Dear Members, Friends, Partners,
Now, more than ever, despite the pandemic, the economic shut down and the ongoing civil unrest in the US we could use some positive role models—and that is exactly what the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards are about.
Inspired by a Black-Canadian sports hero, the Harry Jerome Awards celebrate community achievements by people in 11 different categories. The annual Harry Jerome Awards are an opportunity for us to acknowledge those who have helped facilitate important change in society, and at the same time raise funds to further the BBPA’s work in education, economic and entrepreneurial development, and young professional training and development.
We want to believe that the majority of people in the world are compassionate, empathetic, and caring, and we know our community is full of people who are making valuable contributions to the greater good.
The BBPA will launch the 2021 Harry Jerome Awards on June 11, 2020, with the announcement of the scheduled award recipients. This special online event will serve as a much-needed injection of positivity into our community, and set the stage for the in-person Harry Jerome Awards event, scheduled for April 2021.
With the issues of race and equality currently at the forefront of public discourse, this event could not come at a better time. As we work together to build a future free of anti-Black racism, BBPA will continue to fight for equality, justice, and the empowerment of Black business owners, we also take a moment each year to celebrate those among us who have made positive contributions to society.
This celebration of Black community advocates and role models is exactly what our community needs.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Nadine Spencer, CEO, President
Black Business and Professional Association
