November 7, 2026
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The recognition and celebration of Afro Caribbean youth living in Grey and Bruce counties took centre stage at the fourth annual Afro Caribbean Youth Awards.
Held Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, the event featured several speakers, including Maya Marcus and Megan Roopnarine, co-founders of The Why Not Agency, who emphasize diverse storytelling and equity in Canada, as well as uplifting racialized groups and empowering women.
Keynote speakers Maya (left) and Megan of The Why Not Agency
Pastor Wonder Chimvinga of Pine River United Church, once again, opened the evening with warm greetings and a unifying message that we are all one people.
Andrea Clarke, deputy judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, spoke about celebrating the different cultures within the Afro Caribbean community and the importance of providing a nurturing environment for youth to grow with the support of the whole community. She also emphasized the need for a foundation grounded in love and grace to build an inclusive community, urging us to reject sentiments that divide as opposed to unite us.
MCs for the evening were four youths – Agape Chimvinga, Joshua Clarke-Grant, Ronan Harvey, and Jerryl Hibbert. Together, they presented awards to the following young community members in recognition and celebration of their achievements:
AGED FIVE TO 13
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AGED 14-18
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AGED 19-25
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Karen Smith, chief human resources officer and senior vice-president at Bruce Power, presented the Bruce Power Leadership Awards to four youths whose significant contributions to their communities have made their families, peers, and teachers immensely proud. The recipients were Kendrick Noble, Toni Okanlawon, Inioluwa Osinowo, and Chelby Morris.
Karen Smith (centre) of Bruce Power presents the Bruce Power Leadership Awards to Toni Okanlawon (left) and Inioluwa Osinowo
Each will receive a scholarship from Bruce Power to support their education and continue their journey of leadership and service. Smith congratulated the scholarship winners, as well as all the evening’s recipients, noting that their achievements are a testament to hard work and dedication. She looks forward to seeing the incredible impact they will continue to make in the future.
The Municipality of Kincardine thanks Bruce Power for its tremendous support of the Afro Caribbean Youth Awards, and for providing the four scholarships.
The 2026 Afro Caribbean Youth Awards would not have been possible without the hard work and support of the following residents and community partners:
Community residents Lee Evans, Sandra Harvey, Michelle Westwood, Andrea Clarke, and Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre – Matt Smith and Sydney McArthur
Bruce County Public Library – Michaela Posthumus
Kincardine District Senior School – Watson Morris
Municipality of Kincardine – Mackenzie Clarke and Lorie Fioze
Events such as the Afro Caribbean Youth Awards remind us that inclusion is not about separation, but about recognition ensuring every young person knows their voice, culture, and contribution matter.
Award recipients in the age 5-13 category
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