Student awards honour Black and African Nova Scotian community leaders
Support for NSCC's Black and African Nova Scotian students
In 2023, NSCC in collaboration with NSCC’s Black African Nova Scotian Employee Resource Network (BAERN) established four new awards to support Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC. The awards are named in recognition of Black and African Nova Scotian leaders whose work inspires and impacts their communities. Thanks to donor funding to the Foundation, BAERN is continuing this initiative by naming four new $2,500 awards after community leaders to recognize their incredible community impact and contributions.
Guiding principles and new community leaders recognized
Based on their guiding principles, the BAERN nominates and votes on community leaders who will be celebrated with an award in their name. The BAERN's guiding principles are to promote the safety, equity and inclusion of People of African descent in NSCC's policies, programs and campus life across the province, as well as the visibility, connection and support for Black and African Nova Scotian employees. This year's awards recognize the following:
- Dr. Josephine Johnson Sankofa Award: Dr. Josephine Johnson has a long and inspiring history of caring for and supporting the North Preston community. Her lifelong commitment to community building, empowerment and education has made her a deeply respected leader whose impact continues across generations. Her legacy extends into the creation of the Africentric Early Childhood Education program at NSCC, a program shaped in part by her granddaughter, Kerri Johnson. Dr. Johnson’s dedication to uplifting African Nova Scotian families and strengthening community connections embodies the values at the heart of this award. This year’s award honours her remarkable contributions and meaningful community engagement, ensuring ongoing support and pride from her family. Learn more about Dr. Josephine Johnson’s award.
- Linda (Talbot) Margettie Award: Linda has devoted more than four decades to early childhood education, supporting and caring for young children during the most important developmental years of their lives. From an early age, she felt a natural connection to working with children, and that early passion grew into a lifelong calling. Throughout her career, she has gained invaluable experience, knowledge and insights that have shaped both her professional path and personal growth. As Director of the Whitney Pier Daycare Centre, she has remained committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to grow socially, emotionally and academically. She strongly believes in the importance of mentorship, lifelong learning and building meaningful partnerships and this year’s award honours her dedication to early childhood education. Learn more about Linda’s award.
- Paul Ash Educational Award: Paul Ash has been a champion and trailblazer for African Nova Scotians in equitable education for decades, from his work on the BLAC Report, with Black Educators Association (BEA), becoming a Principal of a P-12 school, to being the Director of African Services Division, a Superintendent of Schools to today as the current Executive Director of African Canadian Services Branch of Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Paul’s personal academic story is not only inspirational, but also the story of the low expectations African Nova Scotian students face in the school system, leading to eventual triumph as a high-achieving student who makes incredible changes to the very system that oppressed him. Paul’s work and dedication have directly supported academic cohorts, programs and financial aid for African Nova Scotian students at NSCC and across the province. This year’s award honours his unwavering commitment to supporting African Nova Scotian learners in the P-12 and post-secondary systems. Learn more about Paul’s award.
- Turning Silver Into Gold for Entrepreneurship and Leadership Award: This award is named in recognition of Nova Scotia entrepreneur and community advocate Trevor Silver. Trevor Silver is a Nova Scotia–based entrepreneur, creative founder and community advocate dedicated to building opportunity through education, culture and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of tREv, a clothing and lifestyle brand built around the principles of Trust, Respect, Educate and Value, which promotes personal growth, unity and positive representation through design and storytelling. The award celebrates students who embody resilience, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking while contributing positively to their communities. This year’s award honours his dedication to building opportunity through education, culture and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Trevor’s award.
Previous community leaders recognized
2025: Learn more about the 2025 community leaders, Barbara Roberts Aya, Crystal States, Doreen Paris and Patrick Colley.
2024: Learn more about the 2024 community leaders, Rocky Jones, Deanna Mohamed and Chester Borden.
Make a difference today
Learn more about ways to give to the NSCC Foundation and contact us to discuss how you can support Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC:
By phone (toll-free): 1-866-745-7919 | Fax: (902) 491-4828
Email: To see options for giving online: