From activists to athletes and entrepreneurs—SHIFTER is proud to present its third annual Outstanding Black Men in Canada list for 2023.
Launched back in 2020, following the murders of George Floyd and Toronto rapper Houdini, SHIFTER’s annual Outstanding Black Men in Canada list was created to celebrate Black men having a positive impact at work, at home, in the community, and in the culture. It was also about promoting a culture of brotherhood, solidarity, and mutual respect among Black men in Canada and dispelling negative stereotypes. After receiving nominations from across Canada, our editorial team selected the 20 deserving men.
We will also honour the legacy of Ottawa hip hop artist Markland “Jahiant” Campbell with the Markland “Jahiant” Campbell Community Dedication Award. The winner of this award, who promotes values of peace and unity, was selected by Campbell’s loved ones.
Markland lost his life four years ago to the same violence he preached against. The long-time hip-hop artist was murdered after defending his daughter who was being harassed by a group of young men.
SHIFTER is delighted to celebrate the contributions of these Black men. Read about them below, in no particular order.
CHARLES OFFICER | Director/Producer
Charles Officer has been a staple in Canada’s film & TV industry, whether as a theatre and screen actor, director or producer. He made his directorial debut at the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival with When Morning Comes before going on to work on groundbreaking productions like The Porter, Akilla’s Escape, and Da Kink In My Hair.
He recently passed away on December 1, 2023, but his contributions to Canadian film and television will not be forgotten.
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER | NBA Basketball Player
Since being drafted to the NBA in 2018, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the leading guards in the league. Early in the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard currently finds himself in MVP discussions. But what has endeared fans to Gilgeous-Alexander is his dedication to play for Canada. In 2023, the Hamilton native helped Canada to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in the program’s history.
Connect with Shai: Instagram
Director X appears on our list for the second time. While last year we applauded Director X for his Operation Prefrontal Cortex guided meditation program and spreading awareness about meditation as a way to curb gun violence, this year he created and directed the nationally televised TV series, Robyn Hood, which aired on Global TV. This is a rare accomplishment for a young Black man in Canada. It was also a personal accomplishment for Director X. After years of directing other people’s projects, it was his first time creating and directing one of his own.
As a near-fi superhero show, it was innovative and outside the box, and unlike anything we’d seen on Canadian television before. With the show being the first to feature a predominantly Black cast, he also provided well-needed on screen opportunities for both up and coming and established Black actors.
Connect with Director X: Instagram
MARK BECKLES | Banking Executive
Barbados native, Mark Beckles, is the Vice President, Social Impact and Innovation at RBC where he oversees the execution of RBC’s Social Impact portfolios, including RBC Future Launch, RBC Tech for Nature and RBC Emerging Artists. Prior to this he held a number of opportunities at RBC, including Senior Director, Youth Strategy and Innovation, Head of RBC Insurance Advice Centre, and Regional Vice President – GTR.
Outside of work, he is a father, husband, and community leader, sitting on boards of directors at the William Osler Health System where he is vice-chair, and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Over the years, his community service has garnered him a number of awards, including the 2011 City of Toronto Bob Marley Award for his commitment to diversity and city building and the Harry Jerome Award for Professional Excellence in 2015.
Connect with Mark: LinkedIn
GEORGE SULLY | Designer/Founder, Black Designers of Canada
George Sully is an award-winning multidisciplinary Toronto-based designer and the founder/creative director of the luxury travel accessories brand Sully & Son Co. Since making his debut, his footwear and travel bags can be found in Canada’s most iconic and prestigious retailers, including Harry Rosen, Holt Renfrew, and Hudson’s Bay (which he has coined the “Triple H Crown”). Moreover, he has contributed to iconic franchises like Star Trek: Discovery, being the original maker of the StarFleet Boot. More recently, he announced that his Sully & Son Co. collections will make their U.S. debut courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.
George Sully is not only known for his fashion design. In 2020, he founded Black Designers of Canada (BDoC), Canada’s first-ever all-inclusive index of Canadian black designers in Canadian fashion history. His contributions to the Canadian fashion industry led to him being awarded a bevy of honors, including the CAFA Changemaker Award, George Brown Honorary Degree, FGI Visionary Award, BATA Shoe Museum Inductee, NOTABLE Designer of the Year, just to name a few.
Connect with George: Instagram | LinkedIn
PAUL ADEYEYE | Financial Educator
Paul Adeyeye is an author, certified insurance, investment professional, and financial educator with a passion for educating immigrants and families about financial and business principles relating to financial planning, retirement planning, business development, education planning, and entrepreneurship. Whether through his social media platforms, online course, financial literacy workshops, bi-monthly financial health clinics and mentorship programs, or his “The Thriving Immigrant” podcast, his goal is to inspire people while providing them with the information they need to build a prosperous future.
In 2020, he released his book “The A-Plus Entrepreneur: A strategic guide to help your business thrive at all times” to help people maximize their potential and live their best lives.
Connect with Paul: Instagram | LinkedIn
JUSTIN “J MORRIS” GUNDERSON | Artist/Founder, Hip Hop Food Drive/Co-founder, Cranium Arts Project
Winner of The Markland “Jahiant” Campbell Community Dedication Award
Justin Gunderson, known professionally as J Morris, is a long-time artist and community leader in the Ottawa hip-hop scene. Over the years, he has made a name for himself as one of the capital’s top lyricists. Prior to this he was a long time radio host on The Wordlife Show (CKCU 93.1 FM), The B.R.L Show (CHUO 89.1 FM) and Bring Ya Eh Game (CIUT 89.5 FM in Toronto, CHUO 89.1 FM in Ottawa).
When he’s not rocking stages in Canada and Europe, he’s serving as the Artist/Music Director at Cranium Arts Project which he co-founded in 2019. Through the annual Cranium Festival and Cranium Conference & Showcase, Morris is helping to provide professional development opportunities for artists from the National Capital Region and across Canada.
Despite his busy schedule, this past December the father of three hosted his ninth annual Hip-Hop Food Drive in support of nine food banks in nine cities across Canada, including the The Door Youth Centre in Ottawa which once supported him and the Chinatown community.
As a key figure in the local community who promotes values of peace, unity, and love, Justin Gunderson has also been named the winner of the 2023 Markland “Jahiant” Campbell Community Dedication Award as chosen by Campbell’s loved ones.
Connect with J Morris: Instagram
Learn about the Hip-Hop Food Drive: hiphopfooddrive.com
Learn about CRANIUM: craniumfestival.com
WEGGON ALLEN | Co-founder, Lenz Films
Weggon Allen is an Ottawa-based film and TV producer and the co-founder of Lenz Films.
He executive produced his first short film Forgive Me Father in 2019 alongside business partner and film director Fitch Jean before embarking on their first feature film It Comes In Waves in 2023 with a who’s-who of Black Canadian actors. Through his company, he has produced several short films, three docuseries with national broadcasters, and a documentary. Aside from his work with Lenz, he’s also the co-founder of UNILEARNAL, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating and equipping the next generation of young, BIPOC storytellers and media professionals.
The father, family man, and serial entrepreneur is an example of the power of faith, hard work, and determination.
Connect with Weggon: Instagram | LinkedIn
RANDY REID | CEO, VX3 Exchange/Radio Executive
When it comes to Black radio in Toronto, there’s no one more influential than Randy Reid, CEO of the Canadian Centre for Civic Media and Arts Development Inc., operating as VX3 Exchange, which produces influencer-driven content experiences that showcase Black culture. Aside from working with leading brands, VX3 Exchange is the home of VIBE 105 for which Reid serves as General Manager, Programs and Broadcast Operations. In 2023, Reid was named Operations and Business Development Manager for Toronto staple FLOW 98.7, leading the station through a complete refresh, from audio branding to talent.
Connect with Randy: Instagram | LinkedIn
NATHAN HALL | Founder & CEO, Culture Check
Nathan Hall is the Ottawa-based founder of Culture Check, a learning and development social enterprise and that helps individuals and organizations address racial inequities, value misalignment and workplace belonging.
With a vision is for all workplaces to work for all people, every month Nathan facilitates peer groups for Black, Indigenous and other racialized professionals to share their experiences, get support, encouragement and community. He has helped hundreds of professionals who were facing discrimination, racial trauma and stress at work. He recently launched a mental health program, partnering with registered clinical psychologists to provide free therapy sessions.
Since founding Culture Check in 2020, Nathan and his team have directly impacted over 12,000 people through their services, working with leading organizations like Air Canada, RBC, CBC, Metro, as well as all levels of governments across Canada.
He’s a bridge builder who is able to help audiences and clients feel at ease when discussing difficult topics. The father and husband has a number of awards under his belt, including the Nelson Mandela Legacy Builder Award, Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40, Harry Jerome Award – Young Entrepreneur, ByBlacks People’s Choice Award – Business Training, and the Best Ottawa Business Social Impact Award, and was named one of Canada’s Changemakers of the Year by the Globe and Mail.
Connect with Nathan: Instagram | LinkedIn
JUDE CLYKE | Black Employee, Offender and Health Advocate
Truro, Nova Scotia native, Jude Clyke, has a heart for his community. He works as a Project Lead at Correctional Service Canada in the Anti-racism, Diversity and Inclusion Directorate and is the organizer of the CSC’s Black Employee Network (BEN). All of this earned him the 2021–2022 Correctional Service Canada (CSC) Emerson Douyon Multiculturalism Award.
His service to his community doesn’t stop there. With a background as a parole officer, Clyke finds time to advocate for ethnocultural offenders, mentor youth, work as a life coach, and organize the Black Men’s Wellness Group where Black men can gather and talk about health and wellness.
Connect with Jude: Instagram | LinkedIn
SHERARD McQUEEN | Real Estate Developer, M5V Developments
When it comes to real estate development within the Black community, there’s no bigger name than M5V Developments’ Sherard McQueen. Over the years, he has transacted $1 billion in real estate, purchased 75 residential and multiple commercial investment properties, all while making tens of millions of dollars for his clients.
His accomplishments include owning 28 high rise condominiums in downtown Toronto and throughout the GTA, owning commercial real estate in Canada and the United States, and over $550 million in real estate transactions in the previous decade.
More recently, he’s become a content creator and educator, using his social media platforms and Real Estate of Mind podcast to provide insights for new agents and to conduct interviews with leading business minds like Earn Your Leisure’s Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings.
Connect with Sherard: Instagram | LinkedIn
PHILMAN GEORGE | Corporate Chef
Connect with Philman: Instagram | LinkedIn
THE HON. JUDGE PERRY F. BORDEN | First Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia
The Hon. Judge Perry F. Borden made history last August when he became the new Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia, the first African Nova Scotian to hold the position.
After being called to the bar in November 2003 and starting his career as an associate lawyer in Halifax, he joined the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service, becoming a Senior Crown Attorney in 2015. He eventually received a Queen’s Counsel designation in 2020, the same year he became one of two judges of African Nova Scotian descent appointed to the Provincial and Family Courts of Nova Scotia.
But his impact extends beyond the courtroom. He previously served on the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society Racial Equity Committee and as President of the Nova Scotia Crown Attorneys’ Association, and volunteered with the Nova Scotia Courts’ Justice Day Camp events for young African Nova Scotians.
TERRY “T-NYCE” OPOKU | Founder, Nycesound Production
Former eOne Entertainment A&R Manager and Nycesound Production founder, Terry Opoku, better known as T-Nyce, has emerged as one of the most successful independent players in Black music in Canada. In a relatively short period of time, Billboard charting producer, songwriter and music executive has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Saweetie, Sean Kingston, Belly, Tory Lanez, YG, Kid Ink, Bri Steves and Rihanna, and most recently A Boogie, Honey Bxby (Atlantic), and Huey V (Roc Nation) just to name a few.
More recently, he has gained success in launching the career of rising Toronto-area R&B artist and songwriter, Liyah Katana, who is signed under a partnership with NO.ID’s label ARTium Entertainment, and Def Jam Recordings/ Universal Music Group. Also on his roster are the talented CBG (Afrobeats Group) and 143 (male R&B group).
The husband and father of two also finds time to give back through his nonprofit All Access Foundation, a creative education incubator that helps Canadian talent get into the industry.
Connect with T-Nyce: Instagram | LinkedIn
UDREA RUSSELL | CEO and founder, Maneuver Men’s Grooming
Described by his family and friends as “dependable”, “ambitious”, and “innovative”, Udrea Russell is the CEO and founder of the Maneuver Men’s Grooming, a Toronto-based men’s skincare, fragrance and grooming products company. His company is all about fostering confidence, uplifting BIPOC designers, disrupting Eurocentric aesthetics, challenging stereotypes about men’s grooming, and championing mental health initiatives for BIPOC men. All of this comes down to Udrea’s desire to change the narrative surrounding Black men and to revolutionize luxury for Black and BIPOC consumers. His hard work is paying off with his products set to be available on shelves at Holt Renfrew in the near future.
When he’s not advocating for our community in the luxury goods industry, the father and husband is mentoring children through basketball and creating job opportunities within the creative industries.
Connect with Udrea: Instagram | LinkedIn
AHMED ‘KNOWMADIC’ ALI | Artist/Community Builder/Educator
Knowmadic is a Somali-Canadian multi-hyphenate, wearing many hats, including poet, writer, actor, musician, and youth activist. As the former poet laureate for the City of Edmonton and co-founder of the spoken word collective Breath In Poetry, the husband and father of two is an inspiration and staple in his city’s creative scene while advocating for social justice and educational empowerment.
His impact reaches beyond poetry into the community through his advisory work with with the National Council of Canadian Muslims, his family’s annual lemonade stand fundraiser for the Edmonton Stollery Children’s Hospital, and as a past member of the Edmonton Arts Council’s equity committee, championing inclusivity and supporting newcomer integration.
Connect with Knowmadic: Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
JOEL NAGA | Founder and Creative Director, Filltheblnk
The Toronto Black music scene has built a reputation for being divided and lacking community, but music and tech executive, Joel Naga, is doing something to help change that. After occupying roles at various record labels and streaming services, the father of two founded FILLTHEBLNK, a growing movement that helps to build connection and community, and a home away from home, for artists. It’s a safe place for artists to preview new music and meet other artists in the city. In 2023, he expanded FILLTHEBLNK’s footprint with stops in Ottawa and Montreal.
Connect with Joel: Instagram, Linkedin
Learn about FILLTHEBLNK: Instagram, Linkedin
D.O. GIBSON | Hip-hop Artist/Speaker
International artist, record label executive, and community ambassador, D.O. Gibson continues to be one of the busiest artists in the business. In 2023, he performed over 200 shows at schools across Canada, including a virtual conference attended by over 100,000 youth from across Canada. In total, the father of two has spoken and performed at over 3500 schools reaching hundreds of thousands of students. He was also featured on leading media platforms like CBC, City TV News, Global, Toronto Star, and co-hosted Entertainment Tonight Canada Live.
The two-time Guinness World Record holding artist goes beyond the stage and booth to the community. He’s the founder of the Stay Driven program where he addresses bullying, peer pressure, and literacy. He also founded the Northern Power Summit. Now in its seventh year, it’s regarded as one of the leading Black music conferences in Canada.
Connect with D.O.: Instagram | Linkedin
ANTHONY Q. FARRELL | Showrunner/TV Writer
Anthony Q. Farrell has gone where few Black Canadian television writers have gone before. After moving to the United States and writing for hit shows like NBC’s The Office and Nickelodeon’s The Thundermans, he created the hit show The Secret Life of Boys which aired for five seasons. Now back in Toronto, Farrell had a big year as showrunner and winner for the Canadian comedy series Shelved which aired across Canada on CTV. He continues to develop new shows through his production company, Canfro Productions.
Connect with Anthony: Instagram | IMDB
We hope you enjoyed reading about these incredible, outstanding Black men in Canada as much as we enjoyed compiling this list. Be sure to follow each of them online to stay up to date on the work they are doing!
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