Meet Quebec's 2021 Black Changemakers

In celebration of Black History Month, CBCQuebecis recognizing current-day changemakers who are helping to shape our future. Our goal is to highlight individuals from the province's Black communities who are making positive changes, giving back and inspiring others.

Nominations are now closed but the response was overwhelming. We received more than500 nominations.Nominees are artists, creators, health-care workers, educators, entrepreneurs, community organizers and everyone in between.

Starting Feb. 1 and then daily throughout the month, we will reveal the finalists across our platforms.In addition to the 28 profiles, we will also publish an "honourable mentions" listat the end of February.

Click on the links below to get to know the 2021 CBC Quebec Black Changemakers.

Armel Omatoko

Meet the Montrealer spreading positivity through African dance

Kayla Crawley

She felt Black people needed a place to come together, so she created one

Kevin Calixte

Created an online talk show that has become a rallying space for his community

Joan Lee

Avolunteer continuing a legacy of community work on Montreal's West Island

Balarama Holness

MakingMontreal more equitable and inclusive

Roen Higgins

An artist and educatorempowering her community

Ndeye Dieynaba Ndiaye

A professor whose journey from Senegal to Europe to Quebec City inspires her work

Trevor Williams

A basketball coach givingkids opportunities to play sports and learn life skills

Clarence Bayne

A community leader helping tocreate institutions to combat racism

Stephanie Bumba

A nurse clinician shedding light on pioneering Black scientists

Aly Ndiaye

A hip hop artist revealing Quebec's hidden history

Blxck Cxsper

Creating a space for trans people to make music, together

Myrna Lashley

Challenging systemic racism, one institution at a time

Nancy Falaise

Helping Black women embrace their hair, curls and all

Renate Betts

Building up a neighbourhood through her work

Nate Sanders

This high school student is helping Black youth speak up for themselves

Marie-Livia Beaug

This tireless lawyer and activist wants to transform how we see justice

Frantz Saintellemy

Levelling the playing field for entrepreneurs of colour

Denburk Reid

Helping guide the next generation of Montrealers

Fabiola Ngamaleu Teumeni and Mariame Tour

Creators of Black Girls Gather,aspace to read and share experiences

Will Prosper

Organizer and filmmaker showshow everyday people can lift up their community

Michelle Osbourne

A Quebec City woman helping others be 'unapologetic'

Fabrice Vil

Lawyer-turned-social entrepreneur uses sports to combat inequality

Elle Barbara

Creatingcommunity through ballroom culture

Akilah Newton

Turning a passion for the arts into a vocation

Suzanne Taffot

Alawyer and opera singer on a mission

Gabriella Garbeau

Making sure diverse voices are heard, one book at a time

Sabrina Jafralie

This teacher and activist inspiresher students to change the world

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.