A Tribute To Our Founder:

Behind the work of the African Caribbean Cultural Potpourri Inc (ACCPI), lies the vision of a woman who was dedicated to ensuring that youth could access opportunities, acquire knowledge and achieve excellence in every space they occupy. Eleanor Wiltshire Rodney was a passionate community leader and educator, who settled in Hamilton after moving from Trinidad in 1966. Professionally, Eleanor had a successful teaching career with the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board. However, at the core of her identity was a spirit of community service.

She founded the A.C.C.P.I in 1986, and to date, our organization is best known for its’ inspiring annual scholarship awards banquet aimed at celebrating youth of African and Caribbean descent for academic excellence and community service. Eleanor’s honours include being named as one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Culture Award for Outstanding Achievement, Mayor’s Hamilton-Wentworth Award for Excellence in Race Relations in Education, Hamilton Spectator: Citizens of Influence - 100 Portraits of Success, Hamilton Status of Women, Woman of the Year Award-Public Affairs, the Black History Committee Award - John Holland Award for Community Service and the Trinidad and Tobago Consul General’s Diaspora Award.

On September 16th 2020, Eleanor passed away at 82 years old. Without her efforts, ACCPI would not be the organization that it is today. Her spirit and impact will undoubtedly continue to stand the test of time. In her honour, may we all strive to maintain the standard of excellence that she desired to see us achieve, and follow her example to build legacies that will change the lives of others.