Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson joined by Mayor John Tory and nearly 100 invited guests unveiled a sign officially declaring the naming of Jolly Way after an iconic leader in Toronto’s Caribbean-Canadian community.
Located in a new subdivision near the intersection of Ellesmere Road and Kennedy Road, “Jolly Way” recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of B. Denham Jolly, a pioneering broadcaster, businessman, philanthropist, entrepreneur, publisher, author and human rights activist.
“Denham Jolly is a legend in our city,” said Deputy Mayor Thompson. “His achievements in business alone are noteworthy, but they are dwarfed by his contributions to diversity, culture and social justice in our City. I am delighted to officiate the unveiling of this sign, which will serve as a lasting, public reminder of his outstanding legacy.”
Jolly’s business career reflected his Jamaican roots and interest in cultural diversity. He founded the Black Business Professional Association (BBPA) in 1982, and Canada’s first Black-owned radio station, Toronto’s FLOW 93.5, in 2001. He provided a voice for the Black community as publisher and financial backer for the weekly newspaper, Contrast. He also owned and operated Tyndall Nursing Homes.
“B. Denham Jolly has played a large role in building up our city. Whether it is through his radio gigs or his leadership in advancing the black community – he always put our city and its residents first,” said Mayor John Tory. “It is only fitting that we name a street after this well-established and caring community leader who has impacted the lives of many people in our city.”
Jolly also served as a Director of the Toronto International Film Festival and as a board member of the Jamaican Canadian Association, the Black Action Defense Committee, the Committee for Due Process, the Daphne Dacosta Cancer Association, the Jane and Finch Concerned Citizens Movement, the Black Inmates Organization, the Harriett Tubman Games, the YMCA and Toronto’s annual Caribbean Festival.
Jolly’s contributions to Canada have earned him the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Canada’s 125th Confederation Medal for contributions to community development and the City Soul Award.
Today, he continues his work as a Philanthropist and Community Activist, operating a Breakfast Program for needy students at Cornwall College, his Alma mater in Montego Bay, Jamaica and sponsoring a boys’ soccer team at Regent Park in Toronto. In August 2019, Jolly donated $312,000 to pay off the outstanding mortgage of the Jamaican Canadian Association.
His autobiography, “In the Black: My Life,” won the 2017 Toronto Book Award.
Denham Jolly does deserve recognition for his contribution to the community so it is fitting that something is done in his name.