Harry Jerome Award Recipients

Two African Nova Scotians have received national recognition for their achievements in community service and business.

Joyce Ross received a Harry Jerome Award for community service and Larry Gibson a Harry Jerome Award for business, at a ceremony in Toronto on Saturday, April 29.

Joyce Ross has dedicated her career to community and children. Growing up the eldest of 20 in East Preston, her love of children and commitment to her community started early. At age 14 she began teaching Sunday school at her community's church.

At 17 she was one of the founding members of the East Preston Recreation Centre. In the late '60s she worked as a community health aide and a co-ordinator of adult continuing education programs for East Preston. She also spent 14 years working as a domestic at the Victoria General Hospital nurses' residence.

But it was poor test scores received by African Nova Scotian children in East Preston that gave her the idea for the facility she is best known for.

For close to 30 years, Mrs. Ross was the executive director of the East Preston Day Care. In 1974, the centre opened its doors with a staff of six teachers and 32 children. Today, the facility has tripled in both and offers programs tailored for children from six months to 10 years of age.

Under her direction, the centre has been recognized by many organizations and institutions for its innovative initiatives and excellence in child-care.

In 1993, Mrs. Ross received a Governor General's Commemorative Medal during the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. It was one of many accolades she has received over the years.

Joyce Ross is now retired from the day care centre but still keeps busy. She is a licentiate in her church and ministers to inmates at prisons across the province.

"Mrs. Ross is indeed a worthy recipient of the Harry Jerome Award. She has worked for many, many years on behalf of her community and this recognition indicates her tireless efforts are not only recognized here but on a national scale as well," said Wayn Hamilton, CEO of the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

Larry Gibson is the president of Install-A-Flor Limited, a company he incorporated with his wife, Patricia, in 1988. Install-A-Flor Limited now employs close to 200 people and has revenues of more than $30 million.

In 2001, Mr. Gibson took his enterprise to another level by forming the land development company, Perry Lake Developments Inc. Two subdivisions followed: Perry Lake Estates in Fall River in 2002 and Miller Lake West near Fall River in 2003.

Mr. Gibson's companies include:

• Burnside Floors Plus, Dartmouth
• Floor Plus, Halifax, Cambridge, Bridgewater, Elmsdale, and Moncton, N.B.
• Floors Plus More Clearance Centres, Halifax, Dartmouth
• Install-A-Floor Limited, Halifax, Dartmouth
• Perry Lake Developments

Mr. Gibson's companies have also been named one of Progress Magazine's Top 101 Companies of Atlantic Canada and he has received the Hector Jacques Award for Business Excellence from the Black Business Initiative.

The Black Business Initiative nominated Mr. Gibson for this award.

"Larry is extremely deserving of this award. He's taken a small idea and expanded it to national proportions. He is one of the best kept secrets in the Black business community," said Rustum Southwell, executive director of the Black Business Initiative.

The Harry Jerome Awards is an annual celebration that recognizes the outstanding achievements of African Canadians. It was established in 1983 and named after 1950s and '60s African Canadian star athlete Harry Jerome. The ceremony is organized and hosted by The Black Business and Professional Association. For more information see the website at www.bbpa.org .