Bradford can take pride in being home one of Canada's “Black Pearls."
Ward 1 Coun. Cheraldean Duhaney was officially recognized among the country's Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2023 by Canada International Black Women of Excellence (CIBWE) during their annual Black Pearls awards gala at the Mississauga Convention Centre on Oct. 28.
“I am so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I am so grateful to the incredible women who paved the way for progress, equality and positive change. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone for all their support, encouragement, empowerment, and for being a part of my journey,” she said via email.
While Duhaney wasn’t aware of who had nominated her, she expressed thanks and shared advice for other aspiring Black women.
“Follow your dreams, always think big, continue being ambitious, just ‘be-you-tiful,’ continue to persevere and stay focused,” she said, adding she hopes that all women continue to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings.
Describing the atmosphere as "very exciting," Duhaney estimated there were more than 700 people in attendance including dignitaries such as Jean Augustine, the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to Canada’s House of Commons as a member of parliament in 1993, as well as Charmaine Williams, Progressive Conservative MPP for Brampton Centre and associate minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity — both of whom Duhaney had the pleasure of meeting.
The CIBWE celebrates Black women and the advancements they have made in Canada and beyond through events, publications, training and online platforms, while offering a way for them to connect, learn and celebrate, and share knowledge, experience and stories of success.
The organization accepts nominations for the annual awards, which recognize Black women who are devoted to their work, causes, communities and corporations and celebrates achievers, trailblazers, movers and shakers.
For more information, visit: www.cibwe.ca.
