As the John C. Holland Awards mark 30 years this weekend, one of its founding members says the event has played a crucial role in helping to amplify Black history in Hamilton.

Evelyn Myrie and Marlene Thomas Osborne were co-chairs of the awards’ inaugural committee. Myrie said from the inception, the event has “shone light” on people who have been “doing great work” in the community but have not been acknowledged.

“It was a great need that was identified and … the work that the award is still doing, presenting support to young people through scholarships, it’s been phenomenal,” Myrie told CBC Hamilton ahead of this year’s event.

The awards take place Sunday evening at the grand central ballroom of Liuna Station. 

“They are moving forward in celebrating youth, celebrating leaders and really cementing the Black contributions to Hamilton.”

Celebrating ‘wonderful achievements’ of Black people

Myrie spent 20 years on the committee, serving as chair for a number of those years.

In her interview with CBC News, Myrie paid tribute to Ray Johnson, a professor at McMaster University at the time, who came up with the name in John Holland’s memory, acknowledging that Holland was “a Hamiltonian of wonderful reputation.”

Myrie said there was a need for recognition of the Black community in Hamilton and the John C. Holland Awards have helped to “highlight the contributions, and celebrate the wonderful achievements” of Black people.

“We don’t hear enough of these stories, we don’t hear enough of the narratives of young Black youth doing phenomenal work and achieving great things academically as well, so this platform allows us to shine the light on these young people as well as other members of the community who are driving change, who are making a difference in the community,” said Myrie.

Myrie — who now serves as president of the Afro Canadian Caribbean Association — was recognized in November when McMaster University presented her with an honourary doctorate for her community advocacy and trailblazing community work.

“I was tremendously humbled,” she told CBC News. 

“I’ve done community work all my life and I didn’t expect this. I feel very good … that my social justice work is being acknowledged and rewarded at the academic level.” 

‘Excellence beyond measure’ in Black community

Current chair of the John C. Holland Awards, Terri Bedminster shares Myrie’s view on the important role the awards play in the Black community, while noting that the awards are now more youth centered.

“Often our stories are of struggle and overcoming and less about joy and achievement, and so we want to change that narrative in a way that is empowering and can really uplift our youth to continue doing the work that has been done for so very long,” she said. 

“It’s really important for us to recognize that within our community there is excellence beyond measure, and that youth are really the ones that are driving the change that we have been really wanting to see. 

“So, honouring them, honouring those who have started the awards or worked in transitioning the awards to be more youth centred, and empowering youth to to continue to carry on the baton is why the awards matter,” she added.

Last year, CBC spoke with Maya Ahmed, a 17-year-old student at Westmont Secondary School, who was awarded a youth achievement bursary sponsored by STAC Hamilton. It’s awarded to a student or students who have made outstanding academic or other societal achievements.

“I’m grateful that my work toward helping with social issues was being recognized,” Maya told CBC Hamilton.

Also last year, Deborah Kenea, then 17, was awarded the YWCA Hamilton Young Woman – Trailblazer Scholarship, given to a young woman pursuing studies in a field that closely aligns to advancing women’s issues. Deborah had some words of encouragement for other youth: “Always believe in yourself. You always have a chance and always try your best.”

Awards over the years have honoured Black Hamiltoninas such as:

• Business owner and educator, Mark John Stewart.
• Veteran steel worker, Albert Graham.
• Mentor and impART Project creator, Israel Crooks.
• Social justice campaigner and human rights advocate, Sandi Bell.
• Anti-racism advocate, Ken Stone.

Bedminster said there were four awards handed out the first year, while more than 40 will be handed out on Sunday.

In all, the John C. Holland Awards have given out 576 awards, scholarships and bursaries for the last 30 years, she said. 

“That’s significant when you look at a small organization, not with a lot of funding, but with a lot of community backing. That is a real improvement for us and very impactful,” Bedminster said.

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.