Trent African, Black, Caribbean Students Club Represents at “Still We Rise - A Black History Month Celebration”
The Trent African, Black, and Caribbean (ABC) Students Club at Trent University Durham, with support from the Social Work faculty, brought “Still We Rise - A Black History Month Celebration” to life through traditional foods, a welcoming steel drum, and vibrant performances of singing, poetry, dance and comedy.
Speaking of ABC, Aleah Symons, executive member, event organizer and fourth-year Psychology student said, “We wanted to form a community for students where they can see themselves and their voices can be heard. That is what we hope an event like Still We Rise creates for them.”
Fellow ABC executive member and event organizer, Audrey Neka, added her hopes for the event – to enable people to know more about the Black community at Trent Durham.
“We can elevate the Black community together,” stated the second-year Psychology and Sociology student. “I especially find that having Trent’s resources, tools and teachers backing you to put on events, can boost your self-esteem and self-being.”
“We want our young people to gain their voice and for everybody to have a voice in the community,” stated Dr. Henderson, dean and head of Trent Durham, in support of the event. “It’s that opportunity to celebrate, to tell one’s story, to hear one’s history. It’s such a crucial event.”
Also partnering with RBC for logistical and financial support, the club invited local vendors, guest speakers and dignitaries to participate in the event.
Writing the next chapter
Councillor Granville Anderson of Clarington, a former MPP who attended the event noted that Black history, comprised of struggle, family, community, entrepreneurship and hard work has a rightful place among collective Canadian successes.
“We can see this in the story of the Black people in Canada that speaks to invention, innovation and leadership into all aspects of Canadian reality, past, present and future.”
In his words to the event attendees, he challenged the audience to write the most exciting chapter yet.
Uplifting community
“This is a great avenue to understand the needs and the gaps that exist in the Black community and how we can create programs within our organization to serve the community,” stated Francis Garwe, CEO of Carea Community Health Centre, another guest at the event.
“The turnout was amazing,” observed Lori-Ann Reid, president of ABC and fourth-year Social Work student. Buoyed by the support shown by the community the event organizer adds, “It shows how much they want to support and continue to uplift Black history and Black culture.“
Posted on March 2, 2020