Afro Caribbean Youth Awards: Celebrating Leadership, Culture, and Community

KINCARDINE, ON – On Saturday, October 25th, 2025, the recognition and celebration of Afro Caribbean youth living in Grey and Bruce Counties took centre stage at the third annual Afro Caribbean Youth Awards.

Held at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine, the event featured several speakers including Dr. Eugenia Addy, CEO of Visions and Science, dedicated to equitable STEM access and community transformation. Dr. Addy, featured on the Afrocentric mural at the Davidson Centre, gave a powerful and informative speech about her love for science, the importance of breaking barriers, and the need for diversity in all spaces but particularly in scientific research.

Pastor Wonder Chimvinga of Pine River United Church once again opened the evening with warm greetings, continuing a beloved tradition by teaching the audience to say “Zvakanaka kuva pano,” which is Shona (a Zimbabwean language) for “it’s nice to be here.”

Emcees for the evening were three local youths – Serena Hunter, Rowland Hartwick, and David Ofenor – as well as Andrea Clarke, Deputy Mayor for the Municipality of Kincardine. Together, they presented awards to the following young community members in recognition and celebration of their achievements:

Recipients aged 5 to 13:

Agape Chimvinga
Bliss Chimvinga
Charis Chimvinga
Isaac Clarke-Grant
Isaiah Clarke-Grant
Joshua Clarke-Grant
Tyrion Grozelle

Averee Hamann
Avi Harvey
Ronan Harvey
Jennyl Hibbert
Jerryl Hibbert
David Ofenor
Joel Ofenor
Oluwatoni (Toni) Okanlawon

Abigail Opiyo
Neema Opiyo
Paul Jr Opiyo
Tai Rantz
Benedict Ukwe
Eliana Ukwe
Gabriella Wilson
Isabella Wilson

Recipients aged 14 to 18:

Oyinkansola Adeniji
Ruby Boals
Rowland Hartwick
Gabriel Hunter
Serena Hunter
Xavier Hyre
Evan John

Will John
Shaelyn McCarthy
Tireniyioluwa (Tireni) Okanlawon
Tumi Okanlawon
Feyikemi Kate Olaberinjo

Feyisayo Karl Olaberinjo
Abel Redae
Shams Redae
Kira Thompson
Katarina Veljović
Joliciah Williams

Recipients aged 19 to 25:

Fredia Faith Mboe

Anastasija Mona Lisa Veljović

Bruce Power Leadership Awards and Scholarships

Daniel Playfair, Vice President of MCR Future Unit Preparation Projects at Bruce Power, presented the Bruce Power Leadership awards to four youth whose significant contributions to their communities have made their families, peers, and teachers immensely proud. The recipients were David Ofenor, Joliciah Williams, Katarina Veljović, and Fredia Faith Mboe. Each will receive a $1250 scholarship from Bruce Power to support their education and continue their journey of leadership and service. Playfair congratulated the scholarship winners, as well as all the evening’s recipients, noting that their achievements are a testament to hard work and dedication. He looks forward to seeing the incredible impact they will continue to make in the future.

The Municipality of Kincardine would like to thank Bruce Power for their tremendous support of the Afro Caribbean Youth Awards, and for providing the four scholarships.

The 2025 Afro Caribbean Youth Awards would not have been possible without the hard work and support of these residents and community partners:

Community residents Lee Evans, Sandra Harvey, and Michelle Westwood
Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre – Matt Smith
Bruce County Public Library – Michaela Posthumus
Kincardine District Senior School – Watson Morris
Vine Eye Care, Walkerton – Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor
Bluewater District School Board – Avion Campbell
Municipality of Kincardine – Deputy Mayor Andrea Clarke, Lorie Fioze, and Mackenzie Clarke

The evening closed on a note of unity and pride, underscoring how important it is for young people to see themselves reflected and celebrated in their communities. Deputy Mayor Clarke emphasized the need for a foundation grounded in love and grace to build an inclusive community, urging us to reject sentiments that divided as opposed to united us. Events like 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.

For those curious about why these celebrations are meaningful, you’re warmly invited to attend next year’s ceremony and experience firsthand the inspiration, connection, and joy they bring to our community.

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Media Inquiries:
Andrea Clarke, Deputy Mayor
Municipality of Kincardine
aclarke@kincardine.ca
519-396-3468

Mackenzie Clarke, IDEA Coordinator
Municipality of Kincardine
mclarke@kincardine.ca
519-396-3468 x 7165