The 2006 Michael “Pinball” Clemons Community Leadership Awards

The four winners of the 2006 Michael “Pinball” Clemons Community Leadership Award were honoured at a special reception in May 2006 for their visionary leadership and contributions to the neighbourhoods in which they live and work.

Sponsored by Toronto Parks , Forestry & Recreation and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), the awards are named after Toronto Argonauts' Head Coach, Michael “Pinball” Clemons. Through his commitment to community initiatives, Mr. Clemons is widely regarded as a role model for the African-Canadian community and for Canadian youth at large. The awards recognize the achievements of Torontonians of African heritage that have enriched Toronto 's diversity through community leadership.

Award recipients were selected by the 50-Year Committee, a group of prominent Black community leaders established to celebrate 50 years of Black activism in Toronto.

And the awards go to …

The Community Leadership Awards were presented to two individuals who have made positive contributions to their neighbourhoods and have demonstrated leadership in advancing community activism or advocacy.

Ms. Ainajugoh Taylor
Ainajogoh Taylor has a series of “firsts” to her name, including:

• Introduced live African music to Toronto.

• Created the International Students Association at York University.

• Established the health-care team that lobbied the College of Physicians and Surgeons to acknowledge credentials of foreign graduates in medicine and nursing.

• Developed Grade 13 curriculum for West African literature at SEED Alternative School. More… (PDF)

Mr. Francis Jeffers
Francis Jeffers believes in using science and technology to empower youth, especially youth of African-Canadian descent. He is the Founder and Executive Director of The Visions of Science Network for Learning (VoSNL), an initiative focused on the promotion of science, technology and engineering within the African-Canadian community with a special emphasis on stimulating young people to view the field of science and technology as a viable career option. More… (PDF)

The Student Awards were presented to two students who have made positive contributions to their communities. This category aims to recognize student leadership for building safe neighbourhoods and for striving to achieve personal and community development. The awards carry a $3,000 scholarship for students who have been accepted into or who currently attend an accredited Ontario university or community college.

Ms. Farhiya Nur
Farhiya Nur has made positive contributions to her community by promoting the importance of education amongst her peers in the Jane-Finch community. Having experienced violence in both her native Somalia and in her current community, Farhiya devotes herself to spreading the message of anti-violence. More… (PDF)

Mr. Jamal Clarke
Jamal Clarke is an inspiration to his African-Canadian peers and other diverse groups of marginalized youth. His community leadership demonstrates his tireless efforts in addressing issues of violence and bringing long-lasting change to communities. Jamal is the Founder and Executive Director of Friends in Trouble Youth Initiative (FIT), a grassroots youth organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of marginalized youth. More… (PDF)

About Michael “Pinball” Clemons
Michael "Pinball" Clemons is the Head Coach of the 2004 Grey Cup Champions, the Toronto Argonauts. He has received numerous awards, including the Canadian Football League (CFL) Man-of-the-Year award, the John Candy Memorial Trophy, an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) Degree from York University and the prestigious Order of Ontario in recognition of his dedication and work with charities throughout Ontario and across Canada.

Michael Clemons had a prolific career as a CFL player with the Toronto Argonauts where he established a world-record for most career all-purpose yards by a professional football player with 25,396 yards. After 12 brilliant seasons, Clemons retired with 12 all-time team records to his credit, including career receptions (682). He was also the first Black president of a professional football team in North America. The loves of his life are his wife Diane and three daughters, Rachel, Raven and Rylie.

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