By Eddie Benhin
Carleton’s School of Social Work recently hosted Black History is Every Month: A Love Letter to the African, Caribbean, and Black Community, an empowering event celebrating Black history through food, music and discussions.
The night began with fantastic cultural food made by Chef Toni, Merrick Mitchell, Chad McKenzie, Jesse Skeen, and Fishy’s Original Jerk. While the guests were enjoying this food, Ottawa’s DJ Velvet, winner of the Cranium Arts Project DJ of the Year award, provided the background tunes.
DJ Velvet provided the tunes all night long
The event kicked off with a beautiful rendition of ‘Lift Every Voice’ performed by John Dapaah and Michael Hanna. Then, the Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard – the first African Nova Scotian woman to serve in the Senate Chamber – took the floor. After the Libation Presentation presented by Kenneth Campbell, several people took the stage. From live poetry to an inspiring discussion on the pressures of Black Excellence, the audience was lively and engaged throughout the night. The night’s keynote speaker, Roxanne Francis, captivated the audience with her discussion on the positives and consequences of living out ‘Black Excellence’. It was a moving discussion that changed the mindset of many who attended.
The night also shone a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of individuals in the community. We applaud Dylan Bartley for his exceptional work, recognized with the School of Social Work’s Rising Star Award; Manock Lual, a true community builder who received the School of Social Work’s Community Builder Award; and Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, a beacon of achievement, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
From left to right: Dylan Bartley, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, Manock Lual
As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of unity and inspiration among the crowd. The celebration of Black history through food, music, and discourse not only honoured the past but also ignited a spark for continued progress and empowerment within the community. The recognition bestowed upon individuals like Dylan Bartley, Manock Lual, and Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard served as a reminder of the remarkable daily contributions to uplift and strengthen the fabric of society. This event made it clear that Black History is every month.
A tremendous thank you to Carleton’s School of Social Work for putting this event on!
Monday, April 8, 2024 in Blogs, General, News, School of Social Work
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