Members of the Black community who exemplify strength, resilience and excellence were recently recognized at the Chatham-Kent 2026 Black Excellence Awards.
Selected by an independent committee, the awards commemorate outstanding individuals and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to the community through leadership, innovation, advocacy and service.
This year marks the first time the awards are named after influential Black pioneers with ties to Chatham-Kent – individuals whose legacies continue to shape and inspire future generations.
Celebrated in 2026 are:
Magdiel Hoste; recipient of the Josiah Henson Legacy of Leadership Award; Edna Cornwall-Shadd, the Dr. Sophie B. Jones Wellness & Resilience Award; My Carrington, the Artis Shreve Lane Creative Excellence Award; Anna Koleosho, the North Star Emerging Leaders Award (Ages 13–17); Shantoya Brown, the North Star Emerging Leaders Award (Ages 18–25); Shawna Regan, Health House, the Henry Weaver Black Business Excellence Award; Arnold Robbins, the Chatham Coloured All-Stars Athletic Excellence Award; Adana Fraser, the Hugh Burnett Social Justice & Changemaker Award; and Ed Robbins with the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Educational Impact Award.
The 2026 Black Excellence Awards & Gala event took place April 18, at the Everest Convention Centre.
