The Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards; Toronto African Dance Festival and the African Canadian Women's Achievement Awards will highlight the contribution of African people to Canada's cultural mosaic. Each event is an opportunity for both organizers and guests to enjoy African art, food, music and dance, while recognizing the tremendous achievements of Africans that have taken place across Canada.
"In the case of the Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards, we are recognizing the tremendous success of Canada's various Ghanaian communities," said Emmanuel Ayiku, founder of the awards. "I think that all Africans can be proud of what our respective communities have established, and it is a wonderful to celebrate these milestones."
The eighth annual awards will take place at the Furmee Furlane Banquet Hall (97065 Islington Ave.) on Saturday, Aug. 16 beginning at 6 p.m. The day will also host the Ghanaian Business and Professionals Trade Show, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 416-916-3700 for ticket and scheduling information.
The Toronto African Dance festival will take place from Aug. 16 to 17 at Yonge-Dundas Square.
This free festival connects audiences with dance from across the African continent.
The event provides dance classes to the public and referral services for those who wish to take additional classes. The initial festival produced in 2002 at the Ontario Science Centre, featured captivating performances from 12 professional dance groups. The 2004 Festival held at Nathan Phillips Square and Metro Square was an overwhelming success showcasing more than 22 local and international artists and attracted more than 7,000 visitors.
This year's edition of the festival is hoping to eclipse the success of its predecessors by featuring distinguished performers including Thomas Muhtahdi and the world Drummers; the Ijo Vudu Dance Company; Bahli Tesfa; and Jeff Kavanda. Visit www.africandancefestival.com for details.
The third annual African Canadian Women's Achievement Awards will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Airport Holiday Inn Select (600 Dixon Rd.) from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The aim of the awards is to acknowledge the good deeds produced by African women in their respective communities. The awards were founded in 2006 by Anna Aidoo, a motivational speaker and community activist. Since the event's inception two years ago, women from various sectors of the community have been honoured in a range of categories.
Women being honoured at this year's awards include: Jill Andrew (columnist, Metro News), Mary Ashun (education), Lanre Tunji Ajayi (business and philanthropy), May Hughes (health and volunteering), Nicki Clarke (single parent/educator), Jane Musoke Nteyafas (artist, poet and entertainer), Audrey Walters (president, Black Business and Professionals Association, leadership) and Keda Edward-Pierre (law enforcement and community development).
Tickets are $40 or $350 (10 person group rate). E-mail endlesspossibilities@rogers.com for details.
The pulse of Africa beats in the heart of Toronto over the city's last few weekends of summer. Meet the heat by checking out the heat at these fun-filled events and make your summer an African dream.
Jon Sarpong is a diversity and multiculturalism specialist. He provides independent diversity consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.