The BCCA Presents: Inaugural Community Gala and Award Ceremony Fundraiser: Celebrating Black Excellence
Community Gala - Event Overview
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black excellence, featuring awards, performances, and a keynote by Dr. June Francis. This event honors the achievements of Black students, leaders, and community partners.
The British Columbia Inaugual Community Gala and Award Ceremony will serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Black community in British Columbia. – Tasha Clarke, Co-founder of BC Community Alliance
The evening will highlight BCCA’s commitment to fostering leadership, community development, and advocacy for Black youth and their families. This Gala serves as both a celebration and a call to action, inviting supporters to continue contributing to BCCA’s Mission.
Agenda – Main Gala Program:
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7:00 PM – Gala Officially Begins
Marie Alemi, our Youth Host, opens the evening by welcoming all guests to this inaugural event. -
7:05 PM – Opening Remarks
Introductory remarks setting the tone for the evening and sharing the significance of the event. -
7:10 PM – Land Acknowledgment
Recognition and respect for the Indigenous territories on which we gather. -
7:15 PM – Black Settlers Acknowledgment
Honoring the history and contributions of Black settlers in British Columbia. -
7:20 PM – Housekeeping Announcements
Overview of event flow, facilities, and key information for guests.
Segment 1: Performances & Awards:
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7:30 PM – Performance: Spoken Word by Marlo Browne
A powerful spoken word piece celebrating resilience and community. -
7:45 PM – Buffet Dinner Service Begins
Guests are invited to enjoy dinner, featuring dishes from local Black-owned businesses Aboki Grill, Vansuya, Calabash, Dan’s Kitchen and Kula Foods. -
8:00 PM – Awards Presentation:
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Most Active Donor Award – Presented at 8:00 PM – Honoring a key donor for their ongoing commitment and support.
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Most Active Volunteer Award – Presented at 8:05 PM – Recognizing outstanding volunteer contributions.
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Best Dressed Award – Presented by Okoko Cosmetiques at 8:10 PM – A fun award celebrating style and elegance.
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Community Trailblazer Award – Presented by BCCA Mariah Mussassa at 8:15 PM – Honoring a leader who has significantly impacted the community.
- 8:20 PM – Performance by Lord Nation
An inspiring live music set by the talented Lord Nation.
Segment 2: Presentation & Youth Awards:
- 8:30 PM – SSLP Presentation
Solange Umugwaneza, SSLP presenter, highlights the Supports for Student Learning Program’s impact on youth. - 8:40 PM – Student Leader Award – Presented by Vancity Bank at 8:40 PM – Celebrating exceptional leadership by a student in our work.
- 8:45 PM – Parent Leader Award – Presented by Vancity Bank at 8:45 PM – Recognizing a parent for their leadership and advocacy.
- 8:50 PM – Performance by African Friendship Society – An ensemble of African Dance Showcase Trio
Segment 3: Call to Action & Final Awards:
- 9:10 PM – Call to Action & Community Partnership Award – Presented by Brian Seremba
Inviting guests to join the mission, followed by honoring a community partner for impactful collaboration. - 9:15 PM – SSLP Top Sponsor Award – Presented at 9:15 PM – Celebrating the top sponsor supporting our youth initiatives.
- 9:25 PM – SSLP Award Winners – Presented at 9:25 PM – Recognizing outstanding achievements by SSLP students.
- 9:30 PM – Empowerment Award – Presented at 9:30 PM – Honoring a community member who has empowered others through their actions.
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9:35 PM – Keynote Speaker
An inspiring keynote address by Dr. June Francis, focusing on the future of Black empowerment and equity in BC. -
9:50 PM – Closing Remarks
Final thoughts and gratitude for attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. -
10:00 PM – DJ Drac – Dancefloor opens
Music & Dancefloor
Additional Notes
Charity & Impact
All proceeds will go towards BCCA Family Services Program including Scholarship Endowment Fund with Vancity Foundation , removing barriers to access for Black youth and their families.
Date
November 16, 2024
Time
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location
Honoring Excellence
The ceremony will recognize key individuals and organizations for their leadership, generosity, and community service. The awards are designed to celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to drive positive change in their communities.
Categories include:
2024
Co-Founders Award
Recognising outstanding contributions to community from a duo or group to champion a cause.
Presented by Co-founder(s)
2024
Top Sponsor Award
Acknowledging exceptional support and partnership in advancing our mission to fostering social change.
Presented by SSLP Student.
2024
Best Dressed Award
This award and $150 will go to the individual or group with outstanding style and elegance.
Presented by BCCA Sponsor.
2024
Most Active Volunteer Award
Recognizing outstanding contributions to community for their consistent dedication and community service.
. Presented by Co-founder of BCCA
2024
Most Active Donor Award
Acknowledging exceptional support and partnership in advancing our mission through monthly giving.
Presented by Co-founder of BCCA
2024
Student Leader Award
Recognizing exceptional student achievement in academics, leadership, and community involvement.
Presented by SSLP Student
2024
Community Partnership Award
Celebrating the organization whose partnerships have positively impacted the Black community.
Presented by Co-founder of BCCA
2024
Community Trailblazer Award
Recognizing a visionary leader making significant strides in social change.
Presented by SSLP Volunteer
2024
Parent Leader Award
Recognizing a parent for outstanding leadership in advocating for youth.
Presented by SSLP Student
Dr. June Francis
Dr. June Francis is a distinguished advocate for Black excellence and a prominent figure in the community. With a career spanning over two decades, she has been a relentless champion for equity and inclusion, particularly in educational and corporate settings. As a professor at Simon Fraser University and the Co-Director of the Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement, Dr. Francis has dedicated her life to empowering marginalized communities through education and policy reform. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Community Trailblazer Award for her outstanding contributions to social justice.
Community Impact
Transforming Lives Through Education and Support
Phone
(778)-873-6510
Address
BC Community Alliance, 455 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T1