Watch our 2022 Black Changemakers launch event here
Profiles of 28 inspiring individuals featured throughout February
On Wednesday, Jan. 26, CBC Quebec kicked off the second Black Changemakers series with a live virtual event.
The series highlights individuals whose efforts to make a change in their community are bringing about a meaningful impact and inspiring others across Quebec.
The 2022 honourees were revealed at an online celebration hosted by CBC Daybreak's Sean Henry. Among this year's laureates is nine-year-old entrepreneur Adriana Jackson, who shared a little about what spurred her to action.
"After the death of George Floyd, I was sad," said Adriana. "I asked my parents what we could do to help, and they suggested peaceful protest and getting involved with local community organizations, so that's what we did."
Other honourees include: Brandon Dawson-Jarvis, Charlene Hunte, Cyrielle Noël, Dimitri Espérance, Dr. Dorothy Williams, Montreal Community Contact, Elysia Bryan-Baynes, Gift Tshuma, Guedwig Bernier, Herby Whyne, Jade Parkinson-Gayle, Jamil Springer, Jamillah Jean, Joanna Kanga, Keithy Antoine, Kimble Sherwood, Laurent Lafontant, Leo Scantlebury, Loreena Gabriel, Marlene Jennings, Mubeenah Mughal, Renzel Dashington, Stephen Hennessy, Steve Cheldy Assoé, Tarah Paul, Temilade Akin-Aina and Mélanie Valcin.
The 28 Changemakers were selected from more than 200 nominations submitted from across Quebec. They reflect movers and shakers in a wide variety of disciplines, including a yogi, a disability activist, musicians, educators and academics, among others. The evening featured a performance by local spoken word artist Roen Higgins, who wrote a piece just for the event, entitled "The Butterfly effect". You can watch the entire launch event here.
The Black Changemakers is a special series recognizing individuals who, regardless of background or industry, are driven to create a positive impact in their community. Meet all the changemakers here.
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
