Black History Month 2023

THANK YOU FOR CLELBRATION OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH KICKOFF
Monday, February 6 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Oakville Centre for Performing Arts, 130 Navy St, Oakville
Cost: $5
Purchase Tickets Here:  Black History Month Kickoff (oakvillecentre.ca)
Our theme this year is CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

This ticketed event will include the following:

  • Guest Speaker Diana Cooper-Clark who will review the fascinating history of Jamaica’s important role in sheltering Jews during WW2
  • Musical performances by Arlene Duncan, Miriam Lee and the Oakville Choral Society, and the CCAH Steel Band
  • Legacy Voices from local community members
  • Gimaa (Chief) Stacey LaForme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to address Connecting Communities
  • Messages from community partners reflecting on our 2023 theme
  • Reception featuring Caribbean finger foods prepared by Chef Garfield of Access Gourmet and local artists to discuss a sampling of their February exhibits
COGECO’s YourTV Air Dates for the Kickoff Celebration

90-minute shows

  • Burlington Dates: Thu, Feb 16, 2023 8:00pm; Fri, Feb 17, 2023 2:00pm; Sat, Feb 18, 2023 2:00pm; Sun, Feb 19, 2023 8:00pm; Fri, Feb 24, 2023 10:00am; Sat, Feb 25, 2023 7:00pm; Sun, Feb 26, 2023 Midnight
  • Milton/North Halton Dates: Sat, Feb 18, 2023 9:00pm; Tue, Feb 21, 2023 2:00pm; Sun, Feb 26, 2023 8:30pm

30-minute shows

 

  • Burlington Dates: Sat, Feb 18, 2023 9:30pm; Thu, Feb 23, 2023 8:30pm; Sun, Feb 26, 2023 9:30pm; Tue, Feb 28, 2023 11:30am
  • Milton/North Halton Dates: Thu, Feb 23, 2023 10:30pm; Fri, Feb 24, 2023 3:30pm; Sat, Feb 25, 2023 8:30pm; Tue, Feb 28, 2023 3:30pm

Thank you TD Bank Group

Thank you to our community partners

​Our 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 2023.
Tuesday, January 31: Black History Month Flag Raising | Oakville Town Hall
Wednesday, February 1: Black History Month Flag Raising | Halton Region Police Service

​CCAH BHM2023 Program Outline

January 29-March 3: CCAH In Celebration of 2023 Black History Month Art Exhibit | Oakville Town Hall | Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre | Curator: Joan Butterfield
A uniquely curated art installation of Afrocentric Art and Artifacts. A collection that will give our community the opportunity to proudly expose, connect and engage with others. An exhibit that will empower our community. An exhibit that will continue Veronica Tyrrell’s journey to instill pride in our culture, heritage and traditions. Enjoy 60 works of art on canvas, 10 ceramic and wooden masks, several works by other African Canadian local artists, cultural artifacts of carvings, sculptures and drums. Self-guide, but private tours can be requested at QEPCCC via info@ccah.ca.

View the gallery here.

Sunday, January 29 @ 2:00 pm: Black History Month Art Exhibit Opening | In-person | Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre | Free; Register here: CCAH In Celebration of 2023 Black History Month Art Exhibit Tickets, Sun, 29 Jan 2023 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite
Join us as we open a month-long celebration of Afrocentric Art and Artifacts. Artists will be available for Q&A. Caribbean-inspired finger foods to be served by Chef Romaine of Access Gourmet. ​Curator: Joan Butterfield.

February 1-28: The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom & Legacy Voices | Oakville Museum | 8 Navy St, Oakville | Contact julie.hawryszko@oakville.ca with questions
Explore Oakville’s relationship with the United States in the context of the Underground Railroad. 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 documentary Legacy Voices.

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.  

Wednesday, February 1 @ 5:00 pm: Interview | Halton News | YourTV Halton
Nikki Wesley of Halton News on YourTV, interviews Andrew Tyrrell, President of CCAH, about upcoming events planned for Black History Month 2023. Watch here: Oakville Matters Wednesday February 8th 2023 (youtube.com)

Thursday, February 2 @ 11:30 am: Honour Before Glory | Hosted in partnership with CCAH and Halton Region Police Service | By invitation only
Honour Before Glory is a docudrama about Canada’s only all-Black World War I battalion, The Number Two Construction Battalion. Based on the diary of Captain William White, the film tells the story of the segregated battalion that allowed black men who had previously been turned away by recruiters to enlist in the military. The battalion overcame tremendous obstacles of discrimination during the war to become an important part of Canadian history.

Saturday, February 4 @ 10:00 am: CCAH Reading Corner – Special Edition | In-person | Milton Public Library | Main Branch, Children’s Program Room | Free; Register here: SignUp | Demco Software (evanced.info)
Join us for this special edition of the CCAH Reading Corner, with illustrator and author Janine Carrington, as we celebrate Black History Month in February. This family-friend workshop is an exploration of beauty, resilience and resistance through the Trinidad and Tobago “Carnival” which also occurs in February. Using age-appropriate language and illustrations, the workshop will discuss the journey of African slaves to the Caribbean and how they incorporated their African cultures into the existing Lent festivities as a way of coping with hardship while they gained their freedom. A craft will be created together to celebrate “Carnival” followed by a reading of Janine’s new book “Em and the Cat.” Activities are geared towards ages 7-8 years but families of all ages and cultures may join.

Saturday, February 4 @ 11:00 am: Chef Romaine | Oasis Youth Care | Invitation only Food Prep. & Wellness for Black Youth (google.com)
This is workshop 1 of 4 taught by Chef Romaine is to help improve the holistic well-being of youth at the Oasis Transitional House by engaging rich Afro-Caribbean meal concepts to provide participants with foundational knowledge about healthy nutrition, food budgeting, and meal planning.

Saturday, February 4 @ 3:00 pm: Memories at the Brant Inn | In-person | ONE Burlington | CCAH sponsoring the reception | Port Nelson United Church, Burlington | Free; Register here: SignUp | Demco Software (evanced.info)
ONE Burlington presents “Memories of the Brant Inn” staring Billy Newton-Davis in this celebration of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller and other black artists who played at the Brant Inn. The event salutes the legendary supper club that graced the shore of Lake Ontario just west of Brant Street from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. During that glorious era, the Brant Inn played host to the world’s finest pop and jazz musicians.

Sunday, February 5 @ 2:00 pm:  CCAH Parang Performance | Village of Tansley Woods | Burlington | Private event
CCAH Parang players will provide entertainment and Caribbean warmth to residents of the Village of Tansley Woods. 

Monday, February 6 @ 6:00 – 8:00 pm: Black History Month Kickoff | In-person | Tickets $5 | Purchase tickets here: Black History Month Kickoff (oakvillecentre.ca)
This ticketed event will include the following: Guest Speaker Diana Cooper-Clarke; musical performances by Arlene Duncan, Miriam Lee and the Oakville Choral Society, and the CCAH Steel Band; Legacy Voices from local community members; and messages from community partners reflecting on our 2023 theme of “Connecting Communities.”  

Wednesday, February 8 @ 12:00 pm: Incremental steps towards greater diversity, equity and inclusion for Black students and staff within Halton School Boards | Virtual | Hosted in partnership with the CCAH, Roots Community Services, Student and Family Advocate Program, Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board | Free; Register here: Meeting Registration – Zoom
It is undisputed that formal education has an enormous impact on the development of children and youth. It is for this reason that the CCAH continues to collaborate with Halton’s school boards as they work towards equitable outcomes for everyone, with particular attention on Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Join this virtual panel discussion to get answers from leaders of both the Public and Catholic District School Boards on progress around EDI.

Wednesday, February 8 @ 10:30 am: Beat the Winter Blues Party | Allendale Long-term Care | Oakville | Private event
Our CCAH Steel Band will be warming up the residents with some Caribbean music. It is undisputed that formal education has an enormous impact on the development of children and youth. It is for this reason that the CCAH continues to collaborate with Halton’s school boards as they work towards equitable outcomes for everyone, with particular attention on Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Join this virtual panel discussion to get answers from leaders of both the Public and Catholic District School Boards on progress around EDI.

Wednesday, February 8 @ 2:00 pm: Beat the Winter Blues Party | ViVa Retirement | Oakville | Private event
Our CCAH Steel Band will be warming up the residents with some Caribbean music. 

Wednesday, February 8 @ 5:00 pm: Business After Hours | In-Person | Oakville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the CCAH | Free; Register here: Event – The Oakville Chamber of Commerce : The Oakville Chamber of Commerce
Join the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre for an evening of networking, drinks & light bites, celebrating Black History Month! During the event we will be hosting private gallery tours showing pieces by local African Canadian artists, as well as performances by the CCAH Steel Band.

Wednesday, February 8 @ 7:30 pm: Interview | Oakville Mayor Burton’s “Oakville Matters” | COGECO’s YourTV Halton
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton will interview CCAH President, Andrew Tyrrell about Oakville’s Black History and 2023 Black History Month Events.

Saturday, February 11 @ 11:00 am: Chef Romaine | Oasis Youth Care | Invitation only Food Prep. & Wellness for Black Youth (google.com)
This is workshop 2 of 4 taught by Chef Romaine is to help improve the holistic well-being of youth at the Oasis Transitional House by engaging rich Afro-Caribbean meal concepts to provide participants with foundational knowledge about healthy nutrition, food budgeting, and meal planning.

 

Saturday, February 11 @ 1:00: Clef Notes to Canvas | In-person | Studio at the Halton Hills Public Library and Cultural Centre, 9 Church Street, Georgetown | Hosted in partnership with the CCAH and Halton Hills and facilitated by local artist Omar “Oms” Hopkinson | Supplies provided; no experience necessary | Ages 16+ years | Register here: Clef Notes to Canvas – Halton Hills Tickets, Sat, 11 Feb 2023 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite  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 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. Click here to view: Clef Notes to Canvas (youtube.com)

​For more events with Halton Hills, click here: Arts and Culture Programs – Halton Hills

Sunday, February 12 @ 1:00 pm: Interfaith Harmony: How Jamaica saved Jews fleeing the Holocaust | In-person | Hosted in partnership with CCAH, Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Halton and Interfaith Council of Halton | Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, Oakville | Free; Register here: Interfaith Harmony: How Jamaica saved Jews fleeing the Holocaust Tickets, Sun, 12 Feb 2023 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite

In observance of Interfaith World Harmony Week and Black History Month, please join us for a keynote presentation followed by group discussions. “Dreams of Re-Creation in Jamaica: The Holocaust, Internment, Jewish Refugees in Gibraltar Camp, Jamaican Jews and Sephardim” by Diana Cooper-Clark.  Her research found that nearly 1,000 Jews from many parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands, were housed at the Gibraltar refugee camp, near Kingston in Jamaica between 1942 and 1945. At that time, Jamaica was part of the British Empire.

Thursday, February 16 @ 9:00 am: CCAH Steel Band | St Ignatius of Loyola | Oakville | Private event
Our CCAH Steel Band will be warming up students with some Caribbean music.

Thursday, February 16 @ 2:00 pm: CCAH Steel Band | Extendicare | Halton Hills | Private event
Our CCAH Steel Band will be warming up residents and long term care members with some Caribbean music. 

Saturday, February 18 @ 11:00 am: Chef Romaine | Oasis Youth Care | Invitation only Food Prep. & Wellness for Black Youth (google.com)
This is workshop 3 of 4 taught by Chef Romaine is to help improve the holistic well-being of youth at the Oasis Transitional House by engaging rich Afro-Caribbean meal concepts to provide participants with foundational knowledge about healthy nutrition, food budgeting, and meal planning.

Saturday, February 18 @ 12:00 pm: Black History Explorers | In partnership with Oakville Museum, Oakville Public Library and CCAH | Oakville Museum, 8 Navy St | In-Person | Free; Register here: Black History Explorers – Oakville Public Library (opl.on.ca)
Explore local Black history with museum staff on a family-friendly exhibit tour; enjoy storytime with the Oakville Public Library; and get creative in a craft corner with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. Come ready to have fun and get creative!

Saturday, February 18 @ 2:00 pm: Art Hive | In partnership with Oakville Public Library and CCAH | Iroquois Ridge branch, Creation Zone room | In-Person | Register here:  Art Hive – Oakville Public Library (opl.on.ca)
Join us for a family-friendly, mess-free art workshop facilitated by visual artist Camille King, as she guides participants to create a ‘mosaic’ about prominent Black Canadians and events in our history. In partnership with CCAH and the Oakville Public Library, this open studio-style workshop will showcase Afro-Canadian experiences combined with art panels, and then rounded up with a display of the work produced.Explore local Black history with museum staff on a family-friendly exhibit tour; enjoy storytime with the Oakville Public Library; and get creative in a craft corner with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. Come ready to have fun and get creative!

Sunday, February 19 @ 2:00 pm: Art Hive | In partnership with Oakville Public Library and CCAH | RELOCATING | In-Person | Free; Registration ON HOLD; RELOCATING: Art Hive – Oakville Public Library (opl.on.ca)
Join us for a family-friendly, mess-free art workshop facilitated by visual artist Camille King, as she guides participants to create a ‘mosaic’ about prominent Black Canadians and events in our history. In partnership with CCAH and the Oakville Public Library, this open studio-style workshop will showcase Afro-Canadian experiences combined with art panels, and then rounded up with a display of the work produced.

Monday, February 20 @ 11:30 am: Family Day at QEPCCC with Steelpan and Parang | In partnership with Town of Oakville Public Library and CCAH | QEPCCC | In-Person | Free; Drop-in
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. 

Tuesday, February 21: Professional Development Day | In partnership with Halton District School Board and CCAH | Milton | In-Person | Private event Chef Delvon Green and Chef Wayne Passion will be showcasing Caribbean meals as part of cultural culinary training for teachers in the Halton District School Board.

Tuesday, February 21 @ 6:00 pm: Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message | Sponsored by Sheridan | In partnership with Sheridan, Film.ca and CCAH | Film.ca Cinemas, Oakville | In-Person | While tickets are complimentary, registration and tickets are required for entry | Register here: Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message Tickets, Tue, 21 Feb 2023 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
STEADFAST- The Messenger and The Message is a documentary about the life of The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, who is a Canadian icon and role model for Canadians from coast-to-coast-to coast. The film captures her humble beginnings in Grenada, her emigration to Canada through to her momentous election as the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, and her tireless work nationally and internationally in support of historically marginalized people. The film includes interviews with The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell, Former Prime Minister of Grenada, renowned British actor, Joseph Marcell; Jennifer Hosten, first Black Miss World; Grammy nominated musician Freddy Will and several Members of Parliament and political leaders in Canada. Through re-enactment and historical footage, the film depicts the courage and determination with which Jean fought for the rights of women and African-Canadians, including championing legislation to recognize February as Black History Month in Canada with a unanimous vote in 1995. Dr Jean Augustine and Director Fahim Hamid Ali will be onsite for Q&A. Light reception prior to the film. 

Tuesday, February 21 @ 6:00 pm: Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message | Sponsored by Sheridan | In partnership with Sheridan, Film.ca and CCAH | Film.ca Cinemas, Oakville | In-Person | While tickets are complimentary, registration and tickets are required for entry | Register here: Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message Tickets, Tue, 21 Feb 2023 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
STEADFAST- The Messenger and The Message is a documentary about the life of The Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, who is a Canadian icon and role model for Canadians from coast-to-coast-to coast. The film captures her humble beginnings in Grenada, her emigration to Canada through to her momentous election as the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, and her tireless work nationally and internationally in support of historically marginalized people. The film includes interviews with The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell, Former Prime Minister of Grenada, renowned British actor, Joseph Marcell; Jennifer Hosten, first Black Miss World; Grammy nominated musician Freddy Will and several Members of Parliament and political leaders in Canada. Through re-enactment and historical footage, the film depicts the courage and determination with which Jean fought for the rights of women and African-Canadians, including championing legislation to recognize February as Black History Month in Canada with a unanimous vote in 1995. Dr Jean Augustine and Director Fahim Hamid Ali will be onsite for Q&A. Light reception prior to the film. 

February 21-24: Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message | In partnership with Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District School Board, Film.ca and CCAH | Film.ca Cinemas, Oakville | In-Person | Private event

The Story of Jean Augustine’s journey from Happy Hill, Grenada to being the first Black woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons and the first Black woman to serve in Canada’s federal Cabinet.

​The CCAH is working directly with the HDSB and the HCDSB for viewing times for secondary school students February 21-24 at Film.ca in Oakville.

Thursday, February 23 @ 1:00 pm: The Village of Tansley Wood | Burlington | Private event
CCAH and Chef Garfield Houstan, Open Appetite Catering, will be serving Caribbean meals to staff of the long-term care facility to recognize their efforts with supporting our vulnerable seniors during these challenging times. Non-alcoholic beverages provided by Nickle Brook Brewing Co. 

Thursday, February 23 @ 2:45 pm: Sizzlin’ Halton with Chef Romaine | Abbey Park Secondary School | Private event
Chef Romaine Newell of Access Gourmet will be working with secondary students to enhance their culinary skills. 

Saturday, February 25 @ 11:00 am: Chef Romaine | Oasis Youth Care | Invitation only Food Prep. & Wellness for Black Youth (google.com)
This is workshop 4 of 4 taught by Chef Romaine is to help improve the holistic well-being of youth at the Oasis Transitional House by engaging rich Afro-Caribbean meal concepts to provide participants with foundational knowledge about healthy nutrition, food budgeting, and meal planning.

Sunday, February 26 @ 10:00 am: Opening Message at the Church of Incarnation, Andrew Tyrrell, President of CCAH. The CCAH helps celebrate Black History Month and Freedom Sunday by providing the opening message at the Church of Incarnation. Musical guest Roger Gibbs, CCAH Parang instructor. Watch here: Andrew Tyrrell, CCAH February 26 2023 (youtube.com)

​​Monday, February 27 @ 1:00 pm: Allendale Long-Term Care | Milton | Private event CCAH and Chef Garfield Houstan, Open Appetite Catering, will be serving Caribbean meals to staff of the long-term care facility to recognize their efforts with supporting our vulnerable seniors during these challenging times. Non-alcoholic beverages provided by Nickle Brook Brewing Co. 

Tuesday, February 28: Black History Month Wrap-up | In partnership with Black Mentorship Inc. and CCAH | Virtual | Free; Registration coming
Join us for a night of collaboration as we begin to wrap up another Black History Month and jointly celebrate our achievements, cultures, and communities beyond February.

Saturday, March 11 @ 12:00 pm: Black History Explorers | In partnership with Oakville Museum, Oakville Public Library and CCAH | Oakville Museum, 8 Navy St | In-Person | Free; Register here: Black History Explorers – Oakville Public Library (opl.on.ca)
Explore local Black history with museum staff on a family-friendly exhibit tour; enjoy storytime with the Oakville Public Library; and get creative in a craft corner with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. Come ready to have fun and get creative!

CCAH BHM2023 Halton School Programs

The school programs listed below can be offered for remote class learning. 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. For a full overview, please view this document.

1. Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley

Blues and Jazz with Chris 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.
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.

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. Program suited for elementary students.

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. Register with the Oakville Community Foundation: Steel Pan Demonstration and Mini Concert – Community Classroom (theocf.org)

3. 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. Virtual option includes 30-minute pre-recorded cooking video followed by a 30-minute live-feed discussion with the Chef. There are 6 episodes to choose from. Sessions are broadcast via the Ministry of Education portals. In-person bookings with Chefs are available. Please contact info@ccah.ca to book.

4. Steadfast: The Messenger and The Message 
The Story of Jean Augustine’s journey from Happy Hill, Grenada to being the first Black woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons and the first Black woman to serve in Canada’s federal Cabinet. The CCAH is working directly with the HDSB and the HCDSB for viewing times for secondary school students February 21-24 at Film.ca in Oakville.

5.(Un)healthy Youth Relationships
Presented by Radius Child and Youth Services, in this workshop for secondary students, youth will learn about the different types of abuse and how unhealthy relationships can begin. We will cover several “red flags” or warning signs that could be indicators of an abusive or unhealthy relationships. Statistics regarding types of abuse in different populations will be presented, as well as the impact of abuse on victims. Finally, we will talk about how you can help a friend who might be in an unhealthy relationship, and where the person perpetrating the abuse can seek help. Please contact info@ccah.ca to book.

6. Black History Posters
Schools can be provided with informational banners developed by the Oakville Museum that relate to the displays within their exhibits. There are 14 posters in total; each is approximately 75 cm x 30 cm. Please contact info@ccah.ca to book.

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.  View trailer: https://vimeo.com/501981160/03340c694a

8. Oakville Museum for Grade 6 (Oakville HDSB and HCDSB students only) 
The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom & Legacy Voices | Oakville Museum | 8 Navy St, Oakville | Contact julie.hawryszko@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 documentary Legacy Voices. Please register your Grade 6 class with the Oakville Community Foundation: The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom & Legacy Voices Description – Community Classroom (theocf.org)

9. Belonging and Racial Identity in Halton 
The Belonging and Racial Identity in Halton report is a community-led project that further explores how to provide First Nations, Inuit and Metis and racialized individuals with a greater sense of inclusion and belonging in all areas of community life. The report is the culmination of a local survey that sought the thoughts and opinions of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour who live, work and spend time in Halton Region.
To support the findings in the report and present them in a way that is digestible to students, accompanying videos have been created that walk through areas such as Inclusivity in Education, Cultural Displays, Inclusivity in the Workplace, Healthcare, Rebuilding the Justice System and more. The videos also outline recommendations and include Discussion Topics for teachers. Register here: Belonging and Racial Identity in Halton – Community Classroom (theocf.org)

Join your hand with us for a
better life and future

Thank you to our BHM2023 sponsors