Calgary Black Achievement Awards 2022
Key CBAA partners


CBC Founding partners




Calgary Black Chambers invites you to celebrate Black excellence with us at the Calgary Black Achievement Awards! ("CBAA") Please take the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of those among us who are making a difference in the community and doing great work in their respective fields.
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:
Arts, Media and Entertainment
An individual who uses expression or application of human creative skill and imagination to enrich our community
2022 Winner: Anthony "Junior" Russel
2021 Winner: Cheryl Foggo
Business and Entrepreneurship
An individual in a leadership position in business or who created a successful new business
2022 Winner: Elise Konadu Ahenkorah
2021 Winner: Selam Gutema and Anwar Sultan - Yegna Ethiopian restaurant
Community Service
An individual who provides service and time to improve our community
2022 Winner: Cynthia Okafor
2021 Winners: Jean Claude Munyezamu & Adanech Sahilie
Education
An individual in education making a positive impact in the lives of our students and youth in Calgary
2022 Winner: Dr. Leslie Robertson
2021 Winner: Randy Quansah
Law
An individual working in the Legal field who make an impact in the community
2022 Winner: Melissa Burkett
2021 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 field
2022 Winner: Dr. Kannin Osei-Tutu
2021 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 field
2022 Winner: Dr. Jennifer Adams
2021 Winner: Dr. Nicole Johnson
Sports & Athletics
An individual with athletic achievements, playing and on the sidelines
2022 Winner: Jabari Arthur
2021 Winners: Eddie Richardson & Hakeem Dawodu
Youth Achievement
A young individual (under 30) who has positively impacted our community in any of the above areas
2022 Winner: Shenneile Henry
2021 Winners: Semhar Abraha & Deborah Mebude
Lifetime Achievement
An individual whose continued contributions over the years made Calgary a better place to live for Black people
2022 Winner: Wakefield Brewster
2021 Winners: Mary Tidlund