2009 Recipient

HARMONY AWARD RECIPIENT: MR. GARY L. PARENT

Gary Parent has long epitomized the MCC’s mission of promoting and encouraging a harmonious society in Windsor and Essex County that is multiracial, multi-ethnic and multi-faith. He is extremely active in the community having served as a member of the Windsor-Essex County Long Term Care Strategic Planning Committee, the Mayor’s Committee on Services for the Unemployed and the Windsor/Essex Committee on Physician Recruitment. He also served on the board of the United Way for Windsor-Essex County, was a member of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and was co-chair of the committee to bring a medical school to the University of Windsor, as well as many other boards in Windsor and Essex community. Parent holds a Doctor of Law degree from the University of Windsor and an honorary diploma from St. Clair College, and his tireless voluntary efforts are a constant reminder to us all of how one individual can improve the lives of many.

CHAMPION AWARD RECIPIENT: DR. RAPHAEL CHEUNG

Dr. Cheung is a well-known Windsor physician specializing in Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Internal Medicine. He is the Assistant Dean of the Southwestern Ontario Medical Education Network (SWOMEN), Adjunct Professor of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine, Adjunct Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Windsor, and a member of the Departments of Medicine at Windsor Regional and Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospitals. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, and his primary research interests include insulin resistance, pleiotropic effects of lipid-lowering drugs and diabetes. Cheung is recognized across Canada and internationally for his expertise and knowledge in the management of cholesterol and other risk factors for atherosclerosis. A brilliant, compassionate and caring physician, Dr. Cheung has used his skills and expertise for the benefit of our community.

2008 Recipient

NON-PROFIT – The Rotary Clubs of Windsor and Essex County

Jennifer Jones, District Governor, Rotary District 6400

• Rotary Club of Windsor (1918)
• Rotary Club of Amherstburg
• Essex Rotary Club
• Rotary Club of Leamington
• Rotary Club of Harrow
• Cottam Rotary Club
• Rotary Club of Windsor-St Clair
• Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland
• Rotary Club of Belle River
• Rotary Club of LaSalle-Centennial

The Herb Gray Harmony Award pays tribute to the ten local Rotary Clubs’ members and their numerous contributions to support and promote equality. They are recognized for facing the challenges of creating a more harmonious society locally and around the world.

This award is in recognition of the Rt. Honourable Herb Gray and his distinguished service to Canada for over 40 years. Declared the Multicultural Council’s patron, Mr. Gray exemplifies the award named in his honour.

THE CHAMPION AWARD- Antoine Greige

Antoine Greige is the recipient of this year’s Champion Award for his combination of hard work, dedication and perseverance. As a young immigrant, he became an accomplished hairstylist, opened his own business and supported his family in their move to Canada to share in his dream. Directly involved in many local fundraising events, he works with international exchange students and inspires his staff and others to keep their goals in focus.

The Champion Award celebrates the significant contributions first generation Canadians make to our community

2007 Recipients

CHAMPION AWARD - Michael G. Solcz, Chairman Valiant Corporation

INDIVIDUAL AWARD – Jamie Henderson, Manager Communications and Development Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society

2006 Recipients

INDIVIDUAL AWARD – Elise Harding-Davis, Curator

North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Centre

Recognized as an exemplary role model, Ms. Harding-Davis is instrumental in creating change and awareness of racial harmony. Her tireless efforts and keen devotion to education on the integral roles of African-Canadians is an important contribution to the economic viability and cultural spirit of our society.

PRIVATE COMPANY – Champion Products

Actively recruiting employees from a vast array of multi-racial and multi-ethnic communities, the term Harmony at Work could be this company’s motto.

NON-PROFIT – Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST)

As a community-based women’s training organization WEST works toward a harmonious, multicultural society promoting and encouraging its participants to combat racism and ensure inclusion and equal participation in all aspects of their lives.

“Adjusting to life in a new country isn’t easy. They have to find a place to live and a place to work. Many have to learn a new language. It is important to recognize and honour those who share our vision and provide a meaningful path in support of a more harmonious society.”

Werner Keller, President, MCC.

2005 Recipient

INDIVIDUAL AWARD - Dr. John Lyanga

For nearly twenty years, Dr. Lyanga has been a consummate professional in the practice of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. He has a multitude of multicultural patients that receive the very best care. He knows and treats his patients as people, as individuals and as members of a family. Going to the patient’s home may be beyond the call of duty for some doctors but NOT for Dr. Lyanga. No wonder that many of his patients have become his dear and respected friends. This has afforded the good doctor the opportunity to share his background with people in our community promoting unity, which has led to an improved appreciation and acceptance amongst all races locally. The nomination criteria for the Herb Gray Harmony Award read like a description of Dr. Lyanga’s contributions to our community, to promote and encourage a harmonious society in Windsor and Essex County that is multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-faith, and to work towards the social equality of all cultures.

2004 Recipient

INDIVIDUAL AWARD - Dr. Subhas Ramcharan

The recipient for an outstanding individual is Dr. Subhas Ramcharan. Dr. Ramcharan has shared his vision, his expertise, and his passion for equality and human rights for a number of years with a number of boards, community organizations and professional groups. He has been a tireless advocate and role model both locally, provincially and nationally for over 30 years.

He has demonstrated that he is not just living in the “Ivory Tower” and his actions show that he cares deeply about the problems of minorities and is eager to do whatever he can to deal with issues as they become critical to one’s well being.

He dedicated his time and energy not only to academic pursuits but equally to practical day to day problems of community members. The Windsor Star in offering congratulations on his appointment to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation in 1996 noted that Dr. Ramcharan’s most effective character trait was his ability to work with different groups to achieve positive results in a calm, reasoned and thoughtful manner.

ORGANIZATION AWARD - Capital Theatre and Arts Centre

The recipient for an outstanding organization is the Capital Theatre and Arts Centre. It is the only facility of its kind in the province presenting a World music series. The new programming direction for the 2003-2004 season reflected the growing ethnic diversity in the community an endeavored to promote and celebrate our diversity.

The series lined up included, Arabic/Middle Eastern music, Italian singer, Indian and Pakistani music, Japanese Taiko drumming, Latino dancers showcase and African drum and dance ensemble. This series was well received and the post receptions provide an opportunity to meet and greet the performers and experience the rich heritage that each culture brings to our social fabric.

It is individuals like Subhas Ramcharan and organizations like The Capital Theatre and Arts Centre that strengthen the fabric of Windsor and Essex County, and the Multicultural Council looks forward to working with Subhas and the Capital Theatre for many years to come.

2003 Recipient

Mr. Vernon Mahadeo

Vernon has shared his vision, his expertise, and his passion for equality and human rights with local school boards, community organizations and professional groups. He has been a tireless advocate and role model both locally and provincially for over 20 years.

As an elementary school teacher and Race Relations Coordinator for the Windsor Board of Education, Vernon conducted leadership seminars and anti-racism workshops in schools, government agencies and community organizations, and was instrumental in organizing the former four school boards to develop a common race relations policy. This policy became a model for other school boards, and is widely used today.

It is individuals like Vernon Mahadeo that strengthen the fabric of Windsor and Essex County, and the Multicultural Council looks forward to working with Vernon for many years to come.