Authors: Priyanka Purushothaman, Community Resource Worker, The Corner
Event Theme: ‘Rooted in Strength: Celebrating Black Brilliances and Unpacking Anti-Black Racism’ This event highlighted community, resilience, and empowerment, emphasizing the powerful stories and contributions of community members. Following our heartfelt land acknowledgment, honoring Indigenous and Black communities and setting a tone of respect and unity, our MC, Lindiwe, a housing worker, and Kendra from Fred Victor, engaged the audience with an interactive trivia session about Black Canadian pioneers.
Engaging Organizations & Businesses: We proudly welcomed 11 service Provider network and grassroot organizations and Four Black-owned businesses. Each brought unique outreach materials and activities, showcasing crafts, jewelry, vintage clothing, and African print designs, Hot sauce and black kid’s book. Councilor Chris Moise, a city councilor, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and highlighted the rich history of Black Canadians.
Cultural Performances & Poetry: Zambia Art’s mesmerizing drumming and dance brought the event to life, engaging the entire audience. We also enjoyed community member Kayann’s poem reflecting on Black history, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.
Catering & Community Involvement: Catering was expertly led by a Black community member, featuring delicious Somali cuisine that added a personal touch to the event. We were thrilled to have over 120 participants join us, making it truly a vibrant gathering.
Panel Discussions & Community Impact Under the theme ‘Voice of Change: Storytelling, Healing, and Community Empowerment,’ our panel discussion featured Adonis, Executive Director for Regent Park TV, emphasizing the power of storytelling in media. We heard from grassroots lead community Feven, who focuses on empowering women, and Dr. Joan, a psychotherapist and award-winning speaker, who shared insights on trauma healing and ending anti-Black racism.
Documentary Spotlight: We premiered the St. James’s documentary, celebrating the Black community’s resilience and contributions. The film highlighted many stories of civic engagement, showcasing how they immediately contribute and continually work to engage the community on multiple levels, including during crises, in civic activities, and in bringing youth together through support Raffle Prizes for lucky draws, with three books titled “Forgiveness” written by Dr. Joan, and additional prizes from Dixon Hall, adding an exciting element for attendees.
Closing Performance: The event concluded with two powerful performances by women singers, inspiring the audience to ‘Stand for Your Rights’ and ending on an uplifting, engaging note.”
