Passing the torch: Meet the 2026 CBC Black Changemakers

CBC Quebec is highlighting people from the province's Black communities who are giving back, inspiring others and helping to shape our future. These are the Black Changemakers.

In 2021, CBC Quebec put out a call: Give us your tireless, your generous and united masses yearning to set free; the talented brethren of your city.

Well, it wasn't quite like that — not even close. In a slightly less poetic fashion, we asked our audience to tell us about the individuals from Quebec's Black communities who were making a difference.

We asked for nominations of everyday Quebecers driving transformational change, both big and small. With few expectations, we opened a two-week window for submissions — and the response was overwhelming, yielding over 500 entries.

Since that Black History Month five years ago, we haven't stopped celebrating, giving individuals their flowers, and, most importantly, telling the stories of the local heroes in our midst.

The series has grown in scope, expanding to multiplatform with year-long coverage. In that spirit of evolution, this year, we've changed how the laureates are selected.

The theme for our fifth anniversary edition is 'passing the torch.' Previous laureates were tapped to choose the 2026 Changemakers. Beyond celebration and information, this edition is about intention and legacy.

This month, you'll be able to discover our Changemakers across all of our platforms: web, radio and TV. However you learn about the laureates, it's our hope that you will be inspired to make a difference in your own way, every day.

Here are your 2026 CBC Black Changemakers:

Sheron Edey was nominated by Myrna Lashley (2021 Changemaker). Lashley wrote:

"Sheron Edey is an unsung pillar of the Montreal Black community who has demonstrated great devotion to the well-being of the community in general, and mental health in specific. Sheron understands that mental and physical health cannot be separated. Therefore, not only has she striven to improve access to mental health resources and services, but she has organized such occurrences as health fairs and other health and wellness initiatives."

Svens Télémaque was nominated by Joan Lee (2021 Changemaker). Lee wrote:

"Svens Télémaque ranks as one of the most inspiring speakers touching youth empowerment. In 2007, he relocated to Montreal and co-founded L'art Selah, a poetry collective that provides hope to listeners. In 2014, he released his first book, Pen of a Ready Writer Vol. 1, which has been featured on several major networks, including CBC and Global News. Svens is an integral part of the West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) as the co-creator and facilitator of our Maasai Boys Mentoring Group – a program for young Black men between the ages of seven and 18 years old aimed at creating a safe space to promote and encourage future success. His compelling story doesn't glamourize a checkered past but instead reminds us that even broken crayons still colour."

Édouard Staco was nominated by Alix Adrien (2023 Changemaker). Adrien wrote:

"Édouard Staco is a visionary leader whose lifelong commitment to education, youth empowerment and community development has transformed countless lives across Quebec and Canada. As the founder of Fonds 1804 and the Sommet socioéconomique pour le développement des jeunes des communautés noires, he has created lasting opportunities for young people through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development and cross-sector collaboration. His work bridges communities, inspires hope, and promotes equity, inclusion and economic participation. Driven by humility, integrity and a deep belief in the potential of every individual, Édouard exemplifies the transformative leadership that the CBC Changemaker Award was created to celebrate."

Gloria Baylis was nominated by Akilah Newton (2021 Changemaker). Newton wrote:

"Gloria Baylis is a force to be reckoned with. From her humble beginnings in Barbados to building a trailblazing legacy in Canada, her story is deeply inspiring. Her determination to fight employment discrimination laws in Quebec, and later create a successful medical device company that continues to help millions around the world, shows how resilient and visionary she was. As a Black female entrepreneur, Gloria Baylis's accomplishments personally speak to me because they remind me that it is possible to create meaningful change while breaking barriers that were not designed for Black people to overcome. Her legacy fuels me to continue pursuing my goals with confidence and purpose."

Ali Desrosiers was nominated by Blxck Cxsper (2021 Changemaker). Cxsper wrote:

"As a Black trans masculine person myself, seeing men like Ali take on leadership roles while redefining what masculinity should be is very inspiring and I believe that we need more of what Ali represents in the world. The Montreal ballroom scene wouldn't be what it is without this Changemaker. As the first Legendary Trans Man in Canadian ballroom, Father Ali Old Navy Donyale Luna has been a pillar in helping the community grow and thrive. On top of being the father of the Kiki house of Old Navy, he is the co-founder of Ballroom 4 Community, an organization that aims to bring ballroom to the communities who need it the most."

Meet your past Changemakers who selected this year's nominees.

The Black Changemakers is a special series recognizing individuals who, regardless of background or industry, are driven to create a positive impact in their community. From tackling problems to showing small gestures of kindness on a daily basis, these Changemakers are making a difference and inspiring others. Meet all the Changemakers here.