Working towards the empowerment and unity of the National Capital region's Black community
From the Archives of Black History
In 1995, the Government of Canada designated February as Black History Month, to celebrate the contribution of people of African descent to the Canadian mosaic. The theme for 2013 is Our Canadian Story: I, too can be a hero! Black History Ottawa wishes to use the celebrations to highlight the need for all of us to emulate those who have been honoured in the past for making a difference in the lives of others through: community engagement through volunteer work; mentoring or coaching of children and youth; leadership and excellence in paid and unpaid positions; helping those who are marginalized or living in poverty; contributing or raising funds for charitable organizations; accepting leadership roles and responsibilities in community organizations, amateur sports teams, churches and faith groups; helping underprivileged children and youth with their school work and looking for other opportunities to make our community and our city a better place to live in.
This theme will be highlighted in all Black History month 2013 activities, which also serve to highlight those programs, services and initiatives that speak to our role in education, sports, civic engagement, politics, law, sciences, technology and military. All residents and visitors to our great city are welcome to join the celebrations.
Black History Ottawa acknowledges the support of the Library & Archives Canada, City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Library, CTV Ottawa, CHUO 89.1FM, BlackOttawa411.com and Rogers Television, for Black History Month 2012.
We are also indebted to the Ottawa Police Service for the printing of this calendar and to Sarah Onyango for the translation.
Please Note: All events are in English unless otherwise stated.
Saturday, January 26
Library & Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street
2:00 4:00 p.m.
Free Admission. Donations to Black History Ottawa gratefully accepted.
An evening of inspiration and entertainment reflecting the theme Our Canadian Story: I, too can be a hero!, to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community building in creating a vibrant inclusive community. Proclamation of the 2013 Black History Month by the Mayor of Ottawa and presentation of 2013 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Awards.
Information
bhottawa@yahoo.ca
613-851-5257
2:00pm.
Hintonburg Community Center, Wellington Room (1064 Wellington Street West)
Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association Presents: "W.A.R. Stories: Walter Anthony Rodney" a film by Clairmont Chung. Film Screening and discussion with Clairmont Chung. This film covers the life of world renowned, historian, author, and activist, Dr. Walter Rodney who was assassinated on Friday, June 13, 1980, at age 38, in his native Guyana. Its a story of a man who dedicated his life, and ultimately, gave his life in the struggle for equal rights and justice. Autophgraphed copies of "Walter Rodney, a promised of revoluntion" written by Clairmont chung will be on sale. Admission: $5, children 12 and under free. Info: 613 291-3915.
Saturday, February 2
6:00pm to 9:30pm
Library & Archives Canada - 395 Wellington Street
African Heritage Centre, African festival and Jumba Dambe present: KARIBU-AFRI-CANADA. Program includes traditional dances, belly dance, Salsa, Venezuelan dances, African drumming & guitar; African art exhibition, emerging rap artists, a live fashion show & much more.....Tickets: $10 (Adult) in advance & $15 at the door. Free for children 12yrs & under. Tickets are available at DJ Market & Money Mega Mart at 362 Rideau st.(There are more places to get tickets. Info: 613-860-3022; 613-791-4487;613-297-5379 &819-595-3583.
Saturday February 2
Caribbean History: Back to Basics After Party
Atomic Rooster, 303 Bank Street
10.00 p.m. - 2.00 a.m.
Admission: $10 in advance; $15 at the door
Organised by the West Indian Student Ensemble (W.I.S.E) to showcase the culture and music of the islands. With live performances, a presentation plus music and dancing.
DJ: Hypnotx Soundz
Information
Eventscoordinator.uottawawise@gmail.com
Monday February 4 &Tuesday February 5
Ottawa African & Caribbean Health symposium for service providers
Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue
Monday : 9.00 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday : 9.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m.
Free admission. Pre-registration required.
Goal is to create a collaborative network to address social determinants of health for African, Caribbean and Black communities. Service providers and community leaders are invited to this important event.
Information
Jane Karago
613-238-8210 Ext. 2252
Thursday, February 7
Ottawa Police Service Black History Month Celebration
Ottawa Police Service Headquarters, 474 Elgin Street
4.00 5.00 p.m.
Free Admission
Come and join the Ottawa Police Service as they raise their Black History Month banner in celebration of Black History Month. Music and refreshments provided.
Buses #5 and #6.
Information
613-236-1222 Ext. 5011
Friday, February 8
Diabetes, What You Should Know (in French)
Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
225 Donald Street, Suite 120
1:15 p.m.
Free Admission
Join us for a 60-minute presentation on diabetes. Get your blood pressure and waist circumference measured to see if you are at risk. We will answer your questions and provide you with resources to help you manage your health. Partners: Rideau-Rockliffe Community Resource Centre, Lowertown Community Resource Centre, Vanier Community Services Centre, Community Diabetes Education Program of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health.
Information
Carole Legault
Ottawa Public Health
613-745-0073 ext. 147
6:00pm Champagne Cocktail Reception; 7:00pm Dinner
Ottawa Police Association - Russell Lounge, 141 Catherine St., Ottawa ON K2P 1C3
VIVANTE Gala. Vivante is a celebration of the style, culture, gastronomy, rhythm and the remarkable diversity that is Ottawa. This one of a kind Gala brings together movers and shakers from the community for an enchanting evening in support of the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). In 2011, we were delighted to welcome the President and CEO of CHEO, Alex Munter as our Keynote Speaker, John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs and numerous other dignitaries as guests. Under the theme: Live to Give. Joie de Vivre! guests to Vivante will enjoy a Champagne Cocktail reception, a fashion installation by Kania Couture, live art installation by Allan André, a gourmet dinner, Keynote Remarks by Dr. Carrol Pitters, Chief of Staff, CHEO and Vivante's Honorary Patron Senator Don Meredith, and spend the evening dancing to the riveting sounds of the best of iconic music. The event will be hosted by Solange Tuyishime, Miss Galaxy 2013 and UNICEF Canada Ambassador. Honorary Patron, Vivante Tickets: $65.00 per person Visit www.vivantegala.com for more information or email us at info@vivantegala.com
Saturday February 9
A Roots Rock Reggae Night of Education, Entertainment & Grooving
Club Saw, 67 Nicholas Street
8.00 p.m. 2.00 a.m.
Documentary presentations on Rastafari and paying tribute to reggae greats Alton Ellis, Lucky Dubé and Peter Tosh. Performances featuring local artists followed by an Irie Vibes Dance Session. Music by DJs Wally B, Oscar and Hypnotx Soundz
Admission: $10.00 advance tickets, $15 at the door
Information
Jaimanne Leopold
613-404-4190
Sunday, February 10
Reconciliation Day
St. Albans Church
454 King Edward Street
2.00 - 4.00 p.m.
Free admission
Reconciliation Day 2013 marks the 145th anniversary of the February 1867 marriage of Agnes Bernard of Jamaica and Sir John A Macdonald, first Prime Minister of Canada and a Father of Confederation. Tribute will be paid to Lady Agnes for money she raised to pay off the construction of the church, built in Confederation year, to serve the poor. This social justice mission continues today through Centre 454, serving the homeless or persons at risk of homelessness. The tribute will include a reconciliation service, installation of a memorial plaque near to Sir John A's pew marker; and request for donations in her name, to support for Centre 454.
Information
junegirvan@rogers.com
Friday, February 15
3rd Annual Ujima Job Fair
150 Gloucester Street, Ottawa (Operation Come Home)
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Free admission for all youth and job seekers
Organised by Jaku Konbits youth leaders, in collaboration with Operation Come Home, West Indian Student Ensemble and local community businesses and organizations in Ottawa. The job fair will promote opportunities and resources available to youth seeking employment, volunteer and entrepreneurial experience.
Information Tayo Olaf info@jakukonbit.com | |
613-567-0600 |
Saturday, February 16
Singing in the Spirit
2200 Benjamin Ave. Highway 417 / Woodroffe
Time: 6.30 - 8.00 p.m.
Free Admission
A celebration of gospel music and spirituals by the Ottawa Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Information
Joan Grant or Janice Anderson
613-728-3558 or 613-728-8178
Pros vs Joes Youth Poetry Slam
Mugshots Bar - 75 Nicholas St Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9
Presented by DUSTY OWL & 3Dreads and a Baldhead. Hosted by John Akapata & Jacqueline Lawrence. Admission: Your passion & a perishable ethnic food can for the Food Bank. Donations welcomed to support the 2013 Black Youth Conference.
Information
Email: 3dreads@gmail.com
Website: www.3dreads.com
Thursday February 21
Beyond the Railroad - Black History in Canada
National Arts Centre Fourth Stage
53 Elgin St
7:30 - 10.00 p.m.
Admission: $20
Ottawa Storytellers celebrates Black History Month, telling the stories of Black Canadians from 1608 to today with a blend of stories and spoken word poetry. Join storyteller Ruthanne Edward and spoken word artist Greg 'Ritallin' Frankson, as they share tales of the men and women of African origin and descent who made their homes in Canada and helped build this country. Hard times and good times, tragedy and triumph, their stories have it all. Information Caitlyn Paxson mad@ottawastorytellers.ca
613-322-8336
The Black Youth Conference & BlackYouthaPalooza: "Be More CommUnity"
St. Paul University, 223 Main Street
8:30am - 4:00pm
Presented by the Be More Academy of 3Dreads and a Baldhead. Admission: Students $15, CommUnity $20, includes lunch and t-shirt.
Information
Email: 3dreads@gmail.com
Website: www.3dreads.com
Prerequisite Course of the International Black Summit
St. Paul University, 223 Main Street
9:00am - 4:00pm
"The Purpose of the International Black Summit is to provide an opportunity for participants to bring into being their vision for the black community and the world." Adults $100, Youth $25 (8yrs old - 18), Young Adult $75 (18yrs old - 25yrs old). You must register to participate.
Information
Email: 3dreads@gmail.com
Website: www.3dreads.com
BlackYouthaPalooza
Orange Art Gallery - 233 Armstrong Street
5pm - 7pm
"Dear Ottawa" Project: Ottawa thru the lens of Black Youth. Admission: Your passion & a perishable ethnic food can for the Food Bank. N.B. Wine and Olive Oil Tasting. Donations welcome in support of the Be More Academy
Information
Email: 3dreads@gmail.com
Website: www.3dreads.com
Sunday February 24
Youth and Children Recognition
Ottawa Church of God
1820 Carling Ave/Maitland
6.30 - 8.30 p.m.
Admission: An offering will be collected in support of Teen Talent 2013
In keeping with the BHO theme "I, too can be a hero! the Ottawa Church of God
will host an inspiration night to recognise young people in our midst who live exemplary lives and who are active in the community. This event will also showcase the many talents of our Youth and Children, in stories (story of inclusion), dance, poetry, drama and song.
Information
Rev. Joel Charles
613-729-3172 ext 2
Joelcharles@hotmail.com
http://www.ottawaocg.orgor/
Saturday February 23
Global Community Alliance Gala Night & Award Ceremony
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, 150 Albert Street
6.00 p.m. 1.00 a.m. (Cocktails @ 6:00 p.m. and dinner @ 7:00 p.m.)
Admission: $65 per person (with complimentary cocktails). Advance tickets only.
Information
Yomi or Kelly Pratt
Yomipratt@hotmail.com or rsaborn@hotmail.com
613- 824-6392
Black History Month Speakers Bureau
The 3Dreads and a Baldhead Speaker's Bureau is the place for you to find a great speaker for your small and large group presentations during Black History month. Each of our speakers will share, in their own unique way, how they are transforming the world and altering the conversation of who they are in the world. From poets to students to community builders, this group of Ottawa's Young, Gifted and Black will transform the world! For Profiles and booking information, visit:
www.3dreads.com or email 3dreads@gmail.com
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Who we are:
· Registered Canadian charitable organization
· Recipient of the 2009 Community Partner award from the Childrens Aid Society
of Ottawa
· Member of Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa
What we do:
· Celebrate the contributions of Black People to the Canadian mosaic;
· Support local artists, designers, writers and innovators;
· Organize child and youth-centered mentorship and leadership programs;
· Organize community centered activities.
As a non-profit organization, Black History Ottawa depends entirely on membership fees and donations to carry out its work and does not receive government funding.
Black History, a legacy worth preserving!
Board of Directors
Vice President: June Girvan
Secretary: Ketcia Dorsainville
Youth Coordinator: Tayo Olafimihan
Membership & Events Coordinator: Joanne Robinson
Information
Charitable Business Number: 85368 6952 RR0001
Disclaimer: All events are in English unless otherwise indicated. Please note that this information was correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change without notice. Updates will be available at www.blackhistoryottawa.org. Black History Ottawa will not be responsible or liable for any accidents, injuries, property damage or other untoward incidents that may occur during any of the events of Black History Month.