RYERSON HOSTS THE 12th ANNUAL VIOLA DESMOND AWARDS CEREMONY
TORONTO February 24, 2020 – Ryerson University’s Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion will host the 12th annual Viola Desmond Awards Ceremony on Monday, March 2, 2020.
The Viola Desmond Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the work and achievements of accomplished Black women from Ryerson University and the greater Toronto community. Named after Ms. Viola Desmond, an African Nova Scotian businesswoman who challenged racial discrimination in 1946, the event is in acknowledgement of the catalyzing efforts she made toward achieving human rights and desegragting public spaces for Black people in Canada.
Prior to the awards ceremony, which begins at 6:30 p.m., there will be an editorial showcase of Ms. Desmond’s life and journey to justice, starting from her conviction to the announcement of the Free Pardon in 2010 to the issuing of Canada’s new $10 bill in 2018.
WHAT: 12th Annual Viola Desmond Awards Ceremony
WHEN: Monday, March 2nd, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Reception prior to the awards ceremony starts at 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Ryerson University, POD 250 (180 Victoria Street, Toronto)
WHO:
- Dr. Pamela Applet, Patron, Viola Desmond Awards Ceremony
2020 Honourees
- Senator Rosemary Moodie
- Ms. Trey Anthony
- Ms. Angela James
- Ms. Tracey Jones-Grant, daughter of the late Joan Jones
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Interviews with recipients, honourees and event organizers
- B-roll
- Photos
For more information about the event, please visit: https://www.torontomu.ca/equity/events-workshops/viola-desmond-awards.html
Media Contacts
Jessica Leach
Central Communications, Ryerson University
E: jleach@torontomu.ca
C: 416-704-2166
Darrell Bowden
Executive Director
Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion
Ryerson University
E: dbowden@torontomu.ca
T: 416-979-5000 x 6567