User:Farpl/sandbox/Harry Jerome Awards

The Harry Jerome Award is an annual award presented by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) that recognizes and celebrates achievement in the Black Community throughout Canada. It is named in honour of Harry Jerome, a Canadian track and field runner.

History
The awards ceremony was conceived in late 1982, following the founding meeting of the Black Business and Professional Association. Initially, the organizers planned the event as a dinner to celebrate six Black athletes who had excelled at the 1982 Commonwealth Games. Harry Jerome was invited as the keynote speaker, however, died suddenly before attending the event. In response to his death, the organizers reorganized the event as a dinner and awards ceremony to honour his life. The first ceremony was held in Toronto on March 5, 1983. In the years since, the awards have become also become a fundraiser.

Awards
In its first year, 1983, the awards only honoured athletics. In 1984, the categories were expanded to include academics and arts. Since then, categories have expanded significantly, with several categories appearing only for a few years. The following people has received the Harry Jerome Award between 1983 and 2016.

Academics
As of 2021, the academics award is awarded to an individual between the ages of 16 and 24.

Arts
As of 2021, the arts award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.

Athletics
As of 2021, the athletics award is awarded to an individual between the ages of 16 and 24.

Business
As of 2021, the business award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.

Community Service
As of 2021, the community service award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.

Entertainment
As of 2021, the entertainment award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.

Health Sciences
As of 2021, the health sciences award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.

Media
As of 2021, the media award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.

Professional Excellence
As of 2021, the professional excellence award is awarded to an individual over the ages of 24.

Young Entrepreneur
As of 2021, the young entrepreneur award is awarded to an individual between the ages of 18 and 35.