The Legacy Awards, a ceremony dedicated to celebrating Black talent in Canada, is ending three years after its launch.
Organizers of The Black Academy and broadcaster CBC say they are instead working on a new series of interviews they call an “evolution” of the awards show.
The event, last held in fall 2024, included a red carpet, musical performances and a large, in-person gathering of Black creators, athletes, entertainers and community leaders.
The new program is called “The Legacy Lounge” and will feature in-studio conversations with a panel of honorees about their social contributions and the legacies they are creating.
The four 30-minute episodes will air during Black History Month on CBC Gem and CBC TV.
In a statement, CBC general manager of entertainment Sally Catto said the change represents an “evolution” of the awards ceremony that will be a “deep and intimate tribute” to the honorees.
“This was a joint, mutual decision made between the Black Academy and the CBC to provide more storytelling opportunities and be more inclusive to more Black communities across Canada than the format of an annual awards show in just one location allows,” Catto said in a statement.
Black Academy co-founders Shamir Anderson and Stephan James said the new series will have an “intimate atmosphere that will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the trials and tribulations” of each honoree.
At the most recent Legacy Awards in 2024, Anderson and James expressed uncertainty about the future of the organization's flagship initiative as the publication entered into a three-year broadcast deal with the CBC.
“We hope the CBC continues to do this because virtue signaling is a real thing in our community,” Anderson told The Canadian Press.
“People come when it's relevant, and I think the community is hoping and making sure that the powers that be are really behind this cause and really getting behind it.”
Catto said in an email Tuesday that CBC's “commitment to Black-led storytelling remains unchanged.”
The Black Academy founded the event in 2021 to highlight outstanding Black Canadians. Last year's honorees included rapper Cardinal Offishall, theater director Veney Mengesha and Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey.
Part of the organization's ongoing partnership with CBC, “The Legacy Lounge” will be co-created and executive produced by Anderson and James.
The press release said the list of honorees, including celebrities and influencers, will be announced at a later date.
“Shamier and I believe in the importance of representation and storytelling,” James said in a statement.
“Through The Legacy Lounge, we strive to connect our audiences with the incredible individuals who inspire change and progress in our communities. We want viewers at home to feel the warmth and authenticity of these conversations.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2025.
