Imam Michael Abdur Rashid Taylor receives Excellence in Religion Award

Imam Michael Abdur Rashid Taylor was honored for his work as a religious leader in Canada with the 2016 Excellence in Religion Award by the African Canadian Achievement Awards (ACAA) at a gala held on Saturday, February 20.

“Being there with the number and caliber of leaders in the Black community was really special for me,” said Imam Michael Abdur Rashid Taylor. “It was a unique honor.”

The African Canadian Achievement Awards (ACAA) celebrates the achievements, and pays tribute to the exemplary contributions of African Canadians to their community, and the wider Canadian society.

Imam Michael Abdur Rashid Taylor is the current Secretary of the Canadian Council of Imams and he was appointed as Ontario Regional Chaplain with Correctional Service Canada in December 2013.

He is also the Director of Islamic Chaplaincy Services Canada and has held the position of Coordinator of the Muslim Studies Program at Emmanuel College of the University of Toronto.

Imam Taylor served as an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from 2011 until the commission presented its report to the Government of Canada in 2015.

Imam Taylor received his award along with other distinguished recipients at 32nd Annual ACAA gala, held at the Jane Mallett Theatre, inside the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, in Toronto.

Over the 28-year history of the ACAA it has fostered a sense of pride and a spirit of dignity within the African Canadian community.

The ACAA has also acted as a catalyst, inspiring many of our youth, and some adults, to pursue and attain success and excellence in their lives.

Founded in 1985 by its current Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson, Michael Van Cooten, who is also the editor and publisher of Pride News Magazine, the African Canadian Achievement Awards (ACAA) is organized and hosted annually by Pride News Magazine, under the esteemed stewardship of Mrs. Joan Pierre, its President and Executive Producer.

Listen to CBC interview with Imam Michael Abdur Rashid Taylor