Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, Scarborough natives and co-founders of The Black Academy, alongside CBC, Insight Productions, and Bay Mills Studios will celebrate the inaugural edition of The Black Academy’s award show. The live 90-minute telecast is the first major Canadian award show to celebrate and showcase Black talent and will be broadcast from Live Nation Canada’s newest entertainment venue History, in Toronto’s east end. The telecast will feature performances, award presentations, and tributes honouring both established and emerging Black Canadian talent.

To celebrate Black History Month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Morgan Blades, Director of Programming for The Black Academy, about the importance of sharing Black stories not only during February, but throughout the entire year.

Co-founded in 2020 by actors, producers, and Scarborough-born brothers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, The Black Academy celebrates, empowers, and showcases Black Canadian talent through programming, scholarships, training, and events.

Read on to find out why Blades says her role empowering Black Canadians is a dream come true.