Africa's most informative media
Lancelot O. Imasuen; Nollywood film Producer and Director
PLANET AFRICA AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Professional Excellence Award
Mr. Kevin Williams; President and CEO of General Motors Canada
Prior to his current appointment, Kevin Williams served as General Motors (GM) Vice President and General Manager, Service and Parts Operations; President and Managing Director of GM de Mexico; Assistant Managing Director and Manufacturing Manager, GM de Mexico and GM North America's Vice President of Quality. On March 1, 2010, Mr. Williams was appointed President and Managing Director of GM Canada, with the overall responsibility for GM's vehiclemanufacturing and distribution in Canada. In the pursuit of excellence, Kevin Williams has risen to the highest level of his field of expertise. He has proven that diligent hard work has its reward in success.
Planet Africa Development Award
Yvonne Chaka Chaka; South Africa's music superstar, UNICEF Ambassador and Humanitarian Activist
Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a South African music superstar and a legend across Africa. Born in 1965 in Soweto during the apartheid era, she was the first African child to appear on South African television in 1981. As UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador against malaria, and Ambassador for Roll-Back Malaria, sponsored by the World Bank and the United Nations, Yvonne Chaka Chaka tirelessly campaigns for medications and bed nets that will help to end malaria, a preventable and curable disease that kills 3,000 people in Africa every day. Inspired by these statistics, Yvonne established the Princess of Africa Foundation. She works with the United Nations, speaking for the voiceless. For Chaka Chaka, her music is a platform to not only entertain, but to empower, equip and educate.
Science and Technology Award
Dr. Ola Kassim; Chief Pathologist & Director of Laboratoty Services, West Parry Sound Health Centre
As President and CEO of Parry Sound-Muskoka Diagnostic Inc. And the Ola Kassim Medical Professional Corporation, Dr. Ola Kassim facilitates the provision of specialized medical laboratory and imaging diagnostic services. He also serves as Senior Medical Consultant at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Biopharma Services. Dr. Kassim has published numerous academic and research papers in the fields of laboratory medicine and pathology. Even with such professional responsibilities, the Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine continues to serve his community with a special focus on transformation. He was the Founding Chairman of Nigerians In The Diaspora Organization (NIDO Americas).
Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award
Dr. Anthony Sterling; Humanitarian and Founder and Director, Sterling Dental Centre
Sterling Dental, under the distinguished leadership of its Founder and Director, Dr. Anthony Sterling, routinely invests in the arts as well as in the well-being and the moral fibre of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area in general. With a highly visible presence and two locations in Brampton, Ontario, Sterling Dental is a model of client focused and family friendly dental practice. His vision is to work with like-minded community partners and exchange ideas toward the promise of a brighter future. Dr. Sterling continues to engage those around him with fierce determination and quiet humility. Working with William Osler Health Services, he sponsors the annual Brampton Civic Hospital Staff Appreciation and Community BBQ, feedi...
Planet Africa Leadership Award
David Alechenu Mark, President of the Senate of Nigeria
Honourable Senator David Alechenu Mark, the man at the seat of legislative power in Nigeria, has a wealth of experience in managing the affairs of Africa's most populous nation of 150 million people. He is a charming intellect and a dogged patriot and dedicated flag bearer for elected representatives. Senator Mark attained the height of professional military career when he was appointed Commander Corps of Signals. After years of public life and eventual exile, Senator Mark was sworn in as the President of the Seventh Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A native of Benue State, he was re-elected in April 2011 for a fourth term. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Selection and Chairman of the Joint National Assembly, which includes both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Planet Africa Rising Star Award
SHAD, a.k.a Shadrach Kabango; Juno Award winning Hip Hop star
The emcee, known simply as Shad, has released three albums, including "TSOL", which was released in May 2010 to wide acclaim, a 2010 outstanding Juno Award win for Best Rap Recording of the Year and a Polaris Music Prize nomination. In a few short years, the young rapper from London, Ontario, known as Shadrach Kabango, has become a member of Canada's hip-hop royalty. He was born in Kenya or Rwandan parents. He holds a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier Universityand a master's degree in liberal studies from Simon Fraser University. When you factor in North American tours, stints overseas with shows across Europe and the completion of his master's degree, it is evident that Shad isn't looking to slow down anytime soon.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Bishop (Dr.) Audley James; Founder, Revivaltime Tabernacle Ministries; Community Leader
Biblical Scholar, Pastor, Musician and Community Advocate, Dr. Audley N. James is busy making a difference. Revivaltime Tabernacle Worldwide Ministry, a Pentecostal ministry headquartered in Toronto, was born out of his vision for a unique community of people faith in 1980. The Ryerson University graduate is a man set on a singular mission to heal and advance his community. With membership now standing at over 3000, meeting at two locations in Downsview, Toronto and Pickering, Durham, the church has extended its outreach ministry to touch lives in various parts of the world. He has worked in the Jane and Finch community, with a mandate to reach at risk youth, ministering to their physical and spiritual needs.
Marcus Garvey Memorial Award
Courtney Betty; Lawyer, Founder & President, Diversity Business Network
Courtney Betty has over 20 years of experience within the legal, regulatory and business environment. He is the Founder and President of the Diversity Business Network, which aims at making diversity in the supply chain one of the cornerstones of corporate Canada. He began his legal career with the Department of Justice in Canada, representing the Government of Canada in tax, civil and commercial cases. Recruited by the Government of Jamaica as Senior Legal Counsel at the Jamaica Fair Trade Commission, Mr. Betty focused on the deregulation of the Jamaican telecommunications sector. He represented the government against cable and wireless monopoly, resulting in the first interconnection of an alternative provider in Jamaica, laying the foundation for the deregulation of telecommunications throughout the Caribbean.
Planet Africa Enterprise Award
Dr. Cosmas Maduka, Chairman & CEO, Coscharis Group; Automotive and Computer Distributor
Dr. Cosmas Maduka is a Nigerian industrialist and philanthropist. In the automobile market, Coscharis Motors, one of 10 subsidiaries of Coscharis Group, sells BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Ford, other vehicles and parts. He is the sole distributor of BMW luxury vehicles. He represents HP, IBM, Lenovo and owns Cosmos, his own brand of computers made in Nigeria. Coscharis, coined from his name Cosmas and that of his wife and associate Charity, is in banking, technology, publishing and more. He has donated to the Law Lecture Theatre at the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus; and the construction of roads in his hometown of Nnewi, Anambra State. His inspiring story of a young man who rose from rags to a Nigerian billionaire, is told in the book "Trials to Triumph" by Dr. Udoh Williams.
Planet Africa Media award
Lancelot O. Imasuen; Nollywood film Producer and Director
Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen is the CEO of Lancelot Imasuen Media Network Ltd, a frontline entertainment and commercial production company with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria and a branch in Benin City. He is also the President of Nollywood Project 101, a Platform to discover, nurture and expose new faces into the Nigerian motion picture industry. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen shoots all his movies in Benin City, Edo State, with emphasis on his people, their history and projecting their rich cultural heritage. The acclaimed 40 year old prolific Producer and Director in Nigeria's Nollywood film industry has made more than 200 movies. He was the lead star in the Canadian documentary film Nollywood Babylon.
Planet Africa Entertainment Award
Mark S. Doss; Grammy Award Winning Opera Singer
Grammy Award-winning opera singer with bass-baritone, Mark S. Doss, enjoys an impressive concert repertoire, performing over 60 roles in 55 of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including Milan's famous Teatro alla Scala, in a career spanning more than 25 years. He has travelled across the globe, with performances in 10 different languages, namely English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Latin, Russian, Czech, Hebrew, and Hungarian. Mr. Doss loves mentoring and teaching young artists to help them reach their full potential. He was Associate Professor of Voice at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, from 1995-1997, and continues to give master classes, working with apprentice artists.
African Renaissance Award
Dr. David S. Bassiouni; Chairman & CEO, The Bassiouni Group; UN Diplomat, South Sudanese Leader
A veteran humanitarian and global career diplomat, Dr. David S. Bassiouni served with the United Nations for over two decades, primarily working with UNICEF, the UN Development Group Office, Department of Humanitarian Affairs and the OCHA Secretariat. Most recently, through The Bassiouni Group, he was instrumental in making the independence of South Sudan in July 2011 possible. Dr. Bassiouni's expertise cuts across humanitarian affairs and assistance, complex emergencies, conflict and crisis resolution, safety and security, change management, sustainable development, agricultural and natural resource development and management. His first career was in veterinary medicine.
Academic Achievement Award
Pia Bahile; Ryerson University Journalism Graduate, Bank of Montreal Scholarship Recipient.
A great student, Pia Bahile works hard to accomplish her goals. With her naturally inquisitive nature, she decided on a career in journalism. Though she was pleased to receive a Bank of Montreal Scholarship, it was no great surprise that her strong work ethic and high grades bore fruit. As a journalism student at Ryerson University, Bahile continued to hone her craft and natural talents. Pia not only contributed to several blogs, she maintained high grades and excelled to gain the respect of her peers and receive various awards. With roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pia continues along her path of achievement with a focus on telling untold stories.
Planet Africa Heritage Award
Vivine Scarlet; Choreographer, Instructor, Founder & Artistic Director, Dance Immersion
Vivine Scarlett's artistic goals and aspirations are rooted in the love of dance, which she has studied in Canada, the USA, Guinea, and Ghana. As former Artistic Director and performing member of the Usafiri Dance & Drum Ensemble, Vivine created and presented works in both traditionally influenced African and contemporary African dance styles. She is Founder and Program Director for Dance Immersion, an organization that produces and presents dancers and dances of the African Diaspora, providing diverse programs for children and adults. She was instrumental in bringing the International Association of Blacks in Dance or IABD Conference to Toronto in 2007, a historic event held outside of the United States for the first time in history.
Volunteer of The Year Award
Detective Constable Donald Yirenkyi; York Regional Police Service; Community Development Advocate
Constable Donald Yirenkyi believes in giving back. His commitment to community service began before he started as a York Regional Police officer in 1999. He found a way to make a difference in our diverse communities when he joined the newly-created Diversity and Cultural Resources Unit of the police force in 2004. Constable Yirenkyi began building bridges in many areas. He welcomed new Canadians while hosting Citizenship Ceremonies and remains an active member of the organizing committee of the annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. A native of Ghana, his decision to pursue a master's degree at York University reflects is desire for a new dimension in making an impact in society.
Sports and Athletics Award
Devon Harris; Author, Motivational Speaker & Olympian in the Jamaican Bobsled Team
Olympian Devon Harris holds firm the belief that a positive attitude and 'a never say die' philosophy will carry him farther than a sense of injustice and a heart filled with anger. A graduate of the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in England, Devon served with the Jamaica Defence Force before retiring as a Captain. Devon has made a commitment to nourishing the minds and bodies of young students whom he believes have the same potential for success as did he. Through his "Keep On Pushing Foundation", Devon brings hope to youth in disadvantaged communities, by creating practical opportunities for them to explore their full potential.
HARMONY TRIBUTES
Harmony Tribute for Changing Lives
Dave Toycen; President, World Vision Canada; Largest Canadian Humanitarian Relief Agency
In his 23 years as a leader with World Vision Canada-15 as president-donations have increased almost tenfold to more than $415 million annually. The number of children sponsored through World Vision Canada has also risen, to more than 500,000. Toycen has led the agency into significant advocacy and public policy work, with an emphasis on issues that affect children. He has spoken before the World Bank, and has met with heads of state, key global executives and development leaders to discuss the well-being of the world's children. His book, "The Power of Generosity", encourages becoming more engaged in the world and to develop a more generous way of life.
Harmony Tribute for Diversity
Madeline Ziniak; National Vice President, OMNI Television, Rogers Communications Inc.
Madeline Ziniak has been involved in ethnic media for over 30 years and is currently the National Vice President of Rogers OMNI Television. Formerly known as CFMT-TV, Canada's First over-the-air licensed multilingual and multicultural television station, OMNI has grown from one local ethnic channel to founded by Ms. Ziniak's father to become a regional system of five stations stations in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and two in Toronto. She is also Chair of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association, formerly known as the Canadian Ethnic Journalists' & Writers' Club (CEMA). The association is comprised of professionals engaged in print, broadcast, web journalism and writing, reflecting Canada's diversity. CEMA supports the principles of Canadian citizenship, multiculturalism and the right of free expression without ethnocentric bias.
Harmony Tribute for Compassion
Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation; Michael Clemons, former Coach & CEO, Toronto Argonauts FC
Both on and off the field, former Toronto Argonaut football star Michael "Pinball" Clemons has always made it clear that his true passion lies in the youth. That same passion is what led to the founding of the Michael "Pinball" Clemons Foundation, an organization whose purpose is to advance the cause of young people. Though most of the foundation's work has been focused on efforts in Toronto area communities, in recent years, Michael and his wife Diane have travelled throughout parts of Africa, taking the same message that they've been championing here at home to overseas destinations. Having served as a player, coach and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts football club, Mr. Clemons is a true role model for youngsters.
Harmony Tribute for Education
Professor Roberto Hausman; Founder and Director of the Canadian Law Enforcement College
In 1985 Roberto Hausman began a seemingly daunting task when he founded the Canadian Law Enforcement College. For over 25 years now, the College has grown from its humble 1000 square feet to 12,000 square feet complex in Toronto and a second location of 2,000 square feet in Mississauga. His personal mission is to make a difference in our society by helping the less fortunate, regardless of their country of origin. The man who arrived in Canada at the age of 19 from Uruguay, with no money, no friends, n job, no home and no English continues helping and educating thousands of new immigrants so they can find a career and opportunities in Canada.
Harmony Tribute for Public Service
Jim Karygiannis; Member of Parliament, Scarborough-Agincourt, Canada;
Jim Karygiannis is the Liberal Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt. On May 2, 2011, he was re-elected for an eighth consecutive term, having been first elected to the House of Commons in 1988. Mr. Karygiannis is the Liberal Party Critic for Multiculturalism and also responsible for stakeholder and community outreach. Scarborough-Agincourt is one of the most ethnically diverse federal ridings in Canada. Jim Karygiannis is an effective voice for the people he serves, taking their concerns, on a wide variety of issues, including immigration, taxation, justice and Canada's global responsibilities, to Caucus and the House of Commons for debate.
Harmony Tributes for Global Impact
War Child Canada; Founded by Dr. Samantha Nutt
Dr. Samantha Nutt is a medical doctor with more than fifteen years of experience working in war zones. Committed to peace, human rights and social justice, she has worked in some of the world's most violent flashpoints with War Child Canada, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations in Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Burundi, northern Uganda, Ethiopia and the Thai-Burmese border. As the Founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada, Dr. Nutt has spearheaded efforts to provide direct humanitarian support and long term programming to war-affected children and their families. She promotes the rights of children everywhere.
Harmony News
New Issue of
Planet Africa Magazinefeaturing legendary Super Star Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
On Newsstands September 7th!
PLANET AFRICA
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2011 Planet Africa Awards
Celebrating Leadership & Excellence
The 2011 Planet Africa Awards gala and ceremony will take place at the grand theater of the Roy Thomson Hall, Canada's #1 venue for upscale events, on Saturday, October 22nd, 2011. The awards program, which recognizes hard work, excellence and professionalism, produces role models, especially for our young people. This is a red carpet affair, where guests are celebrated.
The auspicious occasion will be hosted by Tre Armstrong, judge on "So you think you can dance Canada" and Farley Flex, Humanitarian & Canadian Idol Judge.
Date
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011
Time
6:00 pm: VIP Reception
7:30 pm: The Awards Ceremony
10:30 pm: Official After Party (Optional)
Location
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2H5, Canada
Tickets
$150, VIP Dinner and Awards show
$80, preferred Seating at Awards show
$60, regular seating at awards show
Award CategoriesThe award categories include Leadership, Professional Excellence, Science and Technology, Community Development, Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award, Media and Entertainment, Media, African Renaissance, Rising Star, Enterprise, Sports, Heritage, Academic Achievement, Marcus Garvey Memorial Award, Volunteer, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. The names of the distinguished recipients, who include entertainers, business leaders, scientists and innovators from around the world, will be released soon.
Past RecipientsPast recipients of the Planet Africa Awards include Olympic Gold Medalist, Daniel Igali; entrepreneur and businessman, Kwame Jackson from Donald Trump's Apprentice; Nobel Prize Winner, Professor Wole Soyinka; movie and television star, Isaiah Washington; Nuclear Scientist, Dr. Sylvester Osamusali; YWCA International President, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro; Biotechnologist, Dr. Florence Wambugu and William H. Osborne, President & CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada, among other accomplished individuals and organizations.
More About Planet Africa
The awards are presented by Planet Africa Network Inc., which includes the Planet Africa Television show, the only English language series of its kind. It airs three times a week on OMNI Television, BEN TV in Europe, and NTA International in Africa. The magazine is on newsstands across Canada and the United States, including Chapters, Indigo, Walmart and other stores. The awards program is a part of the esteemed Planet Africa organization.
Phone: 416.247.5777
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AFRICAN UNION 6TH REGION
The Africa Union 6th Region will hold its inaugural gala and symposium on Friday September 9, at the Rivera Parque Banquet Centre, 2800 Highway 7 West.
Friday: September 9, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Location:
The Symposium will be held at:
The TAIBU COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
27 Tapscott Road, unit 1
(Just west of Neilson Rd)
Scarborough, ON Canada M1B 4Y7
The Inaugural gala will be held at:
The Canada Christian College
McVety Auditorium
50 Gervais Drive
(Just North of Don Mills Rd and Eglinton Ave. E).
Symposium
Experts in different fields will be speaking on Global Dialog and International Relations; Peace and Stability; Economic Co-operation and Sustainable Development; Historical , Socio-Cultural and Religious Commonalities and Challenges; Women and Children; Knowledge Sharing; Health and Well-being; Youth and Development and Media and Image Building
Advance online registration for the symposium is free; cost at the event is $10.00
Speakers
Economic Co-operation and Sustainable
Dr.Gervan Fearon
Historical, Socio-Cultural and Religious Commonalities and Challenges
Dr. Audley James, Dr. Burnley A. Jones
Women and Children
Joan Marshall-Wilkinson, Sharifa Wilkinson
Health and Disability
Dr. Christopher J. Morgan
Youth and Development
Justice Kofi Barnes
Media & Image Building
Arnold Minors, Patricia and Moses Mawa
For information,
Call: 647 955 9416 or visit
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