Calgary’s Black Francophone entrepreneurs were in the spotlight Saturday at an awards gala held to recognize their contributions to the city's culture and economy. The first-ever Gala de l’Excellence Noire (Black Excellence Gala) was held at the Acclaim Hotel by Clique near the Calgary International Airport.
Presented by a partnership between two local non-profits, Wings of Hope for Africa and Better Days Foundation, the event aimed to celebrate a community that organizers say is often overlooked.
The sold-out gala featured a red carpet, dinner, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony designed to honour the successes of entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders within the city’s vibrant Black Francophone population. The evening was a testament to the growing, yet often under-recognized, impact of this community on Calgary's entrepreneurial landscape.
A space for recognition and identity
For many attendees and award recipients, the gala was more than just a ceremony; it was an affirmation of their identity and hard work. Among the winners was Elsa Azan, the founder of Glam Roots, who received the award for Excellence in Makeup.
We have a lot of Black entrepreneurs that have been doing a lot of great work here in Calgary, but we don’t have enough opportunity to acknowledge that work. So this is especially meaningful to be able to create this space and actually give them the recognition and celebration that they deserve.
Azan, who has always had a passion for beauty, says her business is about more than just cosmetics. It’s a platform for empowerment and cultural expression. “Glam Roots is really beyond beauty,” Azan said. “It’s more rooted in identity culture, really making black women and all types of women comfortable and confident in what they are.”
Her philosophy reflects a broader movement within the beauty industry and beyond, where entrepreneurs are creating businesses that cater to and celebrate diverse identities, filling gaps that have long existed in the mainstream market. The event also signals the increasing importance of Francophone communities in Alberta. According to Statistics Canada, the province is home to a growing number of French speakers, with a significant population residing in Calgary. This demographic shift underscores the need for events like the Gala de l’Excellence Noire that reflect the city's multicultural fabric, similar to how the Tokelau Easter Festival unites global diaspora.
Community organizations collaborate for change
The gala was born from a collaboration between Wings of Hope for Africa and the Better Days Foundation, two organizations committed to empowering their communities. A spokesperson for the Better Days Foundation explained their broader mission to support low-income families from both Francophone and Anglophone backgrounds.
“Our purpose is to help those families, to empower them, for them to be self-sufficient, to be able to send their children to school without having to cut off any other expenses,” she said. By celebrating successful entrepreneurs, the foundation hopes to inspire others and reinforce the value of community-led initiatives.
This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of Calgary's non-profit sector, which has a long history of organizations working together to address community needs, from flood relief to supporting newcomers. By pooling resources, these groups can create more significant and lasting impact.
The gala's guest list included notable figures such as Calgary-Fish Creek MLA Myles McDougall, Calgary-Forest Lawn MP Jasraj Singh Hallan, and former Centre for Newcomers CEO Anila Umar, highlighting the event's significance across community and political spheres. Their presence signals a growing recognition of the Black Francophone community's role in the city's future.
Building a legacy for the future
The evening was not only about looking back on achievements but also about building a stronger future. The program included networking sessions, providing a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, and forge new partnerships. This focus on building community capital is essential for fostering a resilient and thriving business ecosystem.
Closing remarks were delivered by Nadine Niba, who was recognized with SAIT's Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2025, offering a perspective from a young leader who has already made her mark.
A spokesperson for the Better Days Foundation said the gala serves a dual purpose: honouring current leaders and empowering the next generation. “What we are doing here today is to acknowledge black entrepreneurs from the Francophone community, to empower them as well and encourage them in the work they are doing,” she said. Events like this are vital for creating mentorship opportunities and showing emerging entrepreneurs that a path to success exists in Calgary.
As Calgary continues to grow and diversify, the Gala de l’Excellence Noire stands as a powerful example of a community celebrating its own, ensuring a legacy of excellence, identity, and empowerment for years to come.
