Description

In celebration of Black History Month, the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) and the London Chamber of Commerce (LCOC) are looking towards the future - Black Canadian innovation - and what we are doing to accomplish that outcome.

Join us on February 8th for our joint event, "Black History Month: Celebrating Black Canadian Innovation. Our theme, "Honouring Black legacy. Building futures," will explore the history we celebrate, our contributions to Black Canadians' innovation, and the work we're doing to drive the Black Business Renaissance. This FREE event is presented thanks to our sponsor Lerners.

Musical Opening: Alexandra Kane will kick off the event by singing "Lift Every Voice".

Speakers:
 

• Nikki Clarke, Canadian Black Chamber
• Yerusalem Berhane, Berhan Immigration & Settlement Services
• Carl Cadogan, London Black History Coordinating Committee
• Cleveland Brownlee, The Better Bin Company

Bios
Nikki Clarke, is the founder, producer, and host of the multiple award-winning talk show, The Nikki Clarke Show on Afroglobal TV Network and on www.nikkiclarkenetwork.com. Nikki is the Immediate Past President of the Ontario Black History Society. Nikki has over 25 years of experience as a community activist. Nikki is an honouree of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022. In 2023, Nikki was nominated for RBC's Women of Influence, Broadcast Media by the Black Business, Professionals and Entrepreneur Awards, Entrepreneur and Business by the Waterfront Awards, and Torchbearer's Award by the Voice of Africa. Nikki is the National Business Manager for the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.
 

Alexandra Kane is a performing artist, music director, producer, equity transformation coach, and activist. Alex holds a B.MusA from Western University, a graduate certificate in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Fanshawe, and a graduate certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Mom to 4-year-old Kenneth 2-month-old Zahra, and wife to Ryan, Alex has transitioned from small business owner to professional musician, with several fantastic projects on the go. As a community change maker, she leads Black Lives Matter London and works as a founding member of Black London Network. 

In a career spanning over two decades, Yerusalem Berhane is a seasoned regulated Immigration Consultant with a profound connection to black culture and extensive experience assisting individuals in the African diaspora, such as those from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, the Caribbean, and many others. She is the guiding force behind Berhan Immigration and Settlement Services with offices in London and Woodstock, Ontario. Yerusalem Berhane is also a co-founder of a not-for-profit organization “Black Africanness Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (BA-RCIC)”. This Black History Month we highlight Yerusalem's client-centric approach and a proven track record of professionalism, integrity, and results. She ensures a smooth and culturally sensitive journey for both individuals and businesses, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment.

Carl Cadogan has served on numerous boards, committees, and task forces, including the CBA, the Premier’s Council on the Voluntary Sector, and the Provincial Work Group on Gaming. Carl has worked in the Charitable sector for almost thirty years and is currently the Senior Regional Manager for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. He is also the Chair of the London Black History Coordinating Committee and is part of other national and local organizations. Carl is working on his collection of short stories he hopes to be published in 2024 or 2025.

Cleveland Brownlee is the general manager of The Better Bin Company, a sister company of Try Recycling, and the designated hitter with the London Majors.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he came to London in 2010 to play for the Majors. He took The Better Bin Company from a London-based startup to a regional enterprise servicing a coverage area spanning from Sarnia to Guelph. Actively involved with a lengthy list of community organizations, he puts in countless volunteering hours in his adopted hometown, lending his energy to help motivate and inspire people to work together. In 2o19, he was the recipient of the President’s Award from the London Home Builders’ Association.