OYA Black Arts Coalition Congratulates Dr. Notisha Massaquoi on Receiving Women of Distinction Award
Toronto, June 21, 2023 - OYA Black Arts Coalition, a leading organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Black artists and cultural initiatives, extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Notisha Massaquoi, the Founding Board Chair of OYA, for being honored with the Women of Distinction Award under the Health sector by YWCA Toronto.
The prestigious Women of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding women leaders who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and communities. Dr. Massaquoi's tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing and survival of Black women in Canada have rightly earned her this well-deserved accolade.
During her acceptance speech, Dr. Massaquoi shared her gratitude for the recognition, stating, "This award reminds me that my over 30 years of working to ensure the wellbeing and survival of Black women in Canada are seen as a valuable contribution to this country." Her words reflect the immense impact of her work and the acknowledgment of its significance in creating positive change within the nation.
In addition, Dr. Massaquoi highlighted the challenging realities faced by marginalized communities, addressing systemic barriers and discrimination prevalent in healthcare services. She emphasized, "No matter how hard I worked. No matter how hard I tried. I couldn't get rid of the distance that it took for people to get downtown for services. I couldn't get rid of the racism that they experienced from healthcare providers that would refuse them services. I couldn't get rid of the racism that made their employers fire them as soon as they found out they were HIV positive. I could not improve the ability for these people to access medication and the entire case load died." Her powerful words shed light on the urgent need for equitable healthcare and systemic change.
OYA Black Arts Coalition commends Dr. Massaquoi for her dedication, resilience, and courageous advocacy for the rights and wellbeing of Black women in Canada. Her unwavering commitment has played a pivotal role in addressing the unique challenges faced by this community.
On behalf of OYA Black Arts Coalition, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Dr. Notisha Massaquoi on receiving the Women of Distinction Award. This honor is a testament to her remarkable accomplishments and the invaluable contributions she has made to Canada's health sector. We applaud her tireless efforts and look forward to witnessing her continued success as she champions the cause of Black women across the nation.
About OYA Black Arts Coalition:
OYA Black Arts Coalition is a prominent organization dedicated to fostering the growth and recognition of Black artists and cultural initiatives. Through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs, OYA aims to promote diversity, inclusivity, and the rich artistic heritage of the Black community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dean Oriade
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing@oyablackarts.org
