Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario invests in the future at AfroGlobal Black History Month Showcase

BY PAUL JUNOR

The cold weather outside did not dampen the: spirit, energy, and enthusiasm of the over two hundred people who gathered at the Bellagio Boutique Event Venue in Vaughan.

Thursday, February 23^rd, 2023, was truly an historic day; Afroglobal Television in association with the Carpenters District Council of Ontario, The Painters Union and the Plumbers Unions, and others hosted their Black History Month Showcase.

The theme of the event was “Honouring the Past, Inventing the Future,” which was a fitting tribute to the African-Canada: elders, leaders, politicians, youth, government ministers, religious figures, and community representatives who were present there.

The evening’s event was hosted by Patricia Bebia Mawa, Executive Vice President of AfroGlobal Television (AFT). Founded in September 2008 AFT is a global super channel that caters to the people of African heritage worldwide. It showcases the best of Africa and the diaspora through programs: that inspire, educate and entertain.

The keynote speech was delivered by Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, the first African-Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1993. She was elected four times in the Toronto-area riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore until 2006 when she formally retired from politics. She was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2009 and was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. In addition, her extensive contributions to education and politics were recognized in 2014 when she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire. It was largely due to her efforts that a historic motion was passed in Parliament to designate February as Black History Month in Canada in 1993.

In her speech, she mentioned her early days in Canada (1960’s) when the: Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Human Rights Code, Landlord and Tenant Act and police-community relations did not exist. These came about as a result of the social activism and social justice by community activists and change agents. She states,

“We were there when the French sailed through the St. Lawrence and explored a new country. We learned to live with and care for those who were there before us. We fought in wars at home and abroad. We stood up for equality, tolerance, and justice. We were inspired by men like the first Canadian naval recipient of the Victoria Cross. We are emboldened by the adventurous spirit of Maddie Mayes and the Black pioneers of Western Canada. We have come a long way.”

A significant event of the evening was the commemoration of the achievements of the No.2 Construction Battalion. PM Justin Trudeau delivered an apology to descendants of Canada’s first and only Black battalion on July 9^th, 2022, which was celebrated during Black History Month 2023. The Royal Canadian Mint issued a $20 fine silver coin designed by artist Kwame Delfish that honours the service and sacrifice of these battalion members.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the $100,000 Chris Campell Scholarship to George Brown College. Chris serves as Vice-President of Carpenters Union Local 27 and Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Carpenters District Council of Ontario. This scholarship will be of assistance to any youth who is interested in pursuing a training certification course, diploma, or degree studies in the construction industry or labour studies.

Anyone who missed the spectacular AfroGlobal Black History Month Showcase can catch it on the Afroglobal Television network, available on: Rogers 708, Bell 2472, Eastlink 886, Ignite 887, Telus 2710 across Canada. In addition, it will be shown as a broadcast special on OMNI Television, courtesy of Rogers Media.