Meet Quebec's 2021 Black Changemakers
New CBC series highlights inspiring people making a difference
In celebration of Black History Month, CBC Quebec is recognizing current-day changemakers who are helping to shape our future. Our goal is to highlight individuals from the province's Black communities who are making positive changes, giving back and inspiring others.
Nominations are now closed but the response was overwhelming. We received more than 500 nominations. Nominees are artists, creators, health-care workers, educators, entrepreneurs, community organizers and everyone in between.
Starting Feb. 1 and then daily throughout the month, we will reveal the finalists across our platforms. In addition to the 28 profiles, we will also publish an "honourable mentions" list at the end of February.
Click on the links below to get to know the 2021 CBC Quebec Black Changemakers.
Armel Omatoko
Meet the Montrealer spreading positivity through African dance
Kayla Crawley
She felt Black people needed a place to come together, so she created one
Kevin Calixte
Created an online talk show that has become a rallying space for his community
Joan Lee
A volunteer continuing a legacy of community work on Montreal's West Island
Balarama Holness
Making Montreal more equitable and inclusive
Roen Higgins
An artist and educator empowering her community
Ndeye Dieynaba Ndiaye
A professor whose journey from Senegal to Europe to Quebec City inspires her work
Trevor Williams
A basketball coach giving kids opportunities to play sports and learn life skills
Clarence Bayne
A community leader helping to create institutions to combat racism
Stephanie Bumba
A nurse clinician shedding light on pioneering Black scientists
Aly Ndiaye
A hip hop artist revealing Quebec's hidden history
Blxck Cxsper
Creating a space for trans people to make music, together
Myrna Lashley
Challenging systemic racism, one institution at a time
Nancy Falaise
Helping Black women embrace their hair, curls and all
Renate Betts
Building up a neighbourhood through her work
Nate Sanders
This high school student is helping Black youth speak up for themselves
Marie-Livia Beaugé
This tireless lawyer and activist wants to transform how we see justice
Frantz Saintellemy
Levelling the playing field for entrepreneurs of colour
Denburk Reid
Helping guide the next generation of Montrealers
Fabiola Ngamaleu Teumeni and Mariame Touré
Creators of Black Girls Gather, a space to read and share experiences
Will Prosper
Organizer and filmmaker shows how everyday people can lift up their community
Michelle Osbourne
A Quebec City woman helping others be 'unapologetic'
Fabrice Vil
Lawyer-turned-social entrepreneur uses sports to combat inequality
Elle Barbara
Creating community through ballroom culture
Akilah Newton
Turning a passion for the arts into a vocation
Suzanne Taffot
A lawyer and opera singer on a mission
Gabriella Garbeau
Making sure diverse voices are heard, one book at a time
Sabrina Jafralie
This teacher and activist inspires her students to change the world
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.
