The official designation of Emancipation Day three years ago has sparked a “groundswell of awareness” regarding the history of slavery in Canada, according to Russell Grosse, executive director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. Grosse emphasized that while it is crucial to celebrate the resilience and achievements of people of African descent, it […]
By Yolanda T. Marshall This year’s Carnival season is drawing to a close. Kudos to all the Mas Bands, masqueraders, musicians, and the Festival Management Committee for their hard work. Our Caribbean community deserves recognition, and our culture should be preserved. Here are a few books highlighting our Caribbean experiences. ‘Membering Written by Austin Clarke […]
By Janet Grant SING SING is based on the real-life Rehabilitation Through Arts (RTA) program members. Its release date is Friday, August 1, 2024. Cast: Colman Domingo – Clarence Maclin – Sean San Jose – Sean Dino Johnson – Jon-Adrian Velazquez – Pau Raci – Sharon Washington – John “Divine G” Whitfield “Sing Sing,” directed by […]
Sunday brought jubilation to the Caribbean as St Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred and Dominican triple jumper Thea LaFond both secured their countries’ first-ever Olympic medals, achieving gold in their respective events. Julien Alfred, initially a lesser-known competitor, showcased her incredible athleticism by winning the women’s 100-metre final on Saturday with a time of 10.72 seconds. […]
By Stephen Weir Drummers pounded out the countdown just before midnight. It was seconds before the start of August 1st. Drones lit the sky above the Downsview subway station with hearts and words of love. Singing. Cheering. It was all part of the 11th annual Underground Freedom Train ride in Toronto. No Justin Trudeau wasn’t […]
By Lincoln DePradine The 2024 Toronto Caribbean Carnival is over. But, not the summer of Caribbean festivals and performances in the city by Caribbean artistes. Among other events carded for this month are Jamaica Day, Grenada Day Celebration and TD JerkFest – the annual International Jerk Food and Music Festival. JerkFest begins this Friday, August […]
By Neil Armstrong The inclement weather on Simcoe Day did not dampen the spirit of those who stood in the rain as they belted out tunes or danced to the musical notes of musicians at the annual JAMBANA One World Festival in Bramptono. Celebrating Emancipation Day in Chinguacousy Park, the event featured the legendary Fab […]
The Caribana™ Arts Group (CAG), the original creators of the Caribana™ Festival, held an Emancipation Day March on University Avenue in Toronto. The Caribana™ Festival, deeply rooted in the celebration of emancipation, symbolizes cultural pride for the Caribbean community in Canada. However, it has been 18 years since the City of Toronto took over the […]
As the city of Toronto gears up to celebrate World Steelpan Day on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the excitement is palpable. This annual celebration of steelpan music is especially significant this year, following the success of Toronto Panorama and Pan in D’ Park. The week leading up to World Steelpan Day promises a series of […]
The Region of Durham celebrated Emancipation Day in the city of Pickering on August 1st, 2024, at The Esplanade Park, marking a significant day in Canadian history. The event drew a diverse crowd, including local dignitaries, community leaders, and residents, all gathered to honor the abolition of slavery and reflect on its lasting legacy. Mayor […]
