​Kincardine mural comes to life as Dr. Eugenia Addy speaks at Afro Caribbean Youth Awards

It was art come to life as Dr. Eugenia Addy, whose face graces the mural beside the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, spoke to the crowd at the Afro Caribbean Youth Awards, Saturday night, in the Kincardine Hall at the Davidson Centre.

A scientist, educator and social entrepreneur, she is the chief executive officer of Visions of Science, and is dedicated to equitable STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) access and community transformation. With a PhD in chemistry from the University of Toronto, she has more than 15 years of experience developing youth initiatives in more than 40 communities, and is a sought-after advocate, consultant and thought-leader in education and the social sector.

“I’m thrilled to be here,” she said. “I’m on the mural here!”

She congratulated all the nominees for their many accomplishments in such areas as: creativity, cultural dignity, leadership, athleticism, champion of change and opportunity for all, music, art, drama and dance, community involvement, academic excellence, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“I grew up in a low-income community in Toronto,” said Addy, “so it was hard to see any real role models for me there.”

However, things changed for her in middle school and high school.

“I loved science,” she said. “I remember Bill Nye the Science Guy, and the Magic School Bus on TV. But I never thought of science as a career because nobody in my orbit was a scientist – most had not even gone to post-secondary education.”

From the age of 14, she worked at the Rogers Centre in Toronto and had to take public transportation to get there and back. Plus, she worked through to the end of the sports games, which meant she was often tired in class.

In high school, she encountered a teacher who noticed she was often sleeping in his science class but still acing the course. He urged her to consider taking Grade 10 microbiology. “You’re too smart to pass this up,” he said.

“So, I took that lab and it changed my entire life,” said Addy. “In Grades 9 and 10, I was still grappling with who I was as a person. I finished at the top of my class in that course, and was encouraged to consider a career in science, meaning I had to take all three sciences and calculus and go on to post-secondary school.”

However, when she went to her guidance counsellor, she was told that it would be too hard for her and she should consider being a hairdresser or cosmetologist.

With support and encouragement from her mother and others, she enrolled in the science and math courses and then had a summer internship at the University of Toronto.

“That was another life-changing experience,” she said. “I realized this is something I can do and I needed to pursue it.” She went on to complete her double major and PhD there.

“We've all had uphill battles to get where we are today,” she said. “That’s why we celebrate these Afro Caribbean Youth Awards, showcasing the talent in this community into the future. I had people who cheered me on when I didn’t believe I could do it, and I did it.”

MCs for the evening, were Rowland Hartwick, a graduate of Kincardine District Senior School (KDSS); Serena Hunter who is completing her fifth year at KDSS; and David Ofenor, a Grade 6 student at Immaculate Conception School in Formosa.

They welcomed everyone to the event, a night to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Afro Caribbean youth in Bruce and Grey counties.

Pastor Wonder Chimvinga of Pine River United Church gave the opening prayer.

Bringing greetings, were Avion Campbell, human rights and equity advisor at the Bluewater District School Board; and Papy Mukenge, acting superintendent of education at the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board.

Certificates were presented to the following youth:

Age five to 13
 

• Agape Chimvinga
• Bliss Chimvinga
• Charis Chimvinga
• Isaac Clarke-Grant
• Isaiah Clarke-Grant
• Joshua Clarke-Grant
• Tyrion Grozelle
• Averee Hamann
• Avi Harvey
• Ronan Harvey
• Jennyl Hibbert
• Jerryl Hibbert
• David Ofenor
• Joel Ofenor
• Toni Okanlawon
• Abigail Opiyo
• Neema Opiyo
• Paul Jr. Opiyo
• Tai Rantz
• Benedict Ukwe
• Eliana Ukwe
• Gabriella Wilson
• Isabella Wilson

Age 14-18
 

• Oyinkansola Adeniji
• Ruby Boals
• Rowland Hartwick
• Gabe Hunter
• Serena Hunter
• Xavier Hyre
• Evan John
• Will John
• Shaelyn McCarthy
• Tireni Okanlawom
• Tumi Okanlawon
• Feyikemi Kate Olaberinjo
• Feyisayo Karl Olaberinjo
• Abel Redae
• Shams Redae
• Kira Thompson
• Katarina Veljovic
• Joliciah Williams

Age 19-25
 

• Fredia Faith Mboe
• Anastasija Mona Lisa Veljovic

Daniel Playfair, vice-president of MCR future unit preparation projects at Bruce Power, presented Bruce Power scholarships to David Ofenor, Joliciah Williams, Katarina Veljovic, and Fredia Faith Mboe

Kincardine deputy mayor Andrea Clarke, one of the organizers of the awards night, thanked the many sponsors, community partners and volunteers for supporting this event.

She noted that the awards celebration is a transformative event, providing a safe and protected space for those who are most marginalized and vulnerable. “We approach this event with inclusion through a lens of love. We build the foundation of community through love and grace.”