March 12, 1999.

To:Corporate Services Committee

From:Executive Director of Human Resources and Amalgamation

Subject:Recipient - William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award - 1999

Purpose:

The report summarizes the history of the William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award and the process for selecting the recipient. A short biographical profile of the 1999 recipient is provided.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The costs associated with this report are part of the Access and Equity Awards Program budget for 1999.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

1. City Council endorse the selection of Rosemary Sadlier as the recipient of the William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award for 1999.
2. That appropriate City Officials be authorised to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto.

Background:

At its meeting on October 1 and 2, 1998, City Council approved the continuation of the program for the Constance E. Hamilton Award, the Access Award for Disability Access, and the William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award.

The William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award was established in 1987. The Award was named after Toronto's first visible minority Alderman and Acting Mayor. This Award recognizes the efforts of both individuals and groups who have made a contribution to racial harmony in Toronto.

To be eligible for the William P. Hubbard Award, the award recipient(s) must be nominated by a community organization working within the City of Toronto. Nominations are received through a publically advertised call for nominations.

Comments:

The 1999 recipient was selected by a nominating panel comprised of representatives of the municipal advisory committees on Race Relations.

The William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award Nominating Committee has selected Rosemary Sadlier. A formal presentation of this Award will be made later this year.

Rosemary Sadlier has worked tirelessly to ensure that the accomplishment and achievements of Black people from the earliest times to the present are recognized. As President of the Ontario Black History Society she has significantly raised the profile and mandate of this organization through her dedication. Rosemary was instrumental in initiating many celebrations in Toronto, such as Black History Month, Kwanzaa and Emancipation Day. She was also responsible for reviving the Black History Bus Tour of Toronto and helped to spearhead the drive to preserve a historic Black Church structure leading to the creation of an Underground Railroad Museum.

Conclusions:

The William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award celebrates the achievements of people in the City of Toronto who work day to day, often without recognition, to improve race relations. Their dedication and commitment has improved the quality of life for all in the City. The public acknowledgement of the work of the recipients serves to encourage others to become actively involved to help eliminate prejudice and create an environment of equal opportunity for all.

Contact Names:

Catherine Leitch, Equal Opportunity - 392-7855

Augusto Mathias, Healthy City Office - 392-1087

Brenda Glover

Executive Director

Human Resources and Amalgamation