Hamilton hosts 28th annual John C. Holland Awards

As Black History Month celebrations continue, an event in downtown Hamilton on Saturday at LIUNA Station commemorated the accomplishments of Black youth in Canada.

The 28th annual John C. Holland Awards recognizes the academic achievements of Black youth in the community by presenting scholarships for post-secondary education.

Nearly 700 people turned out to the event — of which 86 are students — vying for one of the 27 prestigious scholarships being handed out.

One of which is aptly named after one of the event’s attendees who landed their own television show on TVO Kids — the Inaugural Ainara Alleyne Rising Star Award.

“It’s incredible, it’s the highest honour,” Alleyne said. “I just  think it’s so amazing they have this award.”

The event takes its name after Reverend John C. Holland, a Canadian pastor of Stewart Memorial Church here in Hamilton, and the first Canadian of African heritage to be named a “Citizen of the Year.”