Trent University Oshawa to Open Doors for Black History Celebration, Feb 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Student-run event brings community leaders together to explore research and celebrate culture

Wednesday, January 25, 2012, Oshawa

Trent University will open its doors to the public at the Thornton Road campus in Oshawa for their second annual celebration of black history and culture on Friday, February 3, 2012 starting at 6:30 p.m., 55 Thornton Road South.

“Trent University Oshawa is pleased to open our doors for this great community event for the second year in a row.  We look forward to connecting with our community partners and to showcasing some of the excellent research of our students”, said Dr. Brendan Hickie, principal and associate dean, Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus.
Gospel Singers, the famous Resolutionaries marimba band and a variety of performers are lined up for an evening celebration, following an official welcome by Oshawa mayor John Henry, and a keynote address by Trent History professor Timothy Stapleton.  University students will showcase their research in a fair alongside community groups who will share information about their ongoing work in the local community and internationally.

Student organizers are saying "It's a Great Day!" to join with them, members of the diaspora and the community in exploring and celebrating Black History during international Black History Month.
Student projects in the research fair will include The History of Reggae, The Jamaican Bobsled Team, American Health Interventions in Haiti (1915-1930), Women’s Rights Since Caribbean Independence and more (up to 20 research displays).

Community groups who are attending to share information include the Apostolic Pentecostal Church Ministries, the Canadian Jamaican Club, the Congress of Black Women of Canada, Shona Stone Sculptures, Girl Guides of Ontario, Grand Jamaica Homecoming, Jamaica Self-Help, JUMP4JA!, the Ontario Provincial Police Diversity Council, and more.

Fair-Trade vendor Ten Thousand Villages will be on site, with fair trade products and art on sale by artisans from Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America. Caribbean cuisine and children’s activities will also be available. This is a free, family-friendly event open to the public.

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For more information, please contact: Laurie Jacklin, professor of History at Trent University, 705-748-1011 x5047, lauriejacklin@trentu.ca