Black History Month in Canada is about learning Afro-Canadian history and to experience its traditional culture. This year, that celebration grew even bigger as the community came together to learn, gain awareness, and celebrate cultural diversity.
History of our Music is an annual showcase which highlights the genres of musical eras illustrating the barriers and struggles that connects us as a global community. On display at the event are African music from the Caribbean, African-American music chronology and music performance by Toronto based local talents including a grand performance by Kobena Aquaa-Harrison.
History of our Music was an event designed to create a fun space where participants can listen to entertainers, have access to black own businesses, receive mentorship through workshops and activities designed for the day.
The goal is to use music as a weapon to support Doctors Without Borders in their fight against Ebola and at the same time empowering participants to support one another in every situation. The well-attended event was held on the 19th of February at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club, Toronto, Canada.
Rayon Brown, coordinator of the event was with Akin T. George to discuss black issues and the relevance of the event in Canada
How long have you been organizing this event?
This is the second annual Black History Month event that Helping Neighbourhoods Implement Change (H.N.I.C) has organized. This is the first year we’ve partnered with Aim 2 Impact and Yap40.
What do you aim to accomplish through this event?
This event aims to accomplish bringing feuding communities together to show that there is no fear and we can live in harmony with each other. The event creates awareness regarding the accomplishments of Africans around the world, it also creates opportunities for participants to network and interact a positive environment. We are also creating a platform for entertainers and black owned business to promote their talent as well as their business.
Is there any related program or initiative behind this event?
There is a music program that is attached to this initiative, where we help develop individuals that are interested in the performing arts. We work closely with Aim2Impact with this.
In what ways will you distinguish this Black History Month celebration from the American version?
There is no distinguishing our African Heritage from any other Africans in the world. We are one!
Some people believe that black history should be taught throughout the year and not just a single month, and you say?
Black History Month is every Month. Our rich heritage transcends one month. Without our contributions to the world there would be no advancement.
Despite its worldwide popularity, critics are slamming today’s Hip Hop for some of the demise in black families especially among African Americans. What can be done to encourage youths to embrace soul-searching conscious rap music rather than sexually explicit/gangster type.
We can’t change what the youth are listening to. People are entitled to express themselves in any way they wish. What needs to be done is change the media and the mediums that are pushing one specific type of music. They have their own agenda so we have to combat that by owning things we create. We also have to become better parents and establish stronger families. When the foundation is strong it’s hard to rattle the tree.
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”27″ gal_title=”Black History Month”]
