Last weekend I went to a wedding ceremony and two community celebrations - one tribute to a recently installed deputy chief of police, and the other in tribute of an African chief.

Yes friends, I experienced three exceptional events over the past weekend, and though they were contrasting in their size and nature, each occasion made me feel proud to be a black, male, Jamaican immigrant living in Canada.

Firstly, Friday evening: I was privileged to be at a function where leaders and friends of the Jamaican Canadian community saluted new Deputy Chief of Police, Peter Sloly. At 43 years old, Sloly is the youngest officer in the country to achieve such heights, after 21 years in the police service. He has an MBA, as well as a degree in sociology, and was also a professional soccer player who earned two caps on the national football team.

The efficiently organised event had representation from all levels of government, law enforcement, and the wider community. I had the pleasure of sharing MC duties with another outstanding Jamaican/Canadian - actress and producer Marcia Brown, on the evening that was spiced with inspiring tributes, fine food and entertainment.

moved to tears

Saturday evening, I stood in a reception hall on the 10th floor of the Crowne Plaza in Niagara. And the imposing beauty of the Niagara Falls' cascading waters created a dreamlike backdrop. The hall was filled with elegantly-dressed close friends and family ranging in age from approximately two, to 'in the region of 82'. They gathered for a memorable celebration of love, as a bright, ambitious, responsible and accomplished young man named Shane Perue declared dedication and celebrated commitment to a stunningly beautiful, smart, decent, and motivated young woman named Christine Earle.

Several times throughout the touching ceremony, people were moved to tears, as speaker after speaker spoke about the inspiring sense of industry and integrity of the young groom, and his unflinching love and loyalty to his spouse. Of special significance were the recurrent references to the central role that their relationship with God plays in the life of the young newlyweds. When his grandmother spoke about her pride in him, and when his mother spoke about Shane's sense of sacrifice and generosity, and how he treasures the bible Christine bought him years ago, there were few dry eyes in the room. Ah tell unnu people, the luminous light of love was alive and wel,l and poignantly personified that wonderful wedding.

an inspirational celebration

Then came Sunday afternoon: Sunday I experienced an inspirational celebration of one man's service and achievement. As well as stirring demonstration of collective pride and African cultural tradition. The occasion was a celebration among the African Canadian community for (another Jamaican born brother), Kwasi Kafele.

An outstanding academic, community leader and activist, Kafele has been a driving force behind several initiatives in Toronto that promote awareness of African heritage and connect people with the motherland. His pioneering work, through an organisation called Yensomu Youth and Community Development, has been making significant and tangible differences in the lives of African Canadians, as well as young people on the continent, and he was recently appointed Chief of Youth Development for Manya Krobo, located in the eastern region of Ghana. His new name is 'Nene Kwesi Detse I'.

As I absorbed encouragement and enlightenment on Sunday, I reflected on the parallels between the three men, central to the events I attended over the weekend. Peter Sloly, Shane Perue and Nene Kwesi not only defy the negative stereotype of the black immigrant male, they are men we can be genuinely proud of.

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