.
We thank everyone who takes the time to nominate everyday heroes and we thank you, community builders, for your exceptional contributions.
MEET OUR LATEST COMMUNITY BUILDER:
Sheila Pitt
Get to know Sheila on Apt613
