Toronto entrepreneur and civil rights activist Denham Jolly is the 2017 Toronto Book Award winner for his memoir, In the Black: My Life.

The 82 year old was born in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada 40 years ago.

In 1982 he bought and became publisher of Contrast, a newspaper covering the black community. He also founded Toronto’s first black-owned radio station.

The prize award jury says In the Black shines a light on many of the hurdles faced by immigrants trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Jolly receives $10,000 for the winning book.