According to BBPA President, Pauline Christian, "The winners of the BBPA 35th Anniversary Harry Jerome awards are truly symbolic of this year's theme 'Beyond Excellence'. As the BBPA celebrates this significant milestone alongside Canada's 150th Birthday, it is our hope that the entire Canadian family will come onside in acknowledging the United Nation's Decade of recognizing people of African descent, 2015 - 2024."

Established in the memory of Harry Jerome, an outstanding African Canadian Olympic athlete, scholar and social advocate, the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards is an annual celebration that pays tribute to outstanding and inspirational African-Canadians.

Presented by TD Bank, the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards are recognized as one of the most prestigious national award galas in the African-Canadian community and a coveted symbol of achievement. The winners receive awards in sixteen to eighteen categories, yearly. This year's categories are: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Leadership, Business, Entertainment, Professional Excellence, Health Science, Technology and Innovation, Community Service, Lifetime Achievement, Diversity, Trailblazer, Social Advocacy, Volunteer, Public Advocacy, Youth Advancement, and the President's Award.

"The theme, 'Beyond Excellence' is such a prophetic focus that each of us can grab hold onto; it is with this mindset that will allow us to achieve more than we think or can imagine. This is how we tap into our unlimited potential." states Michelle Richards, Chair of the Harry Jerome Awards.

The BBPA is proud to honour and celebrate the following award winners:

Rev. Dr. Audley N. James (Lifetime Achievement Award)

Harriet Thornhill (Youth Advancement Award)

Dr. Everton Gooden (Trailblazer Award)

Keith Spence (Professional Excellence Award)

George Frempong (Business Award)

Isobel Granger (Public Advocacy Award)

Leanne Prendergast (Leadership Award)

Sharon Riley (Entertainment Award)

Gabrielle Fletcher (Academics Award)

Dr. Barbara Trieloff-Deane (Diversity Award)

Wesley J. Hall (President's Award)

Chris Campbell (Volunteer Award)

Andre De Grasse (Athletics Award)

Ron Cunningham (Community Service Award)

Dr. Juliet M. Daniel (Technology and Innovation Award)

Cheryl Nembhard (Social Advocacy)

Fabienne Colas (Arts Award)

Dr. Boluwaji Ogunyemi (Health Science Award)