London’s newest award ceremony, the essence and culture awards, will take place Sunday, to honor individuals who stand out in the Forest City’s Black community.
This is the first time the awards will be given out.
“The Black communities in London, a lot of that community is on the bottom end of the economic scale” and has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, said organizer Colin Caleb. “We wanted to do something that would uplift the community.”
It’s no accident the ceremony is taking place in February, Black History Month, that celebrates the achievements of Black Canadians.
“We like to think that what we’re doing is historical,” said Caleb, who is head of the London Afrocentric Community Association (LACA), the organization behind the awards. He notes there are many communities in London that make up the larger Black community.
The awards will be given out in the categories of outstanding acts, commitments, dedication, and services in and for London’s Black community. Caleb does not know who the winners will be.
“Even to myself, it’s going to be a surprise,” he said.
There will be entertainment throughout the evening, including gospel acts.
Lifetime achievement awards will be bestowed on rookie Liberal MP Arielle Kayabaga, former city councilor Harold Usher, Alexandra Kane of Black Lives Matter, and others.
“There are people being honored that I personally admire,” Caleb said.
One of the supporters of the awards is the Pride London Festival.
“As the city of London continues to show examples of leadership and acceptance from new and existing businesses, it is incredibly important that those efforts and accomplishments be highlighted,” said the vice-president of Pride’s board, Stephen D’Amelio. “The (ECAs) is a significant step in doing so.”
LACA is in the process of becoming a certified non-profit, Caleb said. “We hope to have it completed in the next two or three months,” he said, adding the essence and culture awards already have a date set for next year’s ceremony.
“This is going to be a yearly thing.”
If you go
What: The first annual essence and culture awards ceremony
When: Sunday, Feb. 20.5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Paranyde Restaurant and Nightclub, 1100 Commissioners Rd. E.
Who: Lifetime achievement honorees include the McAuley Boys, Mo Salih and the Robinson family.
For info or tickets: visit www.ecawards.caemail [email protected], or call 519-694-3429.