Excellence

We Lift Calgary

To make Calgary the best place in Canada for Black people to live, work and play.

Foundation

Built on conviction and community

Calgary Black Chambers emerged from a simple truth: Black students and professionals needed more than opportunity. They needed belonging. Since our founding, we have grown into a force that transforms lives through deliberate action and unwavering commitment.

Our Vision

To make Calgary the best place in Canada for Black people to live, work and play

Missions

Mission Statements

Mentorship connects those who have walked the path with those just beginning. Scholarship removes the barriers that talent should never face. Fellowship builds the networks where Black excellence is recognized, celebrated, and sustained.

Mentorship

Guiding and supporting students and early career individuals to achieve their highest potential.

Scholarship

Elevating Black students through recognition and financial support

Fellowship

Creating an inclusive space for Black people and allies to share their expertise, experience and thoughts. 

Our Team

History

A Unified Voice Emerges

Founded in 2020 following planning that began in 2019, the Calgary Black Chambers was created to provide a unified voice and stronger network for Black professionals in Calgary. The organization was founded by Jon Cornish, a Hall of Fame Canadian Football League player, who brought together community leaders to formally establish the Chamber.

Inspired by conversations with his wife, Kiren Seetal, and influenced by the community leadership of the late Manmeet Bhullar, Cornish’s vision took shape with the support of founding board members Chi Iliya-Ndule, Kene Ilochonwu, Chucks Okafor, Michael Lee Hing, Akwasi Antwi, Clarence Wynter, and Charles Buchanan, who helped launch and guide the organization’s early work.

2019

Founding of Calgary Black Chambers

CBC began as a gathering of individuals who shared a vision for a more inclusive and empowering Calgary.

2020

Community Support & Mentorship Launch

First Fundraising Initiative – Early 2020
CBC launched its first fundraising initiative to support community initiatives.
Mentorship & Soft Skills Program Launch – Fall 2020 (Father Lacombe)
CBC introduced its Mentorship and Soft Skills Development Program at Father Lacombe High School, equipping Black youth with leadership, communication, and career-readiness skills.

2021

Scholarships & First CBAAs

First Scholarships Awarded
CBC formally launched its scholarship program, providing financial support to Black students pursuing post-secondary education.
First Calgary Black Achievement Awards (CBAAs)
CBC hosted its inaugural Calgary Black Achievement Awards, celebrating excellence and honoring outstanding Black leaders and changemakers in Calgary.

2022

Program Expansion & Governance Strengthening

The Mentorship Program expanded significantly between 2021 and 2022, increasing participation across multiple industries.

CBC also strengthened its governance structure with a renewed board framework, updated strategic priorities, and enhanced leadership capacity. Growth in volunteers and partners broadened CBC’s impact across Calgary.

2023

Increasing Visibility & Community Engagement

CBC hosted a record number of community events, including Fellowship gatherings, Black History Month (BHM) Dinner, and the Calgary Black Achievement Awards. Public engagement increased significantly, raising the visibility of Black excellence in Calgary.

2024

Strategic Growth & Program Enhancements

CBC scaled its mentorship, scholarship, and community initiatives. Expanded partnerships with educators, industry leaders, and community organizations enabled CBC to reach more youth and families across Calgary.

2025

Digital Transformation & Future-Focused Vision

CBC embarked on a major digital modernization initiative, including the redevelopment of its website. With strengthened programs, improved systems, and expanded impact, CBC continues advancing its mission to make Calgary the best place for Black people to live, work, and thrive.

2019

Founding & First Calgary Black Achievement Awards

CBC began as a gathering of individuals who shared a vision for a more inclusive and empowering Calgary. This year marked the launch of our first major event—the Calgary Black Achievement Awards—celebrating the excellence and accomplishments of Black Calgarians.

Transformation

How our pillars reshape futures

The Calgary Black Chamber’s work is built on three interconnected pillars: mentorship, scholarships, and fellowship. Each pillar addresses a different barrier to opportunity guidance, access, and belonging. Together, they support individual growth, strengthen leadership, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient Calgary.

Partners & Sponsors

Students find their footing and their voice

Support arrives not as charity but as recognition of talent that deserves to flourish

Professionals discover meaning in lifting others

Mentorship and advocacy work transform career success into community responsibility.

Partners invest in something that endures

Corporate and community sponsors build legacies while strengthening the fabric of Calgary.

The entire community rises when excellence is recognized

What we build together becomes stronger than what any of us could build alone.

Impact

The measure of what we have built

The Calgary Black Chamber focuses on outcomes that matter. Every mentor matched, every scholarship awarded, and every dollar raised represents real progress supporting individuals, strengthening leadership, and expanding opportunity across our community

60+

Mentors guiding the way

Professionals committed to lifting others forward

300+

Students finding their path

Young talent receiving guidance and support

$200,000+

Raised for scholarships

Direct investment in removing barriers to education

3+

Pillars holding us steady

Mentorship, scholarship, and fellowship combined