Dr. Rita Cox; the Caribbean, Canadian Icon who just won’t slow down

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

The name Dr. Rita Cox is synonymous with storytelling not just in Canada, but worldwide. This icon of the story art form hails from the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago but has spent the majority of her life in Canada and has contributed immensely to the growth of Caribbean culture in Canada, North America and universally.

Here is a little insight into this star of the story world.

Cox joined the Toronto Public Library in 1960 as a children’s librarian. In 1974, she moved to the head of Parkdale Branch, where she stayed until her retirement in 1995.

In her time there, she launched literacy programs and other initiatives that boosted multiculturalism and literacy throughout Toronto. She has touched the lives of many Canadians through her life’s work, especially those new to this country and their children.

There is so much to tell when it comes to Cox that one wonders where to start. This is a woman who worked her way from children’s storyteller to librarian right into citizenship judge and is still educating and entertaining folks up until this moment.

Here are some of her awards and accolades from over the years

• Canadian Library Association Public Service Award and Black Achievement Award (1986)
• Honourary degree, York University (1993)
• Honourary degree, Wilfrid Laurier University (1994)
• Order of Canada for outstanding work in storytelling and literacy (1997)
• Rita Cox Park named in her honour (2008)
• Caribbean Tourism Organization Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)

I spoke recently with Dr. Rita Cox about her latest storytelling CD called “Wit and Wisdom” and her life’s work as an artist. “Storytelling,” Cox said, “Is a journey that brings people together, both listener and teller.”

“I am very honoured to have been nominated to do one of the stories “Save Candidates” for this CD. I have been telling stories almost all my life, and everything I have been involved with, had something to do with stories,” Cox told me.

“I have had a very fantastic life and I am honoured and very appreciative of the Toronto Public Library and all the other services that have made it possible for me to excel in my storytelling here and abroad.”

Cox had a bit of advice for up-and-coming youngsters in the culture field, “Tell your stories,” She said, “Our generation was working so hard to lay a foundation that we never told our stories enough.”

Cox highlighted that some of our younger ones have lost a lot by not being taught things like our culinary arts and culture and have not fully grasped the roots of our cultural expression. “That is our fault,” she said.

“To the young people, remember your history, remember your heritage. We have a rich heritage; a rich history and nobody can tell us otherwise. We have to tell the great stories of our ancestors, and even the great stories of those who are in our community today.”

On November 30^th, 2021, join Cox for a fascinating online panel discussion to officially launch the highly anticipated CD. For more information

https://www.storytellers-conteurs.ca/en/shop/Rita-Cox-Wit-Wisdom.html