Dr Rustum and Gracey Southwell, 2019 Courage Awards Ambassadors

A few months after accepting two honorary doctoral degrees from Dalhousie University and Saint Mary's University in Canada, Dr. Rustum Southwell, son of National Hero, Sir C. A. Paul Southwell and his wife, Lady Gladys Southwell, is making the news again.

The Kittitian-born Southwell and his wife, Gracey are the 2019 Courage Awards Ambassadors.

Dubbed a "Night in Denim and diamonds with Ambassadors Rustum and Gracey Southwell," the event takes place on February 1, 2019 at the Cunard Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"Rustum and Gracey have been champions of economic diversity, entrepreneurial development, capacity building in marginalized communities, and community development since arriving in Halifax from the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts over 40 years ago. Rustum is the CEO of the Black Business Initiative and sits on several boards of community entities, while Gracey is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a demonstrable dedication to community development. Family SOS is overjoyed to welcome Rustum and Gracey to the Courage to Give Back Awards team," the Family SOS website states.

The Courage to Give Back Awards honours extraordinary individuals in the community.

"These individuals not only take on their own day-to-day challenges and personal barriers, but they make the time to give back to our community while they inspire others to do the same. We want to share their personal stories and recognize their conviction, courage and contributions through an inspiring and uplifting evening," said a posting.

Each year an inspiring community leader is honoured by naming them the Ambassador of the Courage to Give Back Awards.

All funds raised through the Courage to Give Back Awards will go directly to enhancing and growing the programs and services Family SOS offers.

On May 29, 2018, Dr. Rustum Southwell received an honorary doctorate degree for supporting black entrepreneurship and community leadership.

In September, Dr. Southwell received a Doctor of Civil Law, honoris causa from Saint Mary's University.