In 2020, our Black History Month logo was designed by Charlene Pura, a Sheridan College student at the time, 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 2025.
February 1-Feburary 28: Harmony: An Art Exhibition Celebrating Black Excellence | Oakville Town Hall | Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) | Curator: Francesca Durham
This year’s theme is “Harmony” and serves as a tribute to unity, respect, and understanding within our diverse community. Harmony speaks to the profound and vibrant legacy of Black history and culture, weaving together the unique stories, struggles, and triumphs of the Black diaspora. Through this exhibition, we delve into the harmonious balance of past and present, resilience and hope, and individuality within collective identity. Visitors will experience a powerful collection that brings the theme of Harmony to life—capturing the syncopated rhythms of African drums, the graceful hues of Caribbean landscapes, and narratives rich with resilience and reconciliation. Each piece invites viewers to reflect on the power of unity and the potential of a future built on inclusivity and justice. As we celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians, we also elevate Harmony’s universal message, fostering connection, dialogue, and a collective vision for a world where diversity is cherished and celebrated as a source of strength and inspiration. Join us in honoring the past and shaping a harmonious future where every voice is valued. Town Hall and QEPCCC exhibits are self-guided, but private tours can be requested at QEPCCC via info@ccah.ca.
Feburary 1-28:The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom & Legacy Voices | Oakville Museum | 8 Navy St, Oakville | Contact preeya.nayee@oakville.ca with questions
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 CCAH documentaries Legacy Voices and Legacy Voices 2.
January 24-April 30: Community Classroom CCAH Steel Band | Halton Catholic District School Board and Halton District School Board
As part of the Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classroom initiative, the CCAH Steel Band will be performing at 8 Oakville elementary schools as part of the Black History Month. Community Classroom will continue until April to support with another 8 performances.
February 1-28: Oakville Early Black History | QEPCCC | Halton Schools
Traveling exhibition created by the Oakville Museum; displays with pictures and cultural information. Participating schools: St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School; Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School; Bishop P. F. Reding Catholic Secondary School; E.J. James Public School; St. Catherine of Alexandria; Garth Webb Secondary School; Abbey Park Secondary School; Rotherglen Elementary
Wednesday, January 29: Calypso and Caribbean Folk Music | Halton Catholic District School Board and Halton District School Board | Private event
In-person musical performance and discussion about the history and influence of Calypso and other Caribbean folk music. CCAH Parang instructor and Calypso historian, Roger Gibbs, demonstrates the various instruments. There will be two school performances.
Friday, January 31 @ 10:00 am: Black History Month Flag Raising | Oakville Town Hall | By invitation
Mayor Rob Burton will raise the flag alongside Members of Council and Black-led community organizations.
Saturday, February 1 @ 1:00 pm: Museum Walking Tour: Oakville and the Underground Railroad | Oakville Museum | 8 Navy Street | Ages 18 and older | Registration here
This event is being offered by the Oakville Museum. This unique indoor/outdoor tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Underground Railroad in Oakville. First, see the exhibit “Freedom, Opportunity, and Family: Oakville’s Black History.” Then, watch the exciting multimedia presentation “The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom,” which tells a true story about escaping from slavery. The tour ends with an outdoor walk highlighting the local history of Oakville and the Underground Railroad. Please dress appropriately for the outdoor walk. Our first floor is accessible, and we offer a video tour of the second floor.
Sunday, February 2 @ 2:00 pm: Black History Month Art Gallery Opening | In-person | Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre | Free; Register here: 2025 Black History Month Gallery Opening Tickets, Sun, 2 Feb 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite
Join us as we open a month-long celebration. This year’s theme is “Harmony” and serves as a tribute to unity, respect, and understanding within our diverse community. Harmony speaks to the profound and vibrant legacy of Black history and culture, weaving together the unique stories, struggles, and triumphs of the Black diaspora. Through this exhibition, we delve into the harmonious balance of past and present, resilience and hope, and individuality within collective identity. Some artists will be available for Q&A. Some artists will be available for Q&A. Caribbean-inspired finger foods to be served by Oakville Fish and Chips. Curator: Francesca Durham.
Monday, February 3 @ 10:00 am:Black History Month Flag Raising | Halton Regional Police Service Headquarters | By invitation
The Halton Region Police Service will raise the flag alongside Black-led community organizations.
Monday, February 3 @ 6:00 – 8:00 pm: Black History Month Launch | In-person | Oakville Centre for Performing Arts | Tickets $15. Purchase tickets here: 2025 Black History Month Launch
This ticketed event will include the following: Emcee Lesley Forbes; keynote speech by historian and professor Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, who will speak to her research about the histories of African Canadians; performances by gospel choir Kevin Adams & Voices of Praise, singer Natasha Waterman, a collaboration with CCAH Steel Band and Parang Ensemble. Prior to the show there will be a 30-minute reception. Don’t miss this great opportunity to create harmony among the community.
Wednesday, February 5: CCAH Steel Band | Halton District School Board | Private event
Our CCAH Steel Band will be performing at Florence Meares Elementary School as part of our Black History Month programming.
Wednesday, February 5: Government of Canada’s 2025 Official Black History Month Celebration | Hosted by Heritage Canada | By invitation only
CCAH will be in Ottawa to celebrate Canada’s official recognition of February as Black History Month.
Friday, February 7 @ 7:30 pm: Sounds and Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land | In-person | John Elliot Theatre, Georgetown | Hosted in partnership with Halton Hills and National Film Board | Free; Register here: Sounds and Pressure Reggae in a Foreign Land
At the height of the golden age of reggae, some of Jamaica’s brightest stars left their homeland behind to shine their light in an unlikely hub of Caribbean creativity: Toronto. Getting their sound to catch on in Canada wasn’t easy. These innovators of rhythm and rhyme had to work against racism, scarce resources, and an industry that stigmatized reggae music. But that didn’t stop them from transforming the city into a reggae hotspot. With a powerful message of love and a revolutionary spirit behind them, these visionaries face the pressure head on – and thanks to them, you can still feel the infectious beats of Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue reverberating all over the world.
Saturday, February 8 @ 1:30 pm:Museum Walking Tour: Oakville and the Underground Railroad | Oakville Museum | 8 Navy Street | Ages 7-17 plus adult caregiver | Register here for Ages 10-12. Register here for Ages 13-17.
This event is being offered by the Oakville Museum. This unique indoor/outdoor tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Underground Railroad in Oakville. First, see the exhibit “Freedom, Opportunity, and Family: Oakville’s Black History.” Then, watch the exciting multimedia presentation “The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom,” which tells a true story about escaping from slavery. The tour ends with an outdoor walk highlighting the local history of Oakville and the Underground Railroad. Please dress appropriately for the outdoor walk. Our first floor is accessible, and we offer a video tour of the second floor.
Saturday, February 8:Parent Involvement Committee Conference | Halton District School Board | By invitation only
CCAH will be onsite at the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Conference showcasing community engagement and resources for families with students in the HDSB.
Sunday, February 9 @ 1:00 pm:Creating Harmony: Sharing our Stories & Folktales | In-person | Hosted in partnership with CCAH, Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Halton and Interfaith Council of Halton | Shaarei-Beth El Congregation | Free; Register here: Creating Harmony: Sharing our stories & folktales Tickets, Sun, 9 Feb 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
Celebrate harmony and culture through intercultural storytelling followed by group discussions. Enjoy stories from Kesha Christie of Talking Tales: https://talkintales.ca/. We will also have stories told by community members from CCAH and Shaarei-Beth El Congregation. CCAH’s Parang Ensemble will perform. Free luncheon provided featuring Caribbean and Jewish foods.
Monday, February 10: Calypso and Caribbean Folk Music | Halton Catholic District School Board and Halton District School Board | Private event
In-person musical performance and discussion about the history and influence of Calypso and other Caribbean folk music. CCAH Parang instructor and Calypso historian, Roger Gibbs, demonstrates the various instruments. There will be two school performances.
Tuesday, February 11:CCAH Steel Band Performance | Extendicare, Georgetown | Allendale LTC, Milton | Private event
Our CCAH Steel Band will be warming up the residents of Extendicare and Allendale with some Caribbean music.
Wednesday, February 12 @ 11:00 am: Lunch and Learn | Harmony and Belonging: Celebrating Black Excellence Through Art| In partnership with Halton Equity Diversity Roundtable, Halton Regional Police Service and Black Mentorship Inc | QEPCCC | In-person | Free; Register here: Harmony and Belonging: Celebrating Black Excellence Through Art | Halton Equity Divers
Join us for an inspiring Black History Month lunch and learn event where we explore the powerful intersection of art, identity, and community. This engaging event features a dynamic panel discussion and a showcase of local Black artists who use their craft to unpack the theme of belonging in Halton Region.
Wednesday, February 12 @ 5:00 pm:Oakville Chamber After Hours | Private event
Oakville Chamber of Commerce will be holding their monthly After Hours at Film.ca to celebrate Black History Month.
Friday, February 14 @ 9:00 am: Black History Month PD Program | In-person | QEPCCC | $10; Register here: Black History Month PD Day Program Tickets, Fri, 14 Feb 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite
Join the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton as we celebrate Black History Month for students who have a PD Day. Registration is required for both juniors aged 6-8 years and seniors aged 9-11 years. Calypso historian Roger Gibbs will provide a musical workshop and Oakville Museum will provide an education presentation. We will also have games and crafts to keep participants active and engaged. We have limited capacity.
Monday, February 17: Family Day at QEPCCC with Steelpan and Parang | In partnership with Town of Oakville and CCAH | QEPCCC | In-Person | Free; Drop-in | Details to come
Join us for a family-friendly event in celebration of Family Day. Our Steelpan and Parang players will showcase their talents followed by trying instruments. Arts and crafts available as well. We will also have our curator available for tours of the gallery.
Thursday, February 20:Black Excellence Symposium | Halton Catholic District School Board | Private event
CCAH will be part of the HCDSB’s day-long symposium celebrating Black excellent for secondary
Saturday, February 22 @ 10:00 am: CCAH Reading Corner – Backpack Launch| In partnership with Milton Public Library | Main Branch | Free; Registration required: Coming Soon
Join the CCAH and MPL as we celebrate children’s books written by Black authors that have been featured as part of our partnership Reading Corner program with MPL since 2021. Engage with authors and participate in craft activities. This parented family-friendly program is geared towards children under 10 years old.
Monday, February 24 @ 6:00 pm:Misbehaviour | In partnership with Film.ca, Visit Oakville, Oakville Chamber and Sheridan | Film.ca Cinemas | In-Person | By donation; Registration required: Misbehaviour Film Event – CanadaHelps
Join us as for a screening of Misbehaviour, a 2020 British comedy-drama film about a group of women that hatched a plan to disrupt the 1970 Miss World beauty competition in London. The winner that year was Oakville resident, Jennifer Hosten, a native of Grenada. She was the first woman of colour to win that competition. Ms Hosten trained with the BBC and was a broadcaster and airline stewardess before winning the 1970 Miss World competition and will be onsite for Q&A. The film is directed by Philippa Lowthorpe, from a screenplay by Gaby Chiappe and Rebecca Frayn, from a story by Frayn. The film stars Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessie Buckley, Keeley Hawes, Phyllis Logan, Lesley Manville, Rhys Ifans and Greg Kinnear. Watch trailer here.
Wednesday, February 28: Treaty Day – Poetry Contest Winners Announced | Oakville Community Foundation and Debwewin Oakville | Contest details here: Debwewin Allyship Poetry Contest – Debwewin – the Oakville Truth Project
As part of the Grateful Treaty Person and Acts of Allyship Campaign, R. Stacey Laforme shares his poem “Nii jii”, which means “friend” in Anishinaabemowin and invites post-secondary students to share, in their own words what Allyship or friendship feels and looks like to them. This can be done through poetry, spoken word, rap or song. The contest is open to all Oakville, Sheridan College and MCFN post-secondary school students, with multiple winners to be announced. Submissions are open from January 6 to February 14, 2025. Winners will be announced by February 28.
The school programs listed below are offered year-round, not just for February. All programs are in English. If your school is interested in offering one of these programs, please contact info@ccah.ca to book any school program.
1. Oakville Community Foundation Community Classroom – PORTALS OPEN JANUARY 20:
a) Oakville Museum for Grade 6 Oakville HDSB and HCDSB students only:
The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom & Legacy Voices | Oakville Museum | Virtual only | Contact preeya.nayee@oakville.ca with questions. Free for Grade 6 Oakville HDSB and HCDSB. Please register your Grade 6 class with the Oakville Community Foundation: Underground Railroad (Registration Required) – Community Classroom.
b) In-School Steelpan Music Discussion and Performance:
A live and in-school workshop with CCAH’s steelpan instructors where students learn about the steelpan and enjoy a performance; session is about 45 minutes. COST: Free for a limited number of HDSB and HCDSB elementary schools in Oakville for BHM2025. Please complete this form if you are interested in having an event at your school: Steel Pan Demonstration – Community Classroom
c)Virtual Steelpan Music Demo (15 mins) and Mini Concert (15 mins):
Pre-recorded performance and workshop to be securely broadcast via the Ministry of Education portals. Cost: Free. This is an alternative to the in-person option. Register with the Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classroom: Steel Pan Demonstration and Mini Concert – Community Classroom (theocf.org)
d)Finding Freedom on the Sixteen:
The amazing story of former enslaved African Americans from the State of Maryland and Louisiana who fled in search of freedom to the small town of Oakville, Ontario in Canada. During the mid 1800’s, these early Black settlers helped reshape the future of Oakville and made significant contributions to the history of Canada. Register with the Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classroom: Finding Freedom on the Sixteen (Registration Required) – Community Classroom
2.Oakville Museum and the Underground Railroad:
Students will explore Oakville’s relationship with the United States in the context of the Underground Railroad. Oakville Harbour played a significant role in the journey to Canada for many freedom seekers. Book your group visit by filling out the Oakville School Bookings Form
Contact Preeya Nayee at 905-845-6601, ext. 5043 or email preeya.nayee@oakville.ca
3.Black History Posters:
Schools can be provided with informational banners developed by the Oakville Museum that relate to the displays within their exhibits. These provide educational information about Oakville’s early Black history. There are 14 posters in total; each is approximately 75 cm x 30 cm. COST: $100 rental in February; $200 to purchase. CCAH has a limited number in stock and ready to be delivered
4.Calypso and Caribbean Folk Music with Roger Gibbs:
In-person musical performance and discussion about the history and influence of Calypso and other Caribbean folk music. Calypso historian, Roger Gibbs, demonstrates the various instruments such as the ukulele, cuatro, guitar or selection of percussion instruments, hand drumming and marimboula (box bass). This presentation is educational while entertaining. Session is 45 minutes. COST: $450. CCAH to cover 50% of costs during February.
5.Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley:
a) Blues and Jazz with Christ and Diana:
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 30-minute presentation is educational while entertaining. Program suited for elementary and secondary students. Cost: Free; funding by community grants and private donations.
b) Celebrate Canada’s Black History with Diana Braithwaite:
This 30-minute upbeat video for students provides an overview of Black history in Canada by focusing on amazing and proud stories about outstanding African Canadian legends from coast to coast with musical performances. Program suited for elementary and secondary students. Cost: Free; funding provided by community grants and private donations.
6.CCAH Legacy Voices Documentary :
Halton Region has a rich history of Blacks in the community that should not be forgotten. CCAH has designed and developed two film projects to highlight contemporary Black history in Halton Region. CCAH Board of Directors Past President, Andrew Tyrrell, is the Executive Producer of these films.
a) Legacy Voices (2020)
Five voices describe their extraordinary journey of immigration and settlement in the Halton Region. Often the only Black families in their community, they found strength in overcoming racism and worked for changed. The CCAH presents a Falling Motion production featuring Edwin Terry, Pamela Chase, Percival Greenidge, Merle Ling, and Andrew Tyrrell. It was an official selection for four film festivals: Hamilton Film Festival – Canadian Market 2020; Canadian Diversity Film Festival 2020; Quinte Canadian Filmfest 2020; an Honourable Mention at Film for Peace 2020; and Best Short Film at OFFA 2020. Running time: 15 minutes. NOTE: This documentary is also a permanent exhibit at the Oakville Museum viewed on a standing kiosk. Cost: Free View Trailer: Legacy Voices Official Trailer on Vimeo
b) Legacy Voices 2: New Generation (2023)
Join the conversation with four individuals as they discuss their experiences of living in Halton Region leaving a legacy for children so that others may follow. This is a follow-up to the award-winning documentary Legacy Voices. The CCAH presents a Falling Motion production featuring Dennis Scott, Edwin Terry, Richelle “Shelle” Papin, and Azelin Philips. This document won Runner Up Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film OFFA10 2023 (Oakville Film Festival). Running time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free View Trailer: Legacy Voices 2 Official Trailer (vimeo.com)
7. Clef Notes to Canvas:
Facilitated by local artist Omar “Oms” Hopkinson | Grade 9 – 12 | 2.5 hours. This is an interactive art session, where creativity, music and awareness meet. 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. No experience necessary.
Cost: $450 for the art instructor; paint supplies and easels are additional costs if these materials can’t be sourced by the school. CCAH to cover 50% of costs during February. View trailer: https://vimeo.com/501981160/03340c694a
8.Sizzlin’ Halton Caribbean Cooking Sessions :
Sessions are designed for English Secondary students but are also an excellent opportunity for ESL students and participants in social justice or hospitality programs. These can be virtual or in-person.
Virtual:
These are 30-minute pre-recorded sessions followed by an optional live/virtual discussion (30 minutes) with the chefs regarding food and cooking styles unique to the Caribbean. There are six video options to choose from among four chefs. Virtual sessions are broadcast via the Ministry of Education virtual portals. Cost: $200 for video and virtual chef discussion; unlimited number of students/classes per session. CCAH to cover 50% of costs during February.
In-person:
All chefs are available for in-person sessions at high schools equipped with kitchens. Foods prepared can be from the Sizzlin’ Halton series (6 episodes) or at the request of the school. As all chefs are professionals, booking requires 2-4 weeks’ notice to block calendars and shop for ingredients. Sessions are generally 1 hour. Cost: $450 fees for Chef to purchase ingredients, pre-event prep, travel, and onsite time. CCAH to cover 50% of Chef fees during February. Expenses for ingredients will be charged as a pass-through and will vary depending on the food prepared.
