The Essence & Culture Awards recognize Black Londoners whose talent, leadership and generosity make our city stronger.
Presented by the London AfroCentric Arts Association, the Essence & Culture Awards shine a light on Black Londoners making a difference in the arts, music, education, sciences, and community life. Each year we gather to honour their work and lift each other up.
Honouring the visual artists, writers, performers, and contributors who enrich London's cultural life
Honouring the visual artists, writers, performers, and contributors who enrich London's cultural life
Celebrating the events and festivals that bring our communities together
Celebrating the doctors, nurses, PSA's, researchers and innovators advancing health and science in our communities
Recognizing the educators, leaders, and volunteers who uplift our communities including the ECA Woman of the Year
Honouring the Artistes that keeps
Honouring the Dj's from that keep South Western Ontario moving
Introducing for the 2026 awards season, two business excellence awards, more details to follow
Deputy Chief Treena MacSween, London Police Service
Deputy Chief Treena MacSween made history on March 8, 2026, as the first recipient of the ECA Woman of the Year Award. With more than 25 years in law enforcement, she joined the London Police Service as Deputy Chief after serving as a Superintendent with the Hamilton Police Service, becoming the highest ranking Black woman police officer in Canada at the time of her appointment.
The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she credits her parents work ethic for shaping her path. Today she is recognized as a trailblazer whose leadership is opening doors for the next generation of Black women in public service
