Pastor Eddie Jjumba and Others Honored with Awards at Annual African Descent Summit 2024

The Annual African Descent Summit 2024  witnessed a momentous celebration as Rev. Eddie Jjumba, the senior pastor of Milliken Wesleyan Methodist Church, received the prestigious Humanitarian Award. The event, held at the Toronto Pavilion, honored Rev. Jjumba for his outstanding contributions to humanitarian work and social justice.

The Summit is now in its fourth edition, serves as a vital platform for people of African descent to come together, reflect on their shared goals, and celebrate their achievements. Which Took Place 0n 20th, 2024, at the Toronto Pavilion in North York, this international convention brought together a diverse array of policymakers, entrepreneurs, students, academics, researchers, professionals, entertainers, sports personalities, and celebrities of African descent.

The summit’s theme, “Recognition, Justice, and Development,” aligned with the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, underscoring the event’s commitment to promoting and protecting the dignity and rights of African-descended communities worldwide.

Rev. Eddie Jjumba’s recognition at the summit is a testament to his unwavering dedication to humanitarian causes and his extensive work in the social work and mental health fields.

Short Biography of Eddie Jjumba

Eddie was born in Uganda, in a small village named Kigasa. He identifies as Ugandan-Canadian, a Christian, husband of 1 wife – Bernadette Jjumba, and father of 3 children – Tendo, Mukisa and Mulungi, and many spiritual children.

He is a Servant Leader at heart, an Ordained minister, and Registered Psychotherapist with College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario(CRPO).

He has over 20 solid years of passionately doing managerial and frontline work in the Social Work/Mental Health field, Child Welfare, Clergy work, Social Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He has worked with excluded families and individuals with special needs in Canada and Uganda.

He is the Senior Pastor of Milliken Church in Markham, the founder/Clinical Director of NewWays Center For Wellbeing, and he is the President of Dominion House of Hope shelter, coordinating the efforts to accord refugees and asylum seekers a dignified settlement process and to build a 500-bed Wrap Around shelter for the homeless.

He is passionate about finding the best in every human person and process.

He dares daily to learn, unlearn, relearn, to do and be better professionally and personally.

His educational background includes; Masters of Divinity-Clinical Counseling, Tyndale University-Canada, B.A Social Sciences – Makerere University-Uganda, PGD-Autism and Behavioral Science-Seneca College-Canada, Clinical Pastoral Education(CPE 1) -Knoxx College University of Toronto.

His clinical and leadership practice is shaped by his core belief/philosophy that all human beings bear God-given intrinsic value and are equal in value, dignity and worth, regardless of their limitations, creed, location, or cultural identity. As an integration Psychotherapist and clergy, he is committed to a holistic approach, integrating Spirituality, Family Systems, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and other modalities to attend to people’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs (Body Mind and Soul).

At the summit, Hope Birungi, President of African Descent Ontario, expressed deep gratitude to the African community in Toronto for their unwavering support and participation. She extended heartfelt thanks to the award winners, including Rev. Jjumba, for their remarkable achievements that inspire and uplift the community.

“A special thank you to our award winners for your remarkable achievements, which inspire and uplift us all. We also extend our deepest appreciation to our dear artists Revboy, Julie Birungi, Adson AfroPulse Ensemble, Korexion, General Mega Dee, and Swangz Avenue’s Vinka for their phenomenal performances that made the event unforgettable,” said Birungi.

The Annual African Descent Summit 2024 not only celebrated individual achievements but also fostered a platform for dialogue, reflection, and addressing key barriers that hinder progress and transformation for people of African descent. As Statistics Canada projects the Black population in Canada to double from 1.5 million in 2021 to over 3.0 million by 2041, events like AADS2024 are crucial for recognizing and supporting this vibrant and growing community.

With a diverse range of award categories, including Exceptional Youth Influencer, Artist and Entertainment Award, Academic Excellence Award, Health and Wellness Advocate Award, and more, the summit honored the wide-ranging contributions of individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Rev. Eddie Jjumba’s receipt of the Humanitarian Award is a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting the profound impact of dedicated service and commitment to the betterment of society. As the African Descent Summit continues to grow, it remains a vital platform for celebrating the achievements and aspirations of people of African descent in Canada and beyond.