This past June 10, 2022, we celebrated the achievements of Black Calgarians during these uncertain times. Hosted at the Petroleum Club, we heard amazing stories of success and perseverance.

Why do we need an awards ceremony?

Black people have been in the Calgary area for many years and have made significant contributions to the growth and vibrancy of this great city. It is important to show our youth, newcomers, and established residents, that noteworthy accomplishments are being made by our people in several domains. Let’s show our youth that there are Black people doing amazing things, not just showing up, but excelling in their fields.

The award categories are intended to cover the major areas of contribution. However, we recognize that not everything will be represented and invite suggestions for next years.

We urge you to nominate people so we may formally recognize those who are making us proud. Think about who might be a good nominee in 2023 and let us know early 2023!

CBAA Hall of Fame

Nominees were Calgary-based and have exhibited an impressive history of high achievement, success, and excellence in one of the following categories. Winners videos included for 2022:

Watch the 2022 Awards

Watch the 2021 Awards

Arts, Media and Entertainment

An individual who uses expression or application of human creative skill and imagination to enrich our community2022 Winner: Anthony “Junior” Russel2021 Winner: Cheryl Foggo

Business and Entrepreneurship

An individual in a leadership position in business or who created a successful new business2022 Winner: Elise Konadu Ahenkorah2021 Winner: Selam Gutema and Anwar Sultan – Yegna Ethiopian restaurant

Community Service

An individual who provides service and time to improve our community2022 Winner: Cynthia Okafor2021 Winners: Jean Claude Munyezamu & Adanech Sahilie

Education

An individual in education making a positive impact in the lives of our students and youth in Calgary2022 Winner: Dr. Leslie Robertson2021 Winner: Randy Quansah

Law

An individual working in the Legal field who make an impact in the community2022 Winner: Melissa Burkett2021 Winner: Kene Ilochonwu

Medicine

An individual practicing in the Medical field working to improve the lives of their patients, their students, and research in the field2022 Winner: Dr. Kannin Osei-Tutu2021 Winners: Dr. Morris Scantlebury & Dr. Wauldron Afflick

STEM

An individual who excels in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and who is creating opportunities for Black community members to get involved and join the field2022 Winner: Dr. Jennifer Adams2021 Winner: Dr. Nicole Johnson

Sports & Athletics

An individual with athletic achievements, playing and on the sidelines2022 Winner: Jabari Arthur2021 Winners: Eddie Richardson & Hakeem Dawodu

Youth Achievement

A young individual (under 30) who has positively impacted our community in any of the above areas2022 Winner: Shenneile Henry2021 Winners: Semhar Abraha & Deborah Mebude

Lifetime Achievement

An individual whose continued contributions over the years made Calgary a better place to live for Black people2022 Winner: Wakefield Brewster2021 Winners: Mary Tidlund