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Chatham-Kent’s rich Black history is a story that continues to be written, with award recipients having a chance to share their own experiences on Saturday night.

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The third-annual Black Excellence Awards, held at the Everest Convention Centre, recognized outstanding individuals for their leadership and contributions in various fields.

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Nominations took place earlier this year, with nine people ultimately selected for their strength, resilience and community impact through their lives, careers and volunteerism.

The 2026 award recipients included:

• Josiah Henson legacy of leadership award: Magdiel Hoste
• Dr. Sophie B. Jones wellness and resilience award: Edna Cornwall-Shadd
• Artis Shreve Lane creative excellence award: My Carrington
• North Star emerging leaders award (ages 13-17): Anna Koleosho
• North Star emerging leaders award (ages 18-25): Shantoya Brown
• Henry Weaver Black business excellence award: The Health House, Shawna Regan
• Chatham Coloured All-Stars athletic excellence award: Arnold Robbins
• Hugh Burnett social justice and changemaker award: Adana Fraser
• Mary Ann Shadd Cary educational impact award: Ed Robbins

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Jim Redford, of presenting sponsor Enbridge, received the allyship award for his advocacy efforts.

Hoste, originally from Cuba, has served as settlement services co-ordinator at Adult Language and Learning for nearly two decades, leading programs for immigrant and refugee families.

She was recognized for breaking down systemic barriers and ensuring all individuals have access to needed supports.

Calling the award “truly, truly, humbling,” she thanked her family for their inspiration and guidance.

Touching on the struggles Cubans face, Hoste said her heart remains with them. She also promised to “continue to use my voice to advocate and to speak for those who cannot.”

Regan, founder and operator of The Health House, is an entrepreneur and wellness professional, providing compassionate, holistic care.

A seventh-generation descendant of the Buxton Settlement, she was recognized as a trailblazer, breaking barriers as a former Black female competitive figure skater in Chatham-Kent, at a time when representation in the sport was almost non-existent, and later as a coach.

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“I want you to keep on digging, keep on working, just like we are,” she said to other Black business owners. “To support this amazing community we have in Chatham-Kent.”

Ed Robbins, an educator, administrator and mentor, was one of the first Black superintendents for the Kent County School Board.

He played a key role in bringing computer technology into schools across the region, modernizing education and creating new opportunities for students and staff.

Robbins credited the excellence awards for raising awareness about local achievements, past and present.

“It’s very important for young people especially to see historical and current Black role models,” he said, adding he was honoured to accept an award named after Shadd Cary, given her commitment to education.

For a full rundown of this year’s award recipients and their bios, visit the Black Excellence Awards & Gala on its social media channels.

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