The newly elected Premier, members of provincial parliament and dignitaries welcomed four Trent students and faculty with open arms to the annual Black History Celebration at Queen’s Park in February. They were granted the rare opportunity to speak with highest powers of government in an environment described as no less than electric.

The contingent from Trent was invited to the reception as guests of the Honourable Michael Coteau, minister of Citizenship and Immigration, in recognition of their devotion to black history and culture through on-campus initiatives such as the very successful Black History Celebration “Still I Rise!”

As part of the Black History Celebration, Minister Coteau stressed the significance of Black History Month in the Legislature. He referred to the social, cultural and economic impact the black community has made on Canada. Accordingly, the reception at Queen’s Park paid tribute to the important contributions to society by the black community in Canada. Many high-profile members of government, business and the media participated in exhibitions, speeches and presentations. 

Newly elected Premier Kathleen Wynne addressed the audience with a speech that touched on a spirit of inclusivity and the need for all groups to work together. Roderic Southwell, Trent Oshawa student president of Black History 2013 said, “I was very inspired by all the speakers and I remember taking my pen out just in time to hear the premier say, "We're all in this together. We need to learn from each other. That message stuck with me.”

Trent students were also introduced to Premier Wynne by the Honourable Tracy MacCharles, minister of Consumer Services and MPP for Pickering-Scarborough East. The minister described her relationship with Trent University. “I sit on the Advisory Board for the student-led “Still I Rise!” event at Trent University Oshawa in celebration of black history and culture. In recognition of their success, I was pleased to welcome Trent students and faculty to join me to celebrate Black History Month at the Ontario Legislature,” said Minister Tracy MacCharles. “Trent has a long history of recognizing the contributions and achievements of black Canadians in building our province and country. It was a great pleasure to welcome the Trent community to Queen’s Park to celebrate Black History Month.”

Prior to the event, Premier Wynne also sent an official greeting to commend Trent students for their work on “Still I Rise!"

Leon Presner is a full-time constable with Durham Regional Police Service who is also studying Sociology and Computer Studies at Trent. He was honoured with an invitation to the event due to his dual efforts as a Trent student and as a citizen who volunteers extensively in the community as an activist and motivational speaker.

He feels attending the event was very important for Trent. “We were the only university there. It shows our event is highly respected as it is the largest academic event in Canada. “It really puts us on the map. We’re well known and well respected for our academic approach pertaining to inclusivity and diversity.”

Trent Oshawa student Pita Garth Case is vice-president of Black History 2013 at Trent. He valued the impact of Trent’s participation at the Queen’s Park celebration. He says, “Being able to go to Queen’s Park and talk to the highest powers in province to promote Durham and our community outside our region walls is pretty intense.”

The work by these Trent students is very familiar to those who attended the event. MPP Tracy MacCharles celebrated with Trent both at Queen’s Park and at “Still I Rise!”.  Former Legislature speaker and current prominent black community leader, Dr. Alvin Curling, was emcee at the Queen’s Park event and the keynote speaker at “Still I Rise!”

Marie Girgis is a Trent Oshawa student in charge of marketing for Black History 2013 at Trent. She felt that the event at Queen’s Park also addressed the sombre aspect of Black History Month. “From meeting with Dr. Alvin Curling to hearing Premier Wynne's speech, one thing that stands out for me is that Black History Month is not only a month of celebration but also a month of contemplation. Not only should we celebrate the achievements and contributions of black Canadians, but we must also identify with the struggle and rise together as an inclusive nation."

Trent professor Laurie Jacklin says, “There is a need for integration between community and university.  Black culture and the diaspora experience are hot topics. Toronto has the third highest settlement of Caribbean-descended peoples outside of the Caribbean in the world. People want to talk about strategies for diversity and inclusivity. ”

Regarding Trent’s efforts and its far-reaching impact, Dr. Alvin Curling said, “What you are doing is bigger than the sum of all of you put together.” The invitation to Queen’s Park is a reflection of that sentiment.

Posted on Tuesday, March 26, 2013.