Black Excellence Awards – Mississauga
The Black Excellence Awards recognize and celebrate the achievements, leadership, and contributions of Black residents and volunteers in Mississauga. Presented by the City of Mississauga in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, these awards honour individuals whose work strengthens our city and uplifts future generations.
Established to spotlight Black excellence across many fields, the awards celebrate achievements in community leadership, culture, education, business, and more. Each year, recipients are honoured during Black History Month at a formal ceremony at Mississauga City Hall.
To nominate someone for the 2026 awards please click here.
Honouring the 2025 Award Recipients
We are proud to recognize the 2025 Black Excellence Award recipients, whose dedication, leadership, and service continue to make a meaningful impact in Mississauga. Their stories reflect the strength, resilience, and brilliance of Black communities across generations.
Lincoln Blaché is a Juno-nominated artist, music producer and creative director based in Mississauga. A celebrated leader in arts and culture, he has been recognized for his contributions to music and design, including being awarded the Black Designer of Canada Award.
Lincoln has redefined Canada’s music landscape by discovering and developing groundbreaking talent, such as Canada’s first all-girl R&B group, BLK and the boyband, GOODBADUGLY.
As the founder of Made In Sauga, a Black-owned record company, he has fostered emerging talent and partnered with global industry giants.
His work has consistently empowered Mississauga’s arts community, earning him multiple recognitions, including nominations for the Mississauga Music Awards.
Chanée Dowdie is the owner of Honey Soul Food in Mississauga, a restaurant known for its Southern inspired, 100% halal soul food.
Beyond her success in hospitality, she is a passionate mentor and community leader, dedicated to supporting youth entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Through her business and involvement with the Young Bosses in Business Foundation, Chanée provides opportunities for young entrepreneurs to gain experience, build confidence and thrive.
Clovalyn Wilson is a dedicated community leader with a decade-long commitment to improving Malton.
As president of the Malton Black Development Association, she has organized fundraising events, provided tutoring and led cultural programs and camps for underserved youth.
Clovalyn also spearheaded the return of Carassauga’s Caribbean Pavilion and leads senior citizen technology programs. She played a key role in opening a new performing arts studio in Malton, offering local youth opportunities in arts and culture.
Known for her compassion, integrity and leadership, Clovalyn is a true catalyst for positive change in her community.
Thomas Francis is a full-time professor in the Faculty of Music at Humber College, specializing in the piano department.
A passionate and innovative educator, Thomas goes above and beyond to provide students with performance opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
He introduced the first-ever hip-hop workshop and a music and virtual reality (VR) workshop at Humber, collaborating with the Tech Department.
Known for his unique and inclusive approach to teaching, Thomas’ improvisation class is always in high demand. He is a forward-thinking educator, shaping the future of music education at Humber College.
Dr. Ibukun Abejirinde is a Scientist at the Institute for Better Health (IBH) and Assistant Professor at the Dalla Lana School for Public Health, University of Toronto.
Her research focuses on health equity, digital technologies and the health of migrants and refugees, with a particular emphasis on Black communities.
She leads initiatives such as the Black Refugee and Mental Health Project, addressing gaps in mental health services for Black asylum seekers in Peel Region.
Additionally, Dr. Abejirinde founded the Nurturing Black Excellence (NuBEx) Program to support Black-identifying health researchers, providing mentorship and career development opportunities.
Her leadership and advocacy are driving positive change in health care, fostering inclusivity and empowering future generations of Black health professionals.
Akeem Ameen is the founder and owner of Ameen’s Kitchen, a beloved restaurant in Mississauga offering authentic Nigerian cuisine.
With more than six years of dedication, Akeem and his wife have built a reputation for delivering vibrant, flavorful dishes that bring the taste of Nigeria to the Greater Toronto Area.
Committed to both authenticity and exceptional service, Akeem’s Kitchen also specializes in catering for special events, providing a memorable culinary experience.
Akeem’s passion for his culture and community shines through in every dish and interaction, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for all guests.
Faye Schepmyer is a founding member of the Congress of Black Women of Canada – Mississauga chapter, established to address community concerns and promote educational advancement for Black families.
With a focus on youth education, Faye has been a dedicated advocate for strengthening the community, continuing her work through scholarships, events and committee involvement.
In addition to her leadership at the Congress, Faye volunteers with various organizations, including Compass Food Bank and the Mississauga Seniors’ Centre. An artist and jewellery designer, she also contributes to local markets and enjoys cycling across Ontario.
Faye remains a passionate and engaged community leader, working to ensure progress and lasting impact.
Chanté Murray is a 16-year-old Malton resident and student at St. Jude’s Academy.
A talented athlete, she represented Team Canada and won a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA Women’s Basketball Championship in Colombia.
Known for her exceptional sportsmanship, Chanté was named MVP at the 2024 All-Canadian Allstar Games and has earned numerous MVP and Player of the Game awards for her scoring and blocking skills.
Off the court, she is dedicated to giving back to her community, volunteering annually for a backpack drive that provides school supplies to youth.
Tamara Natukunda is a 15-year-old, grade 10 student from Mississauga with a deep passion for social change and community service.
Since the age of 8, she has been actively volunteering – most recently supporting events like the Rotary Club’s Lobsterfest and Ribfest, raising funds for local charities, food banks and the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital.
Tamara has also volunteered more than 50 hours as a junior swim instructor and participated in various fundraising efforts, including the Hazel McCallion walks and Make A Wish Foundation car wash.
An active member of her school’s clubs, including the Black Students Voices Club and Model UN, Tamara also volunteers at St. Patrick’s Church and in her community, exemplifying leadership and dedication to positive change.
Nominations Now Open: 2026 lack Excellence Awards
Do you know an outstanding individual making a difference in Mississauga?
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Black Excellence Awards and will be accepted until February 13, 2026.
Mississauga residents may be nominated in one of the following categories:
- Youth
- Business
- Community Service
- Education
- Health Services
- Arts & Culture
- Sports
- Hospitality & Food Services
- Legacy – Lifetime Achievement
Eligible nominees will be invited to receive their award during an evening ceremony held in honour of Black History Month at Mississauga City Hall on Friday, February 27 at 7:00 PM.
Submit a Nomination
Help us celebrate Black excellence in our community by nominating a deserving individual.
Submit a nomination for the 2026 Black Excellence Awards