The BlackNorth Initiative announced its third annual Excellence Gala will take place September 13, 2025, at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York hotel. The event commemorates five years since launching Canada’s largest corporate movement against systemic anti-Black racism.
More than 500 organizations have signed the BlackNorth Pledge since July 2020. The commitment requires companies to take measurable steps toward dismantling barriers that affect Black Canadians in boardrooms and executive positions across the country.
Awards will Recognize Community Leaders and Entrepreneurs
The September gala will present multiple awards recognizing Black excellence across different sectors. BMO sponsors the Community Champion Award, which honors Black-led organizations making significant community impact. Winners receive $10,000 to expand their work.
CIBC backs the Entrepreneurship Award, celebrating Black business owners who demonstrate innovation and leadership. The $10,000 prize helps recipients reinvest in their companies’ growth.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Enbridge, carries a $15,000 prize. Recipients donate this amount to registered charities aligned with the initiative’s mission. The award recognizes individuals with at least ten years documenting accomplishments in championing Black Canadian rights.
Applications for awards close August 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Nominate Here.
Musical Headliners Bring Star Power to Toronto Event
Grammy-nominated R&B star Deborah Cox headlines the gala’s entertainment lineup. The Canadian vocalist, known for hits like “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” brings decades of international success to the celebration.
Kardinal Offishall, the Toronto rapper and producer behind “Dangerous” and “Body Bounce,” also performs. Additional performers will be announced closer to the September date.
The star-studded lineup reflects the gala’s theme: “Legacy of Change: 5 Years of Breaking Barriers.” Organizers expect the event to draw business leaders, community advocates, and entertainment figures from across Canada.
Corporate Canada Shows Measurable Progress
The initiative’s five-year impact report reveals significant gains in Black representation. TSX-listed signatory companies now report 3.3% Black board representation, up from under 1% in 2020, according to the DI-FSC State of Black Economics Report.
“This was never about optics. It has always been about transformation. The last five years have shown that change is possible when courage meets commitment.” said Wes Hall, founder and chairman of the BlackNorth Initiative.
Hall founded the initiative in 2020 as nationwide protests highlighted racial injustice. The Bay Street executive and Dragons’ Den star mobilized corporate leaders to address systemic barriers affecting Canada’s 1.2 million Black citizens.
Movement Expands Beyond Corporate Boardrooms
The BlackNorth Initiative’s impact extends far beyond corporate representation. The organization has awarded close to $2 million in scholarships and bursaries to Black students pursuing higher education.
Through the B.E.G.I.N. entrepreneurship program, 434 Black business owners received support developing their ventures. The BlackNorth Connect platform links thousands of Black professionals with mentorship opportunities and job openings.
The initiative’s housing program helped 12 families secure $6 million in home value. This represents 42 family members, including children, who now build generational wealth through homeownership.
Major Corporations Demonstrate Long-Term Commitment
Rogers Communications celebrates the initiative’s fifth anniversary as a committed partner. The telecommunications giant launched company-wide training and its Elevate program supporting Black talent development.
“At Rogers, we’re on a journey to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive company,” said Marisa Fabiano, Chief Human Resources Officer. “We’re dedicated to listening, learning, creating safe spaces and driving positive change with our employees, customers and communities.”
The corporate backing demonstrates sustained commitment beyond initial 2020 pledges. Many financial services firms signed commitments to achieve 3.5% Black representation in executive and board roles, matching Canada’s Black population percentage.
Gala Tickets Available for Public Purchase
General admission tickets for the September 13 gala are available through the BlackNorth Initiative website. Student tickets offer reduced pricing for post-secondary attendees wanting to participate in the celebration.
The Fairmont Royal York location provides a prestigious backdrop for the evening program. The 6:00 PM start time accommodates working professionals attending after business hours.
Volunteer opportunities remain open for community members wanting to support the event. Organizers seek passionate individuals to help create what they describe as “an unforgettable evening honouring Black culture, impact and progress.”
The gala represents both celebration and call to action as Canada’s corporate diversity movement enters its next phase. Five years of documented progress provides foundation for expanded efforts addressing systemic barriers facing Black Canadians in business and beyond.
