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 TORONTO, ONT. (March 2012) – In recognition of his community initiatives, contributions to Canadian culture, and recent return to his hometown of Toronto as a player on the Toronto Raptors basketball team, Jamaal Magloire was presented with a Distinguished Men of Honour award by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA). At the BBPA Exchange ceremony on the evening of Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at the Pantages Hotel in Toronto, Magloire was one of ten men who were celebrated for their achievements in paving positive paths for others in the community.
“I am honoured that the BBPA has recognized me, and am also honoured to receive the Distinguished Men of Honour award along with the other nine recipients,” said Jamaal. “My pride as a Canadian is so strong, and my dedication to the black and West Indian community is a passion I am focused on and motivated by each and every day.”
A twelve-year veteran of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Jamaal is also the leader of the Toronto Revellers Cultural Association, has founded a the Jamaal Magloire Basketball Association, played an instrumental role in the development of United Mothers Opposing Violence Everywhere, and also supported his mother Marion Magloire’s charity Youth Deserve A Chance To Dream. He is currently nearing the end of his first season as a Toronto Raptor, and is the first Canadian to hold a position on this team.
“I am glad the community and the BBPA are holding me accountable,” said Jamaal. “I have been given great charitable opportunities within the NBA, and also with organizations like Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart. Both on and off the court, I am dedicated to working hard to make my community proud, and to contribute in any way I can to our development and success.”
Founded in 1983, the BBPA is a non-profit organization that addresses equity and opportunity for the Black community in business, employment, education, economic development, and also works to build cross-cultural understanding. This year they celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Harry Jerome Awards—Canada’s premiere African-Canadian Awards ceremony—in memory of the Canadian Olympian and social advocate.
“The purpose of the Men of Honour Exchange is to honour the accomplishments of outstanding individuals who deserve to be recognized,” the BBPA states. “The BBPA believes that the men in our communities who have done exceedingly well to advance themselves and who stand as a beacon of hope for other men should be celebrated.”
Along with Jamaal Magloire, the other recipients of this year’s 2012 Distinguished Men of Honour award were Kardinal Offishall, Al St. Louis, Mark Beckles, Marlon Reid, Nathan Downer, Lytton Barrett, Dwight Drummond, Julian Falconer, Mark Cummings. |
