Rachel Decoste
2018 Honourees
Rachel Décoste was recognized as “a pioneer” by Us Magazine (USA) in 1997 for her web innovation as a software engineering student in a largely monolithic field. Ms. Décoste was honoured by the first Black Member of Parliament, Lincoln Alexander, on her graduation day at the University of Guelph -a portentous gesture.
Ms. Décoste has participated in successful initiatives such as the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund, the capital’s most successful Black-owned and managed fund, “S.O.S. Montfort”, the fight to save the only minority-language major hospital outside of Québec, and the struggle to get an accurate count French-speakers in Ontario’s census in light of many immigrants’ polyglot status. She was Chair of the Outreach Committee at the Famous Five Foundation, which celebrates women’s successes, and inspires them to embody the legacy of the Famous Five.
Ms. Décoste was dubbed “a political force” by Sway Magazine 2009 after ranking 4th most influential political blogger by a Canadian university research team, and being a finalist in the Montreal’s Jeune Chambre de Commerce Haitienne award for “Politically Engaged Young Leader”.
In 2004, the Burkes initiated the Burke’s Literary Award (BURLA) with the primary intent of recognizing the literary contributions of authors of African and Caribbean heritage. BURLA, in addition to a summer reading club for male youth and a science and computer club were among a variety of programmes offered at Burke’s Bookstore.
Dr. Rosemary Moodie graduated from University of West Indies before obtaining post-graduate training in Pediatric Medicine and Neonatology at SickKids in Toronto. She is Fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Associate Professor of Paediatrics and Staff Physician in the Division of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. While in her role as neonatologist and clinical teacher in Department of Paediatrics, she obtained MBA (Rotman) and MPA (Queens). She is past Medical director & Corporate Chief of Paediatrics of the Regional Maternal Child Program Rouge Valley Health System; Lead for the Maternal, Child, Youth and Gynaecology of the Central East LHIN; and served on regional and provincial committees advocating to improve health equity and expand quality health care access for women and children. She is senior surveyor for Accreditation Canada and consults on health planning of regional health care services and health human resources.
Rosemary contribution to volunteerism, philanthropy and advocacy is extensive. She is Inaugural Board Director, Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital Toronto and Board Director of Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation. Rosemary was past President and Chair, YWCA Toronto, Advisory Board of Food for the Poor Canada, and Board Director P.A.C.E. Canada and Goodwill Toronto. She has been recognized for her significant contributions to improving social inequities and health disparities facing vulnerable members of society by the Government of Jamaica, University of Toronto, City of Toronto, College of Physician and Surgeons of Ontario, Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society and Ontario Medical Association.
Salome Bey is an ‘Order of Canada’ recipient and considered by many to be the Queen of jazz and blues singers in Canada. She is also an icon as a singer-songwriter, performer, composer, director, and mentor.
Born in an African-American musical family in Newark, New Jersey, Salome started her singing career as a teenager, with her debut at the Apollo Theatre at age fourteen. Later, she formed a vocal group with her brother Andy and her sister Geraldine, known as Andy and the Bey Sisters. They performed in local clubs touring North America and Europe. A measure of superb talent that they demonstrated even then, is the fact that their 1960’s recordings were rediscovered and subsequently reissued in 2000. It is not insignificant that the back-up musicians on these recordings included jazz legends, Kenny Burrell, Milt Hinton, Ossie Johnston and Jo Jones.
Sarah Onyango is a translator by trade and has become well-known on Ottawa’s community television and radio scene since the late 1990s. However, broadcast journalism was not a career her parents wanted for the eldest of their five children.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Sarah spent parts of her childhood and adolescence in Kenya, Tanzania, Belgium and Canada. She first came to Canada, where her diplomat father was posted in 1980. Over a decade later, after earning a B.A. in Translation at the University of Ottawa and a Master’s in Linguistics from the Université de Franche-Comté, France, Sarah returned to Canada in 1992.
Sarah’s community service has been recognized with various awards: including the United Way/Centraide Ottawa Community Builder Award (2008 & 2011), the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), the Ontario Volunteer Service Award (2012), the Leading Women Leading Girls Building Communities Award (2014), the Ontario Black History Society’s Mathieu Da Costa Award (2016), and the #OC150 award (2017).
Shannon Beth Prince is the Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. She is also a historical storyteller and participates in re-enactments which bring the history of Buxton and the Underground Railroad to life for many groups both here and further a-field. Portraying Mary Ann Shadd Cary- her ggg aunt, in the theatre production of the John Brown story in “Rainbows and Wings” was a special opportunity in that vein. Being a 6th generation descendant of the early fugitive families that came to Canada for freedom and opportunity, she brings an insight, respect and love for Canadian heritage. In 1999, she began her role as Curator having graduated with a Certificate in Museum Studies through the Ontario Museum Association.
Currently she is a member of the Ontario Museum Association, Chair of the National Historic Sites Alliance for Ontario, Board Member of the National Trust for Canada, the Kent Cultural Network committee, a member of the Chatham Kent Community Leaders Cabinet, and is Co-chair of the Chatham Kent Tourism Advisory Committee. She has also served on several committees including the Ontario Trillium Grant Review Team, Chatham Kent Economic Advisory Board, and Women’s Development Day. She also participated in many regional, provincial and national roundtables to encourage tourism and cultural preservation.
Sheila Patricia Barker was born in Black River, Jamaica, West Indies, and received her secondary education at the St. Andrew High School for girls. During her tenure at High School, she was chosen to represent all schools to make a presentation to Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Phillip. Sheila is a Community activist in the areas of Health, Human Rights, Employment Standards and Policing Services in Ontario. She extends thanks to her parents Doreen and Lester for being recognized as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women (2018).
Sheila was raised by her wise grand-parents while her parents attended University in the United States. She was a good scholar and an excellent athlete, playing tennis, field hockey and netball. She represented Jamaica, locally, internationally and at the World Cup Level in netball as a player, umpire and a member of the Executive Committee.
She was also active in drama. She was an understudy for the Rt. Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, a renowned Poet, Folklorist and Actress and was also author of Pantomime Shows in Jamaica. Sheila was the first Black female radio announcer of “Housewives Choice” and “Music for Youth” at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. She danced at the Stratford Festival, Ontario, with Rex Nettleford Dance Troupe.
Sheila came to Canada in 1959 and attended and graduated from the Montreal General Hospital School of Nursing and McGill University Nursing Programs with a Bachelor Degree in Public Health Nursing. She worked in Hospitals and Health Care Units as a Registered Nurse and later became a Visiting Public Nurse.
Stachen Frederick is very multifaceted and wearing multiple hats is not uncommon for someone like Stachen in the impact to society. Since 2016, she has been the Executive Director of Weston Frontlines Centre, a youth charity in one of the poorest ridings in Ontario. She says “Frontlines is a place where relationships are built, hugs are shared and children and youth continue to foster their skills”. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Stachen has over 15 years international and Canadian experience in community and program development.
In 2008, she founded BrAIDS for AIDS, a not-for-profit foundation that raises awareness of HIV/AIDS internationally and in African, Caribbean and Black communities in Canada through hair braiding. She oversees the development of culturally appropriate, gender specific and age appropriate HIV/AIDS programs for those Communities. The organization also funds relevant causes in the fight against the disease. Stachen says that connecting with youths, whether as Executive Director of Frontlines and founder of BrAIDS is the coolest part of her job. One youth told her when she held a session at the prison that he wanted to connect with her organization when he was released from prison. She continued to say that she thought that was “COOL stuff”.
Ms. Frederick is also a Grant Writer and Facilitator
Stacy Clarke has been a member of the Toronto Police Service since 1998. She has served in a broad variety of uniform, investigative, training and community-oriented policing functions and has been part of a variety of community-building initiatives and partnerships. She has a Bachelor Degree in criminology and Psychology. Stacy is a current member of the Civic Action DiverseCity Fellowship Program that strives to foster inclusive leadership, innovation and city building within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas (GTHA). She believes strongly in continuous education and as such has attained further knowledge in the areas of Collaborative Change Management and Leading with Emotional Intelligence from the Schulich School of Business. Stacy has completed the FBI Trilogy Leadership Program which is a three-step leadership training program for leaders in law enforcement who not only have extensive leadership potential and experience but the willingness and passion to be a change agent. Born in Kingston Jamaica, Stacy attributes her success to her strong Jamaican upbringing. She is a mother of two beautiful children, her daughter Jahnya and her son Kafany both of whom are her biggest inspiration.
Staff Sergeant Stacy Clarke currently leads the Learning Development & Standards section of the Toronto Police College, and is a past co-chair of the Police and Community Engagement Review (PACER). Stacy has been a strong and influential leader in policing since she was a young constable.
Tanisha Scott is a world-renowned Choreographer, Performance and Creative Director. Tanisha was named by Billboard Magazine and Italian Vogue as one of the top 30 under 30 artists in the entertainment industry.
Born in Toronto of Jamaican heritage, Tanisha’s exemplary work has garnered her multiple MTV awards and nominations for Best Choreographer. Her entry to dance was greatly influenced by her Jamaican roots. Her father owned a Sound System that inspired her love for music and movement. While she was enrolled at the University of Windsor on a track scholarship, she joined the local hip-hop dance troupe, Do Dat.
Tanisha auditioned for a back-up dancer slot on Mya’s tour and was selected for the ‘gig’ by Sho-Tyme, the Singer’s then choreographer. Director Hype Williams, subsequently booked Tanisha as a dancer, for various videos very early in her career including a FUBU commercial featuring LL Cool J. She earned her first choreography credit for the Little X -directed video ‘Gimme The Light’ for Sean Paul and continues as Sean’s choreographer and creative Director for tours and videos. Her career includes Television, Film and Theatre. On Television, she was coach for ‘So You Think You Can Dance Canada, a dance reality and competition show. She was also a featured guest choreographer on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC). Doing the ABDC segment, she tutored the 787 Crew (a dance group act on Season 7, of America’s Got Talent) on the popular Jamaican dances, such as ‘the Dutty Wine’ and the ‘Chaplin’ for a dance-hall inspired performance on the show dubbed the ‘Rihana Challenge’ which was set to the singer’s music.
Having been the woman behind Rihanna’s award-winning ‘Loud’ tour, as well as Drake’s ‘Summer Sixteen’ (the highest grossing hip-hop tour of all time), Tanisha is highly sought after by the most acclaimed artists in music, film and television.
Tessa has been a member of the following Board of Directors bodies: The United Way in York Region, Markham Historical Museum, the Markham Arts Council, representing visual arts, literacy arts and performance arts, the Ontario Film Review Board and the Ontario College of Pharmacists. Ms. Benn-Ireland has a distinguished record of service to her Community of Markham and the Province of Ontario. She was also appointed to the Board of Governors at Seneca College of Arts and Technology.
I became a lawyer, when all the odds were against me; I became the Chair of the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal, adjudicating on matters all over Canada, except Quebec, becoming one of the few Black Deputy Judges of the Toronto Small Claims court and was honoured with the Lincoln Alexander Achievement Award by the Law Society of Upper Canada and chosen by my Law School to represent my graduating class for the University’s 50th anniversary.”
In 2017, Trey launched her new business brand, Black Girl In Love, which features the first lifestyle planner/organizer geared at professional black woman and also includes merchandise, workshops and retreats. Trey is a sought after professional speaker and delivers hundreds of keynotes per year, using humour, personal insight and vulnerability. She is a crowd favourite and is known to receive standing ovations everywhere she goes. She also delivered a popular TED talk which continues to inspire thousands of people everywhere. She recently spoke at Harvard University and again received a standing ovation. She is a writer for Huffington Post and a contributing writer for The Toronto Star.
Velma Morgan is a leader with proven experience in creating and implementing policies and programs in the provincial government and education. Her comprehensive knowledge of government and public policy allows her to quickly decipher and analyze complex issues and positively contributes to a solution.
Velma has worked for the Provincial government in five ministries for four Cabinet Ministers in senior positions. Her work included working on the highly successful Pan/Para Pan American Games, overseeing the creation of government’s first sports plan in 20 years entitled Game ON and the creation and passing of two legislations: The Ontario Immigration Act and Ontario Black History Month. She oversaw for the provinces Youth Justice Transformation Strategy and the Youth Opportunities Strategy that provide youth in underserved communities employment and entrepreneur opportunities. Velma also leads initiatives that are outside the mandate of the Ministry such as the first ever Black Leaders Summit in Nova Scotia and roundtables with various communities.
Velma is also a qualified educator. She is the co-author of a document entitled “Blurred Vision” that provides strategies to educators on how to harness diversity within the classroom and school system.
Veronica Sullivan – Molded by the creator from the same matter of my great Ancient African Ancestors, carefully choosing her parents, Reginald and Vernetta Sullivan, and sisters Rita, Linda and Regina to bring Veronica into my purpose. She migrated to Toronto, Canada at the age of ten from Barbados, and experienced all that came with being the only black student in a class, name calling, laughter at her accent, and harassment in the playground.
The power of a family grounded in the principles of Kujichagulia, self-determination, and Umoja, unity, buffered her through these times. She found refuge at the community rallies and lectures she attended at her father’s side, listening to speakers such as the late Kwame Ture and Senator Anne Cools.
By the time she reached high school she was taking an active role in lobbying for Black students to form study groups and promote awareness of the vast contributions of people of African descent. Her passion grew in this area becoming the driving force for her to become lead Black History instructor for the North York Board of Education, and piloting an integrated African Heritage Program at Orde St. School, for Toronto Board of Education (1991-1999).
Dr. Victoria Nelson immigrated from Jamaica to Canada in August 1970, and worked as a nurse until 1982. She attended Humber College in Toronto, where she received a Diploma as a Rehabilitation Counsellor. She worked for the City of Toronto as a Caseworker and a Vocational Counsellor for the Workers’ Health and Safety Centre.
Victoria earned a Master’s Degree in Theology from Beacon University in the United States, another Master’s Degree in Christian Counselling and a Doctorate in Theology at the Kingdom Covenant Leadership Institute in Ontario. Dr. Nelson is an Ordained Minister and Chaplin at Kingdom Covenant Ministries in Mississauga.
She was involved in two research projects that she believes affected her community. One is entitled “Suffering in Silence”, which addresses the reason why some women remain in abusive relationships. The other is entitled “Recidivism”, which addresses the reasons why some youth are repeat offenders, and how their criminal records prevent them from attaining post-secondary education or finding gainful employment.
Wendy Jones is the quintessential ambassador of the Steel Pan. She has received numerous awards for her exceptional skills as a Panist and her work in pan is being recognized internationally. For the past 25 years, she has worked for the Toronto Catholic District School Board as a Counselor in the Elementary and Secondary Schools and also works as an Event facilitator at Tropicana Community Services. Wendy was born on the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She came to Canada at an early age as her mom decided to migrate to seek a better life and education for her children. She was introduced to pan music in 1976, while she was enrolled at Westview Centennial Secondary School.
She deserves the highest praise for using the Steel Pan as a Cultural Tool to draw families into the Pan Fraternity: To Inspire Youths, to Ignite leadership Skills and To Affect Social Change. She is a Co-Founder and #1 Female Bandleader of the award winning Pan Fantasy Steel Orchestra which celebrated its 31st Anniversary in 2017.
Wendy‘s pan journey really started in 1977 with the Afro Pan Steel band. She carries the Title “Queen of the Bass” and is the recipient of:
Woman on the Bass award 1992
Pan Arts Network Woman in Pan award 2010
Toronto Catholic District School Board Ethnic and Diversity Award 2010
Toronto Catholic District School Board Festival of the Arts Award 2015
Dance Caribe Cultural Participation Award 2014, 2015.
Recipient of the Harry Jerome Entertainment Award 2015
Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago Outstanding Contribution Award 2015
Honorary Mention in Published Book 1962-2012 “Trinidad & Tobago in Canada “
Cultural Recognition Award (for 20 years of service) High Commission for The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago 2017.
As a founding member of the North York Inter-Community Youth Group, she has organized numerous concerts, workshops, fashion shows and a variety of recreational activities in the Jane and Finch area, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and other communities.
Dr. Winsome Elizabeth Smith was born in Jamaica and attended St. Andrews High School, where she received a scholarship to Dalhousie University. She obtained the BSC & DDS degrees. After accepting a post-graduate scholarship to the University of Toronto, she obtained a specialty in Paediatric Dentistry in 1972.
Dr. Smith operates two Dental practices for Children & Youth and for 17 years remained the first & only Black female Paediatric Dentist in Canada. She served and volunteered on several organizations including Acting, Vice President and Chair of Youth Affairs of the Black Business and Professional Association, and past Director of the BBPA Learning and Resource Center, providing assistance to marginalized Black students.
Winsome was the first Black female Chair of the Board of Governors of Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, where a scholarship named in her honour was established for Black and Indigenous first year students exhibiting academic excellence. As a Director of the Caribbean Housing Initiatives Corp. and Vice President of the Caribbean Association of Peel, she facilitated in subsidized housing in Peel.
Yolanda McClean is the 2nd Vice President of CUPE Ontario and has been for almost a decade. Prior to this, Yolanda served as Diversity Vice-President for Racialized Workers in Ontario. She was re-elected to this position at the National level of CUPE, making her the longest serving Diversity Vice President in our National Union’s history.
Yolanda is responsible for providing leadership support to areas of the union in establishing equity structures, committees, and changing their leadership structures to have designated representation for racialized CUPE members. She assists with bargaining materials for locals across the country on issues of racism in the workplace and supports CUPE as an employer in attempts to bargain for employment equity provisions..
Yolanda is the recipient of the “Ed Blackman Award” that recognizes the contributions and leadership of a racialized CUPE member. Yolanda (was given this award) the successful nominee for this and was awarded by a committee of members from across Canada.
Yvette Yende-Ashiri is a strong and passionate advocate for social justice, human’s rights and an agent of positive change. Her advocacy centers on minority rights, especially, women’s rights. She is not only an activist, but also an exceptional leader for all French-speaking women for the National Capital Region.
Yvette joined the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Paris, 2006, a global non-profit organization that encourages young active citizens, 18 to 40 years, who are committed to creating positive change in communities and for the future of the world. While at JCI, Africa and the Middle Conference in Monastir, Tunisia, she was recognized for her drive, professionalism and dedication among more than 1200 participants as the “Best Attendee” at the conference. This opened doors for her to take on several roles, such as Assistant to the Director of Development and Growth and the Middle East, Maîtresse of Conferences and World Congresses and Award Jury and Local President, within this organization where she has been a member for more than ten years.
Yvette has lived in Canada since 2009. As an active and involved newcomer to Canada, she created Ottawa’s Junior Chamber International in 2011. As a mother, wife and newcomer to the National Capital Region, she identified this commitment as one of her first major challenges and served as Chair for two years. Deeply touched by the violence against women, the desperate situation of street children and the impunity/chaos of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Yvette decided to become active in the protection of women and she co-created the Miss Congo Canada (MCC) contest in 2013. Every two years MCC crowns a young Francophone-Canadian-Congolese woman who has the role of being Ambassador to promote the fight to counter violence against women and children in Canada, the DRC and also the Congolese culture in Canada.
Yvonne Francis is an independent freelance musician who delights in exploring her talents in a variety of artistic arenas. This multi-talented musician performs music, which encompasses African derived idioms from classical, contemporary, jazz through to new wave.
Yvonne obtained a musical education with the Royal Conservatory of Music on the piano and saxophone and a Specialized Honors B.F.A in Music from York University. Yvonne’s virtuosity on the saxophone, trumpet, steel drums, African drums and other percussive instruments enabled her to perform with a variety of groups and teach music within the education system of the GTA. She has performed in Ghana, West Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana and the USA.
Mentorship is an important service to Yvonne and her desire to mentor youth has taken her behind the scenes of the music industry. Motivation to help others has led Yvonne to co-create organizations that work at developing the talents of youth within the Black Community. She is the co-founder and current Music Director of Toronto’s famed youth-oriented Ngoma Drum and Dance Ensemble. This group is in its third generation of performers. At the time of conception, there was no succession for organizations focused on African drumming. Ngoma prevailed and is a trailblazer in the industry by being the first children’s drum and dance ensemble in Ontario.