Back Together for the 18th Annual Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Awards Gala
Click the video below to watch Gala highlights:
Since the Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Award was established in 2005 by Toronto & York Region Labour Council and Labour Community Services, together with the Equity Committee of Toronto & York Region Labour Council, we have hosted the annual Awards Gala to honour the legacy of Bromley and recognize the excellent work of individuals in equity, human rights and inclusion in the Labour Movement. In 2021, the award was opened up for union nominations. During the pandemic, the Awards Gala took place online. Back, for the first time in 3 years, the celebration was held at Qssis Banquet Hall in Scarborough, Ontario, on June 14, 2023, and was also streamed online.
The theme for the evening was "Beyond Performance: Honouring Bromley's Legacy." Moderator - Winnie Ng, and panellists - Felica Samuel, John Cartwright and Yolanda B'Dacy, engaged in the important discussion of what a performative action is, challenging everyone to move beyond the status quo, be transformative in the workplace and community, and make lasting change.
A moment was taken to remember the late Carol Wall, who was a 2021 recipient of the Bromley Award. She was someone who dedicated her life to "walking the talk," exemplifying the core of Bromley's legacy of being a leader, supporter and champion of social justice and human rights work. The song "Don't Turn Back Now" by Ledisi was played in Carol's memory.
After 18 years of presenting the Bromley Lloyd Armstrong Award, we were honoured to have Bromley Award Alumni in attendance and presenting the award to this year's recipients. Andria Babbington, John Cartwright, Mark Brown and Tyler Downey symbolically shared the award with this year's winners: Joseanne Job, Nicholas Marcus Thompson, Abdi Hagi Yusuf, Toronto Education Workers (CUPE Local 4400), and Society of United Professionals (IFPTE 160). Each recipient shared their inspiring journeys and continued call to actions.
It goes without saying that we all have the ability to make an impact each day and are inspired by all the testimonials sent in for the nominees. You can read more about the nominees, award recipients, emcees and panellists in this year's program booklet.
None of this would be possible without everyone's support. Proceeds of the Awards Gals go toward supporting human rights and social justice work led by Labour Community Services in partnership with the Equity Committee of Toronto & York Region Labour Council. Thank you especially to the Elementary Teachers of Toronto and to all our sponsors.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year. Stay tuned for updates in our next issue of BE. We also invite you to share your stories with us. For any questions, please email [email protected].
Sincerely,
Labour Community Services
Equity Committee of Toronto & York Region Labour Council