You know that feeling when someone you’ve been rooting for finally gets the recognition they deserve? That’s the energy right now.

The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, just announced the 2025 Order of Ontario appointees, and three exceptional Black Canadian leaders are being honoured for their outstanding contributions to our province and beyond.

Tracy Moore. Claudette McGowan. Cameron Bailey.

These aren’t just names on a list. These are trailblazers who’ve used their platforms, expertise, and relentless dedication to shift culture, break barriers, and create opportunities for the rest of us.

Let’s talk about why this matters, and why we’re so proud.

What Is the Order of Ontario, Anyway?

Before we get into the celebrations, let’s set the stage.

The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour. It recognizes individuals whose exceptional achievements and service have strengthened Ontario and Canada. We’re talking leaders across every field imaginable: arts, business, healthcare, technology, public service, sports, and more.

Since 1986, 933 exceptional individuals have been appointed to the Order. This year’s cohort of 30 appointees represents the best of what Ontario has to offer: and we’re especially proud to see Black Canadian excellence front and centre.

The formal investiture ceremony will take place in Toronto later this year, where appointees will receive the Order’s insignia and the official post-nominal letters to mark their achievement.

Now, let’s celebrate our three honourees.

Tracy Moore: Broadcasting With Purpose

Toronto

If you’ve turned on Canadian television in the past two decades, you know Tracy Moore.

As a celebrated broadcaster and advocate, Tracy has built a career on using her voice to amplify equity, inclusion, and social justice. She’s not just hosting: she’s starting conversations that matter.

Tracy co-created Citytv’s award-winning special Ending Racism: What Will it Take?, a project that confronted systemic racism head-on and sparked critical dialogue across the country. That’s what real leadership looks like: stepping into uncomfortable spaces and asking the hard questions.

But her impact doesn’t stop at the screen. Tracy’s work extends into community initiatives, mentorship, and advocacy that drive meaningful social change. She shows up with courage and integrity, and she’s been doing it for years.

Tracy represents the power of media as a tool for transformation. Black Canadian creators in broadcasting, podcasting, and digital media can look to her as proof that your platform: no matter the size: can create real impact when you lead with purpose.

Claudette McGowan, CM: Protecting Our Digital Future

Aurora

Claudette McGowan is a trailblazer in cybersecurity, innovation, and inclusion: three fields that desperately need more voices like hers.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Protexxa and a former Global Technology Executive at two major Canadian banks, Claudette has spent her career advancing human-centred security solutions. That means technology that doesn’t just protect systems: it protects people, privacy, and trust.

She broke barriers in spaces where Black women are still underrepresented, and she’s making sure the door stays open behind her. Through initiatives that empower women, youth, and small businesses, Claudette is shaping digital resilience not just in Ontario, but worldwide.

Her work proves that tech isn’t just about code and algorithms. It’s about people. And when you centre equity and inclusion in innovation, everybody wins.

For Black Canadian creators building in tech, entrepreneurship, or digital spaces, Claudette’s journey is a masterclass in innovation with intention. She’s showing us that success isn’t just about breaking into the room: it’s about redesigning the room so more people can thrive.

Toronto

Cameron Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), has turned one of Canada’s most beloved cultural institutions into a global powerhouse.

Under his leadership, TIFF generates an annual economic impact of $240 million and attracts filmmakers, actors, and audiences from around the world. But Cameron’s vision goes beyond box office numbers.

He’s championed diversity, inclusion, and representation in film: ensuring that the stories we see on screen reflect the full spectrum of human experience. His work as an educator, writer, and mentor has positioned Ontario as a leader in cultural innovation and pluralism in the arts.

Cameron reminds us that culture isn’t just entertainment. It’s identity. It’s power. And when you elevate underrepresented voices in storytelling, you change what’s possible for entire communities.

For Black Canadian creators in film, media, and the arts, Cameron’s leadership is a blueprint. He’s proof that you can honour your roots, champion equity, and build something that reshapes an entire industry.

Why This Recognition Matters for Our Community

Let’s be real: awards and honours don’t define greatness. These three leaders were already doing the work: changing lives, building systems, and opening doors: long before this announcement.

But recognition like this? It matters.

It tells young Black Canadians that excellence is seen. That contributions are valued. That our stories, our innovations, and our leadership belong at the highest levels.

And it reminds the rest of the country that Black Canadian creators and leaders are shaping Ontario’s future across every sector: from media to tech to the arts.

This is the kind of representation that shifts culture. Not just for visibility’s sake, but because when we see people who look like us achieving at the highest levels, it expands what we believe is possible for ourselves.

Want to Nominate Someone for 2026? Here’s How

Here’s the thing: the Order of Ontario isn’t just for household names. It’s for people making real, lasting contributions to Ontario: in big ways and small.

Nominations for the 2026 Order of Ontario are open right now. The deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Know someone whose work deserves recognition? A community leader, educator, entrepreneur, artist, or advocate who’s making a difference? Nominate them.

Appointments are made by an independent advisory council based on merit, and all nominations come from members of the public: people like you.

You can learn more about the Order of Ontario and submit a nomination here.

Don’t sleep on this. The people who’ve been quietly showing up and doing the work deserve their flowers.

A Moment to Celebrate Black Canadian Excellence

Tracy Moore. Claudette McGowan. Cameron Bailey.

Three leaders. Three paths. One shared truth: they’ve used their platforms, expertise, and passion to build something bigger than themselves.

This recognition isn’t the end of their journey: it’s a milestone that reminds us of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go when we lead with purpose, integrity, and vision.

To everyone in the Black Canadian Creators community: let this be a reminder. Your work matters. Your voice matters. Your contributions are shaping the future of this country.

Keep creating. Keep building. Keep showing up.

We’re watching. We’re cheering. And we’re so damn proud.

Your Turn: Who’s a Black Canadian creator or leader you think deserves recognition? Drop their name in the comments and tell us what they’re building. Let’s celebrate excellence together.

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