Exemplary youth recognized at the LPS Trailblazer Awards
Exemplary youth recognized at the LPS Trailblazer Awards
An evening of inspiration to mark Black History Month
LONDON, ON (February 27, 2020) – Today, the London Police Service (LPS), its members, and the public celebrated an evening of inspiration at the 9th Annual Lewis Coray “Trailblazer Awards” in recognition of Black History Month.
This year, the ‘Trailblazer Awards’ were presented to:
- 1st place: Donald Chakabveyo, 17, Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School
- 2nd place: Jonelle Clarke, 18, Clarke Road Secondary School
- 3rd place: Jordan Young, 17, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School
“Black History Month is very much needed and is part of who we are, and who we strive to be,” said Chakabveyo in his winning essay submission.
“This is the month where we Africans/Blacks have a chance to celebrate and remember our history.”
In 2012, the awards were created in Sergeant (Ret.) Lewis ‘Bud’ Coray’s legacy as London’s first Black police officer, joining in 1951.
“My congratulations to the winners this evening. They are reflective of the outstanding youth in our city,” said Chief Steve Williams. “Youth are the future and it is safe to say that we are in good hands.”
The winning submissions all expressed the importance of Black History Month in celebrating and recognizing Black historical figures and their invaluable contributions to society, including Sergeant (Ret.) Lewis Coray who attended to congratulate the winners.
“[Black History month] is a marker to ensure we continually recognize and put importance to people that are contributing to history,” said Clarke in her video.
“Coray set an example to me and others about being a trailblazer, no matter who I am or what I look like.”
The keynote of the evening was London Majors’ infielder Cleveland Brownlee. He spoke to the youth about his journey from growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, to being chosen as one of the Top 100 Intercounty Baseball League players of all time and the holder of his team’s all-time, home-run record.
“My grandparents didn’t have the money for a fancy school or private baseball lessons, but they instilled love and determination into me that made me want to bring them to life through my voice tonight,” Brownlee told the crowd of more than 100 people.
“Remember, each and every one of you have a voice too.”
– 30 –
For more information contact:
Cst. Anthea Fordyce
Diversity Officer
T. 519.673.2691