All programs listed below can be used during the regular school curriculum but are promoted for Black History Month 2024 (BHM2024).
To access any program below, please email marny@ccah.ca or raquel@ccah.ca
For a full overview, please view this document
1. Oakville Community Foundation Community Classroom:
a) Oakville Museum for Grade 6 Oakville HDSB and HCDSB students only:
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.
b) In-person 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. This session promotes diversity and inclusion and supports cultural development and learning. Up to 10 elementary schools in Oakville (HDSB or HCDSB) are funded by Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classroom project to receive this program for BHM2024. The CCAH is working directly with the HDSB and the HCDSB for schools in Oakville.
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. 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 for elementary students but may be used for secondary levels
d) Belonging and Racial Identity in Halton (2022) – Teacher Resource:
This community-led 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 and was a follow-up to the CCAH 2003 report Growing Up Black In Oakville. To support the findings in the 2022 report and present them in a way that is digestible, accompanying videos, that CCAH President provides an introduction to, have been created. Topics include Inclusivity in Education, Cultural Displays, Inclusivity in the Workplace, Healthcare, Rebuilding the Justice System and more. The videos also outline several recommendations and include Discussion Topics. These videos are teacher resources. Running time: Part 1 is 6 minutes; Part 2 is 4 minutes.
2.Oakville Museum – 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. Key figures in the Oakville Underground Railroad story are introduced through the exhibition Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History, and the multimedia presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom. Accessibility: Please note that the multimedia presentation for this program is located on the second floor of the museum, accessible by stairs only. For groups with mobility issues, please contact us to discuss how we can best accommodate your visit.
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.
4.Oakville Community 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. Finding Freedom is produced in association with CCAH and features its own archived pictures of past president and interview with current president. The CCAH founder was a descendant of the Duncan family, one of the first Black families that settled in Oakville as part of the Underground Railroad. It was an official selection for the Baltimore International Black Film Festival 2023 and won Audience Choice – International Film. NOTE: The CCAH is working directly with the HDSB and the HCDSB for viewing times for secondary school students February 26–March 1 at Film.ca in Oakville. Please contact your Board directly to arrange. Running time: 67 minutes.
5.Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley:
a) Blues and Jazz with Chris Whiteley and Diana Braithwaite:
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.
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.
6.Legacy Voices Documentaries:
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 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.
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.
7. Clef Notes to Canvas:
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.
8. (Un)healthy Youth Relationships for Secondary Students:
February is also teen dating violence awareness month. 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.
9.CCAH Sizzlin’ Halton Cooking Sessions for Schools:
These cooking series were designed, developed and created by CCAH for secondary students in culinary programs but they are also an excellent opportunity for ESL students and participants in social justice or hospitality programs. While the episodes are focused on Caribbean cooking, food is a basic human need that transcends across all cultures and each Chef facilitates a general discussion about food being a bridge among ethnicities.
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.
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.
