Black History Month 2021 ~ Thank you for helping make this year a success!
Despite hosting all events virtually this year and transition out of lockdown, our community rallied together to help make this one of the most eventful and engaging Black History Months for the CCAH. CCAH would like to thank our sponsors: TD Bank Group, Town of Oakville, Sheridan College, Halton Regional Police Service, Halton Catholic District School Board, Oakville Community Foundation and the Government of Canada. In addition, we would like to thank our community partners: B Town Sound, Caribbean Vibes Restaurant, Food for Life, Milton Public Library and Falling Motion. |
Thank you to His Worship Mayor Rob Burton for providing a 2021 Black History Month Proclamation. |
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Guest Speaker
The Honourable Jean Augustine was our guest speaker this year. She is the 2021 recipient of Maclean's Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also the 2021 Ruth Roberts Award winner for World Vision Canada's Heroes for Children Award. She served four consecutive terms from 1993 - 2006 in the Parliament of Canada. She is also known for securing unanimous legislative support to pass a historic motion designating February as Black History Month in Canada. Read more about her community work with the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women's Empowerment here. Donations to her Centre are welcomed here. |
Congratulations to the 2021 Sheridan Student Union Creative Contest Winners! |
Watch our 2021 Kickoff Celebration Extended Edition by clicking on the video |
BHM Flag and Logo
In 2020, our Black History Month logo was designed by Charlene Pura, a Sheridan College student as part of a CCAH-sponsored initiative with Sheridan. We then had it developed into a flag that was present at event venues and schools. The Oakville Town Hall and Halton Regional Police Service flew the flag throughout February. We look forward to raising the flag for 2021.
In 2020, our Black History Month logo was designed by Charlene Pura, a Sheridan College student as part of a CCAH-sponsored initiative with Sheridan. We then had it developed into a flag that was present at event venues and schools. The Oakville Town Hall and Halton Regional Police Service flew the flag throughout February. We look forward to raising the flag for 2021.
February 1-28: The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom & Legacy Voices | Oakville Museum | 8 Navy St, Oakville | Please contact julian.kingston@oakville.ca for more information.
Through virtual tours, digitized artifacts, hands-on activities, stories, and a live interactive video presentation, this inquiry-based education program helps students immerse themselves into historical experiences that offer unique opportunities to experience our shared living heritage. Students will explore Oakville’s relationship with the United States in the context of the Underground Railroad. They will learn about how Oakville Harbour played a significant role in the journey to Canada for many freedom seekers. Key figures in the Oakville Underground Railroad story are introduced through the exhibition Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History, and excerpts from the multimedia presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom as well as more contemporary stories from the documentary Legacy Voices. Please register your class here.
Through virtual tours, digitized artifacts, hands-on activities, stories, and a live interactive video presentation, this inquiry-based education program helps students immerse themselves into historical experiences that offer unique opportunities to experience our shared living heritage. Students will explore Oakville’s relationship with the United States in the context of the Underground Railroad. They will learn about how Oakville Harbour played a significant role in the journey to Canada for many freedom seekers. Key figures in the Oakville Underground Railroad story are introduced through the exhibition Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History, and excerpts from the multimedia presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom as well as more contemporary stories from the documentary Legacy Voices. Please register your class here.
February 1-28: Student Projects | Sheridan College | Sheridan Student Union
Projects include displays of posters, short stories, and films. Activities to be broadcasted by the Sheridan College Fine Arts, Media and Design Department.
In addition, the CCAH and Sheridan Alumni will award up to 10 students with prizes varying from $100 - $500 in value for their submissions to the CREATE Contest. Students may submit any piece of work that shares their experience and reflection on what Black History Month means to them. Submit your art here.
Projects include displays of posters, short stories, and films. Activities to be broadcasted by the Sheridan College Fine Arts, Media and Design Department.
In addition, the CCAH and Sheridan Alumni will award up to 10 students with prizes varying from $100 - $500 in value for their submissions to the CREATE Contest. Students may submit any piece of work that shares their experience and reflection on what Black History Month means to them. Submit your art here.
Tuesday, February 2: Interview | Mark Carr’s “The Issue” | Local COGECO TV
Host Mark Carr will interview CCAH President, Andrew Tyrrell; CEO of Oakville Community Foundation, Wendy Rinella; and Supervisor of the Oakville Museum, Julian Kingston about Black History.
You may view the interview on Facebook (account required) here.
Host Mark Carr will interview CCAH President, Andrew Tyrrell; CEO of Oakville Community Foundation, Wendy Rinella; and Supervisor of the Oakville Museum, Julian Kingston about Black History.
You may view the interview on Facebook (account required) here.
Thursday, February 4: Interview | Oakville Mayor Burton’s “Oakville Matters” | Local COGECO TV
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton will interview CCAH President, Andrew Tyrrell about Oakville Black History and 2021 Black History Month Events.
You may view the interview here.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton will interview CCAH President, Andrew Tyrrell about Oakville Black History and 2021 Black History Month Events.
You may view the interview here.
Saturday, February 6: No One Goes Hungry in Oakville on a Saturday | QEPCCC, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Chef Melani Bastians will create a special African-themed meal | 200 free meals via curbside pick-up or delivery | For delivery please contact andrew@ccah.ca or NOGHhaltonON@gmail.com
Sunday, February 7: No One Goes Hungry in Milton on a Sunday | Caribbean Vibes restaurant, 171 Main Street East, Milton| 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Chef Melani Bastians will create a special African-themed meal | 350 free meals via curbside pick-up or delivery | For delivery please contact andrew@ccah.ca or NOGHhaltonON@gmail.com
Sunday, February 7: No One Goes Hungry in Milton on a Sunday | Caribbean Vibes restaurant, 171 Main Street East, Milton| 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Chef Melani Bastians will create a special African-themed meal | 350 free meals via curbside pick-up or delivery | For delivery please contact andrew@ccah.ca or NOGHhaltonON@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 10: The Skin We’re In | 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Presented by Sheridan College | An afternoon with an activist, radio host, and award-winning journalist, Desmond Cole, to talk about his work documenting social justice in Toronto and guide us in a discussion about the black experience in this city.
Cole will also be sharing from his book, “The Skin We’re In,” where Cole chronicles just one year—2017—in the struggle against racism in this country.
Cole will also be sharing from his book, “The Skin We’re In,” where Cole chronicles just one year—2017—in the struggle against racism in this country.
Monday, February 15: CCAH presents Black History Month | The Village of Tansley Woods Retirement and Long-term Care, Burlington | 1:30 pm | Caribbean-influenced food and virtual entertainment for staff and residents.
Wednesday, February 17: Issues of Race in Education: Supporting Black Families | Presented by Roots Community Service and Halton Children's Aid Society | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Virtual ZOOM session |
Panel: Jewel Amoah, Halton District School Board; Sita Jayaraman, Senior Manager – Human Rights and Equity, Halton Catholic District School Board; Jordan Heywood, Roots Community Services; Constable Kristopher Elliott, Halton Regional Police Service; Angela J Carter Executive Director, Roots Community Services; Donna Miles, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Halton Children's Aid Society; Alicia Sullivan, CCAH, Diversity and Inclusion Liaison. Read Panel Member biographies here.
It is a fundamental value of our society that every child should be treated with fairness and dignity within our schools. But are Black boys and girls being treated as such? Systemic anti-Black racism permeates the structures of our society, including the education system, often having unintended consequences on the outcomes for Black children and their families. Join community leaders for a discussion of steps which are being taken to address issues impacting Black families and their children in Halton Region.
Panel: Jewel Amoah, Halton District School Board; Sita Jayaraman, Senior Manager – Human Rights and Equity, Halton Catholic District School Board; Jordan Heywood, Roots Community Services; Constable Kristopher Elliott, Halton Regional Police Service; Angela J Carter Executive Director, Roots Community Services; Donna Miles, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Halton Children's Aid Society; Alicia Sullivan, CCAH, Diversity and Inclusion Liaison. Read Panel Member biographies here.
It is a fundamental value of our society that every child should be treated with fairness and dignity within our schools. But are Black boys and girls being treated as such? Systemic anti-Black racism permeates the structures of our society, including the education system, often having unintended consequences on the outcomes for Black children and their families. Join community leaders for a discussion of steps which are being taken to address issues impacting Black families and their children in Halton Region.
Wednesday, February 17: In conversation with Cherie Jones| Presented by the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts in association with Oakville Public Library and Different Drummer Books | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
Thursday, February 18: Ignited to Inspire: Black Women Thriving During a Pandemic | 7:00 – 8:00 pm | Virtual ZOOM session | Contact Jasmine@ccah.ca if you have any registration concerns. Read panel member bios here.
There is nothing more powerful than the collective voices of women who authentically share heartfelt personal accounts of their lived experience. This is what a group of women from the Greater Toronto Area have done in the new book “21 Resilient Women: Stories of Courage, Growth and Transformation.” The book was written and published during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join a group of Black co-authors who will share not only lessons of courage, growth, and transformation but they will provide insights and suggestions about career, health and wellness, retirement and much more. All are invited and encouraged to join this event to build awareness and understanding about the resilience and success of Black women within our communities. Those who register, share the link and attend this event, will have a chance to win a FREE copy of this book - 30 copies of the book will be given away!
Link to book information here.
There is nothing more powerful than the collective voices of women who authentically share heartfelt personal accounts of their lived experience. This is what a group of women from the Greater Toronto Area have done in the new book “21 Resilient Women: Stories of Courage, Growth and Transformation.” The book was written and published during the heights of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join a group of Black co-authors who will share not only lessons of courage, growth, and transformation but they will provide insights and suggestions about career, health and wellness, retirement and much more. All are invited and encouraged to join this event to build awareness and understanding about the resilience and success of Black women within our communities. Those who register, share the link and attend this event, will have a chance to win a FREE copy of this book - 30 copies of the book will be given away!
Link to book information here.
Tuesday, February 23: Navigating, Challenging, and Confronting Anti-Black Racism: Global Perspectives in Canadian Context | 4:00 – 5:30 pm | Presented by Sheridan College |
In this facilitated keynote with Dr. Christopher Stuart Taylor, we will review the roots of Black identity and Black history. Dr. Taylor will lead us on a journey of the histories of enslavement and colonization, engage in conversation on Black Canadian history, and leave us with some 'food for thought' on the present-day realities of Blackness for newcomers and Blacks in Canada. Review his book Flying Fish in the Great White North: The Autonomous Migration of Black Barbadians. Review Dr. Taylor’s bio here. Event SOLD OUT. Registration is CLOSED.
In this facilitated keynote with Dr. Christopher Stuart Taylor, we will review the roots of Black identity and Black history. Dr. Taylor will lead us on a journey of the histories of enslavement and colonization, engage in conversation on Black Canadian history, and leave us with some 'food for thought' on the present-day realities of Blackness for newcomers and Blacks in Canada. Review his book Flying Fish in the Great White North: The Autonomous Migration of Black Barbadians. Review Dr. Taylor’s bio here. Event SOLD OUT. Registration is CLOSED.
Tuesday, February 23: HERO film screening and CCAH multi-media & written word contest winners | 6:30 pm | Sheridan Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences | Contest winners announced followed by a CCAH and Sheridan presentation | Screening of the full-length feature film “HERO: Inspired By The Extraordinary Life And Times Of Mr. Ulric Cross.”
Inspired by the life Ulric Cross whose has experienced key moments of the 20th Century like WW2, African independence, Black Power, the rise of a new brand of Black leadership around the world - all events that have shaped the world today. Hosted on the platform CaribbeanTales-TV followed by Q&A with Director and Producer, Frances-Anne Solomon. General public encouraged to attend.
Inspired by the life Ulric Cross whose has experienced key moments of the 20th Century like WW2, African independence, Black Power, the rise of a new brand of Black leadership around the world - all events that have shaped the world today. Hosted on the platform CaribbeanTales-TV followed by Q&A with Director and Producer, Frances-Anne Solomon. General public encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, February 24: So you want to talk about race | Presented by CCAH and Milton Public Library with community partners | 10:30 am | National Broadcast | Best suited for Grades 8+
Join this important discussion, led by New York Times Best Selling Author, Ijeoma Oluo. Learn how to have open and honest conversations about race and racism, how to be an ally, and why anti-racism is essential to creating connected and empathetic communities. Interpreting services provided.
Join this important discussion, led by New York Times Best Selling Author, Ijeoma Oluo. Learn how to have open and honest conversations about race and racism, how to be an ally, and why anti-racism is essential to creating connected and empathetic communities. Interpreting services provided.
Wednesday, February 24: Historian and Legacy Voices | Film screenings and panel discussion with Director and Sheridan grad, Akil McKenzie | 6:00 pm – 7:00pm | Hosted by the CCAH and Sheridan Alumni | Virtual session | Contact allisha.seguire@sheridancollege.ca with any registration concerns.
The session begins with Historians – A Spoken Word Poem, a powerful 5-minute piece, written, directed, and edited by McKenzie. Several creatives contributed to the performance by choreographing their art – dance, paint, and photography – to the poetry of McKenzie. “We want this piece to give courage and spread hope into the new year. Black History Month is about remembering the past so that we can use those same footprints to guide us into the future. Thus, we created the Historians Initiative.” Panel members: Akil McKenzie (Director | Performer | Editor); Fabio H Buritica (Executive Producer); Justin Barkie (Choreographer/Dancer); Jendayi Dyer (Choreographer/Dancer).
Followed is a screening of Legacy Voices, a 15-minute short documentary, also directed by McKenzie, that spotlights Halton’s Caribbean seniors as they share their stories of coming from their native countries to Canada. The film was produced by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH). Panel members: Akil McKenzie (Director); Andrew Tyrrell (President, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton | Interviewee in the film); Edwin Terry (Interviewee in the film | Retired Radio & Television Production for CBC Radio).
The session begins with Historians – A Spoken Word Poem, a powerful 5-minute piece, written, directed, and edited by McKenzie. Several creatives contributed to the performance by choreographing their art – dance, paint, and photography – to the poetry of McKenzie. “We want this piece to give courage and spread hope into the new year. Black History Month is about remembering the past so that we can use those same footprints to guide us into the future. Thus, we created the Historians Initiative.” Panel members: Akil McKenzie (Director | Performer | Editor); Fabio H Buritica (Executive Producer); Justin Barkie (Choreographer/Dancer); Jendayi Dyer (Choreographer/Dancer).
Followed is a screening of Legacy Voices, a 15-minute short documentary, also directed by McKenzie, that spotlights Halton’s Caribbean seniors as they share their stories of coming from their native countries to Canada. The film was produced by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH). Panel members: Akil McKenzie (Director); Andrew Tyrrell (President, Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton | Interviewee in the film); Edwin Terry (Interviewee in the film | Retired Radio & Television Production for CBC Radio).
Saturday, February 27: Clef Notes to Canvas | Milton Public Library | 1:00 pm – 3:30pm | Hosted in partnership with the CCAH and Milton Public Library and facilitated by local artist Omar "Oms" Hopkinson | Free supplies (canvas and paints) to be picked up from Milton Public Library | Ages 14 – 17 years | Contact Lisa.Portelli@beinspired.ca for additional questions.
Join us for a creative afternoon of music and visual art. The first part of the program focuses on "The Struggle" whereby participants allow the mood of the background music to evoke feelings that are translated onto the canvas. The second part focuses on the "Freedom" of creativity whereby participants allow music to influence exploration and expand upon the initial artwork created. All supplies provided, no experience necessary.
Join us for a creative afternoon of music and visual art. The first part of the program focuses on "The Struggle" whereby participants allow the mood of the background music to evoke feelings that are translated onto the canvas. The second part focuses on the "Freedom" of creativity whereby participants allow music to influence exploration and expand upon the initial artwork created. All supplies provided, no experience necessary.
Saturday, February 27: No One Goes Hungry in Oakville on a Saturday | QEPCCC, 2302 Bridge Road, Oakville | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Chef Melani Bastians will create a special Caribbean-themed meal | 200 free meals via curbside pick-up or delivery | For delivery please contact andrew@ccah.ca or NOGHhaltonON@gmail.com
Sunday, February 28: No One Goes Hungry in Milton on a Sunday | Caribbean Vibes restaurant, 171 Main Street East, Milton| 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Chef Melani Bastians will create a special Caribbean-themed meal | 350 free meals via curbside pick-up or delivery | For delivery please contact andrew@ccah.ca or NOGHhaltonON@gmail.com
Sunday, February 28: No One Goes Hungry in Milton on a Sunday | Caribbean Vibes restaurant, 171 Main Street East, Milton| 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Chef Melani Bastians will create a special Caribbean-themed meal | 350 free meals via curbside pick-up or delivery | For delivery please contact andrew@ccah.ca or NOGHhaltonON@gmail.com
School Programs
The four school programs listed below can be offered for remote class learning. If your school is interested in offering one of these programs, please contact andrew@ccah.ca
1. Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley Pre-recorded musical performance featuring jazz songs, and the spoken word created by multiple Maple Blues award winning artists Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley. During the performance, they educate and entertain audiences with a musical journey through history to discover the early origins of jazz and the current music they performed. This presentation is educational while entertaining. Please contact andrew@ccah.ca to book.
2. Steelpan Music demonstration (15 mins) and mini-concert (15 mins) Pre-recorded performance and workshop to be securely broadcast via the Ministry of Education portals. Programs funded by Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classrooms project.
Dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting cultural development, and encouraging civic engagement, the CCAH brings Caribbean music and education to Community Classroom participants. This vibrant and informative session about Steelpan has been designed with the young online learner in mind. Community Classroom Online – Oakville Community Foundation (theocf.org)
3. Caribbean Cooking Sessions Sessions are designed for Secondary students but are also an excellent opportunity for ESL students and participants in social justice or hospitality programs. These are 30-45-minute pre-recorded sessions followed by a live-feed discussion with Chef Delvon Greene or Chef Melani Bastians regarding food and cooking styles unique to the Caribbean. Foods prepared are Jerk Chicken and Mango Salsa, and Caribbean-style Red Snapper with Rice and Peas. Sessions are broadcast via the Ministry of Education portals.
4. Issues of Race This 3-part workshop is designed in English for Secondary students | Format may be virtual through Zoom to allow for student interaction or timed broadcasts via the Ministry of Education portals. Three-part workshop includes the following presenters:
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The meeting normally scheduled during Black History Month has moved to Wednesday, April 21. If you would like to attend, please contact Andrew at andrew@ccah.ca to receive an information package.
The four school programs listed below can be offered for remote class learning. If your school is interested in offering one of these programs, please contact andrew@ccah.ca
1. Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley Pre-recorded musical performance featuring jazz songs, and the spoken word created by multiple Maple Blues award winning artists Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley. During the performance, they educate and entertain audiences with a musical journey through history to discover the early origins of jazz and the current music they performed. This presentation is educational while entertaining. Please contact andrew@ccah.ca to book.
2. Steelpan Music demonstration (15 mins) and mini-concert (15 mins) Pre-recorded performance and workshop to be securely broadcast via the Ministry of Education portals. Programs funded by Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classrooms project.
Dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion, supporting cultural development, and encouraging civic engagement, the CCAH brings Caribbean music and education to Community Classroom participants. This vibrant and informative session about Steelpan has been designed with the young online learner in mind. Community Classroom Online – Oakville Community Foundation (theocf.org)
3. Caribbean Cooking Sessions Sessions are designed for Secondary students but are also an excellent opportunity for ESL students and participants in social justice or hospitality programs. These are 30-45-minute pre-recorded sessions followed by a live-feed discussion with Chef Delvon Greene or Chef Melani Bastians regarding food and cooking styles unique to the Caribbean. Foods prepared are Jerk Chicken and Mango Salsa, and Caribbean-style Red Snapper with Rice and Peas. Sessions are broadcast via the Ministry of Education portals.
4. Issues of Race This 3-part workshop is designed in English for Secondary students | Format may be virtual through Zoom to allow for student interaction or timed broadcasts via the Ministry of Education portals. Three-part workshop includes the following presenters:
- Akil McKenzie, CEO of media production company, Falling Motion. He oversees 50 talented team members that work on commercials, music videos, films and weddings. Akil is a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, public speaker, and poetic artist. As a creative, Akil is always looking for new artforms to express thought and emotion. (15 mins)
- Jasmine Als, Conflict Communication and Resolution. Jasmine is a Durham College Campus Conflict Resolution Services Student Practitioner. She is currently focused on mediation and alternate dispute resolution. Before going to Durham College, she received her degree in Conflict Resolution Studies from the University of Winnipeg. (15 mins)
- Kara Morgan, Disarming Racism Through a Shared Vision. Kara will focus on the meaning of systemic anti-Black racism and the challenges to finding an appropriate solution. Businesses and organizations are looking to be more inclusive as they review internal policies and practices. Join Kara as she clarifies some confusion around common, misunderstood terms and unravels some reasons why anti-Black racism continues. (30mins)
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The meeting normally scheduled during Black History Month has moved to Wednesday, April 21. If you would like to attend, please contact Andrew at andrew@ccah.ca to receive an information package.