We started 2023 off with a surprise in-person Community Builder Award presentation with the help of Black History Ottawa!
On Saturday, January 28, 200 people filled the auditorium at the National Gallery of Canada to kick off and celebrate Black History Month in Ottawa. Under the theme “A Legacy Worth Preserving: Celebrating & Creating,” attendees enjoyed vibrant performances, listened to powerful speeches, and learned about inspiring community leaders who are making a difference.
Black History Ottawa host Sarah Onyango—who happens to be a 2008 Community Builder Award recipient and a part of our recognition team—helped us surprise two unsuspecting attendees.
These two incredible recipients go the extra mile to give back, use their voices, and take action to ensure the most vulnerable people in their communities get the help they need. 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 TWO NEW COMMUNITY BUILDERS:
Jamila Ahmed
Reuel Kofi Omari Dartey
