Guest Celebrates Black History Month 2010 Vancouver
By Ryan Mitchell The Afro News Vancouver
On January 31, 2010 The National Congress of Black Women Foundation celebrated Black History Month. Lolly Bennett hosted for the event in the art exhibition at The Museum of Vancouver (MOV). The event featured musical performers and artists from the Lower mainland.
Executive Director of The National Congress of Black Women Foundation (NCBW), Nalda Callender, was one of the architects in charge of organizing the occasion. It took almost a year for her team to put the celebration together. “We started to prepare from last March.”The event received great attendance even with the road closures and disruption of the city hosting The Winter Olympic Games.
Special guest Mayor Gregor Robertson was greeted and introduced by Dr. Mary Regester. A tour was summoned from featured artists. Works from Sculpture, Painter, Photographer and Poet: Tess I. Kingston, a close friend, Mathura Arun showcased Kingston’s work during the event. Sculptures from Carlyle Matthew, paintings from Garett Campbell-Wilson and art from Visual Expressionist David George were also on exhibit. Musical performances included Quarto Master Obediya W. Jones-Darrell, who performed a solo called Journey of the Moor.
Paul Choisil & Panacea performed a song called Remembering Haiti. It was a tribute for the recent devastation that hit the country. The band uses steel drums, saxophone, and voice with a background of Salsa, Caribbean, and Jazz beats. The band features Paul Choisil with lead and saxophone, Gail Bonner, and Kathleen Choisil on instruments.
Weston Samuel also made an appearance; he is the President of BCOCCA, British Columbia of Caribbean Cultural Associations: a political organisation that represents smaller associations in the province of B.C and empowers a collective voice. The members of the group are: Antigua & Barbuda Association, Barbados Cultural Association, Grenadian Cultural Association, Guyanese / Canadian Association, Jamaica / Canadian Cultural Association, St. Kitts / Nevis Cultural Association, St. Vincent &The Grenadines Association of Greater Vancouver and Trinidad & Tobago Cultural Society.
The NCBW has been recognized as a charitable organization since 1992, creating numerous programs that educate young women, support health related programs, and propel professional careers for black families.
NCBW continues to encourage and support expansion for educational programs aimed for women. Future tasks for the organization are to promote knowledge in specific health issues that impact families, raise funds for scholarship and produce more events that benefit the community.
The NCBW addresses why people need to celebrate Black History Month in a pamphlet that was provided during the program:
“We need to showcase our History as a common culture and the National Congress of Black Women Foundation uses Black History Month as a vehicle to help us, and all others, have an appreciation of the diversified cultures of the Black Community of British Columbia.”
– The National Congress of Black Women Foundation statement
Callender emphasizes the significance of recognizing African and Caribbean artists, giving them front stage to the city. “The importance of this event is to get the artist’s [work] out there.” She also highlights the need for everyone to come together and labour for the benefit of building and distinguishing each other’s culture.
Special Thanks are given to volunteers, staff, Afro News and sponsors. Also individual gratitude to Amanda Gibbs, Director of Audience Engagement to the Museum of Vancouver, and Kelowna Immigrant Society & Canadian Heritage for their effort and Western Union for their support.
Artwork will be on display at the Museum until March 15, 2010.The Museum of Vancouver is located on 1130 Chestnut Street in Vancouver.
