February is Black History/Heritage Month. I warmly encourage you to learn about and take part in festivities and events that honour the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians, past and present. The City of Kitchener proudly recognizes and celebrates the many achievements and contributions of members of our Black community. Updating the name from Black History to Black Heritage allows the past and present accomplishments from the Black community to be celebrated and shines light on future contributions. Mayor's Vrbanovic's statement on Black Heritage Month 2023 says "Black Heritage acknowledges the resilience and bravery of those who came before us while also acknowledging the ongoing barriers to equity and inclusion that are still present within our communities." For Mayor Vrbanovic's Full Statement On Black Heritage Month 2023 Click HERE
Please scroll down to see my gallery of salutes to black residents from or who represented Kitchener who make us all proud with their achievements.
Please scroll down to see my gallery of salutes to black residents from or who represented Kitchener who make us all proud with their achievements.
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region is the go to organization for Black History Month Events
They promote the social, cultural & economic interests of, & advocate for, the Caribbean community
Click The Image Below For Their Website
They promote the social, cultural & economic interests of, & advocate for, the Caribbean community
Click The Image Below For Their Website
For Listings of CCAWR Black History Month Events Click The Image Below
**NEW DATE**Artists were invited to reinterpret selected pieces of Aaron T. Francis' Vintage Black Canada Collection. This free exhibit at The Gallery King MacKay at 33 Kent St. (Kent St & Courtland Ave) March 2-4 features the results. It also includes beverages graciously provided by Counterpoint Brewing and Sugar Run Bar. On Opening Night March 2 there's an acoustic performance from Aaron's uncle, Juno Award Winning Erroll Starr at 7pm. For the RSVP Link, click the image below.
Black Heritage Month Fireside Chat - Tuesday February 28 - 4-6pm - Kitchener City Hall Rotunda
The City of Kitchener invites you to an afternoon of networking, food, performances and engaging and inspirational conversation with some of Kitchener’s Black leaders. Join conversations with elected officials; MPP Laura Mae Lindo, Regional Councillor Colleen James, Kitchener Councillor Ayo Owodunni, and WRDSB Trustee Maedith Radlein. With special guests Councillors Aislinn Clancy and Paul Singh. They'll share what they hope to achieve in their term, systemic barriers, and how we can aspire towards an inclusive and equitable Kitchener.
It's hosted by Sophia Stanberry, Director Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives and Ismail Mohamed, Facilitator for Kitchener Community Centres
Check-in and networking begins at 3:30. There will be light refreshments from The Caribbean Kitchen and Muya and entertainment from Juno Award Winning Recording Artist Carlos Morgan and more. For more information and the registration link, click the image above.
It's hosted by Sophia Stanberry, Director Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives and Ismail Mohamed, Facilitator for Kitchener Community Centres
Check-in and networking begins at 3:30. There will be light refreshments from The Caribbean Kitchen and Muya and entertainment from Juno Award Winning Recording Artist Carlos Morgan and more. For more information and the registration link, click the image above.
For community events in Kitchener for Black History Month & Anti Racism Resources. Click HERE
Aaron T. Francis - Vintage Black Canada
Aaron T. Francis
I've had the pleasure of serving on the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee with Aaron Francis.
Aaron is a doctoral student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a multidisciplinary artist, and a curator.
He created and curated an exhibit called Vintage Black Canada. Using vintage photographs of his family, Aaron's exhibit counters the way Black families are depicted in the media. It shows everyday family moments and celebrations.
You'll see pictures of his uncle Erroll Starr "Francis" a Kitchener musician & Juno Winner with chart hits
The Key, Angel & Holding Out For You
You can learn about the exhibit HERE
You can view the Instagram Account HERE
See more of Aaron's work HERE
Aaron is a doctoral student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a multidisciplinary artist, and a curator.
He created and curated an exhibit called Vintage Black Canada. Using vintage photographs of his family, Aaron's exhibit counters the way Black families are depicted in the media. It shows everyday family moments and celebrations.
You'll see pictures of his uncle Erroll Starr "Francis" a Kitchener musician & Juno Winner with chart hits
The Key, Angel & Holding Out For You
You can learn about the exhibit HERE
You can view the Instagram Account HERE
See more of Aaron's work HERE
The Apotheosis Of Erroll Starr Exhibit, a collaboration with Aaron and Shazia Ranmal is still currently on display at Conestoga Mall just outside of Sportchek. I took some images and shared them below, but seeing it in person is way more impactful. Details are HERE
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The Apotheosis of Erroll Starr - Aaron T. Francis and Shazia Ranma. Presented by CAFKA
The Apotheosis of Erroll Starr is a collaboration between Aaron Francis of Vintage Black Canada ™ and Johannesburg-born, Montreal-based Shazia Ranmal, commissioned by Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area (CAFKA).
Defined in part as the "culmination or climax" of a process or state of being, apotheosis in this context alludes to decades of reverence afforded to Erroll not solely from fans of his award-winning career as a Canadian musician, but from the perspective of his nephew, Aaron.
Based on archival family and press photography, this work seeks to interpret Erroll's ascent from first-generation-Canadian boyhood to bonafide rock-God, and juxtapose said narrative against Shazia's collage style. From right to left we see Erroll as a young boy flanked by his father and brothers and then later his Mother and Aunt as he himself looks away clutching a balloon.
By the time Erroll's avatar has ascended the mountains to the far left, he's clearly marked his own path, replete with a sports car and sunglasses, all while an omnipresent version of himself towers over the landscape, pointing to the past and reminding Erroll of his humble beginnings. This afro-futurist intergalactic collage illustrates the relationship one has with their former self while reflecting on Erroll's personal journey.
The Apotheosis of Erroll Starr is a collaboration between Aaron Francis of Vintage Black Canada ™ and Johannesburg-born, Montreal-based Shazia Ranmal, commissioned by Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area (CAFKA).
Defined in part as the "culmination or climax" of a process or state of being, apotheosis in this context alludes to decades of reverence afforded to Erroll not solely from fans of his award-winning career as a Canadian musician, but from the perspective of his nephew, Aaron.
Based on archival family and press photography, this work seeks to interpret Erroll's ascent from first-generation-Canadian boyhood to bonafide rock-God, and juxtapose said narrative against Shazia's collage style. From right to left we see Erroll as a young boy flanked by his father and brothers and then later his Mother and Aunt as he himself looks away clutching a balloon.
By the time Erroll's avatar has ascended the mountains to the far left, he's clearly marked his own path, replete with a sports car and sunglasses, all while an omnipresent version of himself towers over the landscape, pointing to the past and reminding Erroll of his humble beginnings. This afro-futurist intergalactic collage illustrates the relationship one has with their former self while reflecting on Erroll's personal journey.
During Black History Month 2023, I'm featuring black residents from Kitchener, or who represented Kitchener and make us all proud with their achievements on my social media accounts
During Black History Month, I’m featuring black residents from, or who represented Kitchener and make us all proud with their achievements
Fitz “The Whip” (With Hope It’s Possible) Fitzroy Vanderpool is a 6 time professional boxing champion. His family immigrated to Canada and Kitchener from Trinidad when he was 5.
His father introduced Fitz and his brothers to boxing and Fitz was later mentored and taught by the legendary Arnie Boehm whose students included Olympic and World Champion and fellow Kitchener resident Lennox Lewis.
Here are Fitz’s title wins:
1996 - Canadian Professional Boxing Federation Welterweight Champion.
1997 - World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Super Welterweight Champion.
1998 - World Boxing Council Fecarbox Welterweight Champion.
1999 - World Boxing Federation Super Welterweight Champion.
2002 - World Boxing Council Fecarbox Super Welterweight Champion
2013 - National Boxing Authority Middleweight Championship*
* Fitz retired in 2005 but came out of retirement in 2012 and won a 6 round decision over Phil Rose. In 2013 at age 45, he won the National Boxing Authority Middleweight Championship over Roberto McClellan who was 28 and 17 years younger. This win earned him his 6th Championship and made Fitz the oldest Canadian Champion in history passing George Chuvalo who was champion at 43.
In 1998, Fitz was the inaugural recipient of Kitchener’s Athlete of The Year Award.
He’s been operating his WHIP Boxing Academy since 2005 proving boxing and personal training, fit box/aerobics, bootcamps, summer camps and custom fitness programs for 8 year olds to adults.
In 2008, Fitz 'The Whip' was inducted into the Waterloo County Hall of Fame. He’s also a member of the Sunnyside Public School and Eastwood Collegiate Wall of Fame.
His annual WHIPYIT bike ride funds programs that build strength, confidence and emotional well-being for youth in transition.
He’s a frequent inspirational speaker in schools and supporter of multiple local charities. He’s proof that dreams come true through dedication, hard work and “WHIP” With Hope It’s Possible
Fitz “The Whip” (With Hope It’s Possible) Fitzroy Vanderpool is a 6 time professional boxing champion. His family immigrated to Canada and Kitchener from Trinidad when he was 5.
His father introduced Fitz and his brothers to boxing and Fitz was later mentored and taught by the legendary Arnie Boehm whose students included Olympic and World Champion and fellow Kitchener resident Lennox Lewis.
Here are Fitz’s title wins:
1996 - Canadian Professional Boxing Federation Welterweight Champion.
1997 - World Boxing Federation Intercontinental Super Welterweight Champion.
1998 - World Boxing Council Fecarbox Welterweight Champion.
1999 - World Boxing Federation Super Welterweight Champion.
2002 - World Boxing Council Fecarbox Super Welterweight Champion
2013 - National Boxing Authority Middleweight Championship*
* Fitz retired in 2005 but came out of retirement in 2012 and won a 6 round decision over Phil Rose. In 2013 at age 45, he won the National Boxing Authority Middleweight Championship over Roberto McClellan who was 28 and 17 years younger. This win earned him his 6th Championship and made Fitz the oldest Canadian Champion in history passing George Chuvalo who was champion at 43.
In 1998, Fitz was the inaugural recipient of Kitchener’s Athlete of The Year Award.
He’s been operating his WHIP Boxing Academy since 2005 proving boxing and personal training, fit box/aerobics, bootcamps, summer camps and custom fitness programs for 8 year olds to adults.
In 2008, Fitz 'The Whip' was inducted into the Waterloo County Hall of Fame. He’s also a member of the Sunnyside Public School and Eastwood Collegiate Wall of Fame.
His annual WHIPYIT bike ride funds programs that build strength, confidence and emotional well-being for youth in transition.
He’s a frequent inspirational speaker in schools and supporter of multiple local charities. He’s proof that dreams come true through dedication, hard work and “WHIP” With Hope It’s Possible
Mike McKegney was the first black player to play for the Kitchener Rangers. I remember watching Mike, he was an extremely skilled player and a great skater. His hand-eye coordination was incredible. Quite a few of his goals were scored by tipping a puck that was in mid-air into the net. He could also disrupt plays by the other team by using his hand-eye coordination to knock down passes.
Long time Rangers fans will remember Mike as a fan favourite. Whenever he was on the ice he stood out with his exciting combination of speed and skill. Mike was a flashy player who could get around opposing players, find open ice and take a good shot, deke a goalie out, or make a great pass.
His first season was the 1971-72 season where as a rookie he was 9th in team scoring with 38 points.
I his second season, due to injuries he only played 46 games but was still 6th in team scoring.
In the 1973-74 season he played 70 games and was tied for 2nd in team scoring with 39 goals and 49 assists for 87 points.
Mike was the first black player drafted by the Montreal Canadiens when they selected him in the 4th Round, 69th overall in the 1974 draft. Mike recalls getting a phone call from Scotty Bowman telling him they were going to draft him. The Habs were deep in talent at that time winning the Stanley Cup in 1973, 76, 77, 78 and 79 and Mike never played for the Canadiens but says the experience of being at training camp with players like Guy Lafleur, Yvan Cournoyer and Ken Dryden was incredible.
Mike played professionally until the 1977-78 season. He returned to his hometown of Sarnia where he most recently was the owner of Healthy Paws Pet Nutrition Centre for Over 27 years.
For more on Mike McKegney, click here https://bit.ly/3ZkGhNp
Long time Rangers fans will remember Mike as a fan favourite. Whenever he was on the ice he stood out with his exciting combination of speed and skill. Mike was a flashy player who could get around opposing players, find open ice and take a good shot, deke a goalie out, or make a great pass.
His first season was the 1971-72 season where as a rookie he was 9th in team scoring with 38 points.
I his second season, due to injuries he only played 46 games but was still 6th in team scoring.
In the 1973-74 season he played 70 games and was tied for 2nd in team scoring with 39 goals and 49 assists for 87 points.
Mike was the first black player drafted by the Montreal Canadiens when they selected him in the 4th Round, 69th overall in the 1974 draft. Mike recalls getting a phone call from Scotty Bowman telling him they were going to draft him. The Habs were deep in talent at that time winning the Stanley Cup in 1973, 76, 77, 78 and 79 and Mike never played for the Canadiens but says the experience of being at training camp with players like Guy Lafleur, Yvan Cournoyer and Ken Dryden was incredible.
Mike played professionally until the 1977-78 season. He returned to his hometown of Sarnia where he most recently was the owner of Healthy Paws Pet Nutrition Centre for Over 27 years.
For more on Mike McKegney, click here https://bit.ly/3ZkGhNp
Jamal Murray was born in Kitchener. While playing high school basketball at Grand River Collegiate it was clear he was a special player. He transferred to Orangeville Prep where his outstanding play got him invited to the Nike Hoop Summit in 2015. He scored 30 points in the game and was named MVP. He received scholarship offers from Kentucky, Wake Forest, Oregon Michigan State and Missouri. Jamal chose Kentucky where in his freshman season he averaged 20 points a game.
He was named to the South Eastern Conference Tournament First Team and All Freshman Team
After his freshman season he declared for the 2016 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA combine. Jamal was selected in the first round, 7th overall by the Denver Nuggets. In his rookie season he played in every game, starting in 10 of them. He was named Rookie of the month for October/November and to the all rookie second team. He’s also a member of Canada’s National Basketball team.
In 2019 Jamal returned home to unveil a basketball court he partnered with Waterloo Region Housing to create and give out school supplies he donated. In the 2020 playoffs Jamal’s strong performance including two 50 point games and an average of 31.6 points a game helped the Nuggets eliminate Utah and get to the conference final against the Lakers. He was named winner of the Sports Illustrated Break Out Award.
He was named to the South Eastern Conference Tournament First Team and All Freshman Team
After his freshman season he declared for the 2016 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA combine. Jamal was selected in the first round, 7th overall by the Denver Nuggets. In his rookie season he played in every game, starting in 10 of them. He was named Rookie of the month for October/November and to the all rookie second team. He’s also a member of Canada’s National Basketball team.
In 2019 Jamal returned home to unveil a basketball court he partnered with Waterloo Region Housing to create and give out school supplies he donated. In the 2020 playoffs Jamal’s strong performance including two 50 point games and an average of 31.6 points a game helped the Nuggets eliminate Utah and get to the conference final against the Lakers. He was named winner of the Sports Illustrated Break Out Award.
Colleen James is the first Black person elected to Region Of Waterloo Council. She received the most votes of any Councillor.
She’s the founder of Divonify who work with private and not-for-profit organizations and businesses to become more equitable and inclusive. Locally, nationally, and internationally Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion.
She earned an Honours B.A. in History, Political Science, and Caribbean Studies. Colleen also earned a Master’s Degree in Leadership, Higher, and Adult Education. She’s a graduate of Leadership Waterloo Region and currently serves on their selection committee.
In 2020 Colleen was named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch. She was named one of the Top 25 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Persons of the Year by the Canadian Multicultural Group in 2021.
At Regional Council Colleen chairs the Planning and Works Committee and serves on the Budget, Audit. Administration & Finance, Community & Health Services and Licensing & Hearing Committees.
She’s the founder of Divonify who work with private and not-for-profit organizations and businesses to become more equitable and inclusive. Locally, nationally, and internationally Colleen is a leading consultant on equity and inclusion.
She earned an Honours B.A. in History, Political Science, and Caribbean Studies. Colleen also earned a Master’s Degree in Leadership, Higher, and Adult Education. She’s a graduate of Leadership Waterloo Region and currently serves on their selection committee.
In 2020 Colleen was named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch. She was named one of the Top 25 Diversity Equity and Inclusion Persons of the Year by the Canadian Multicultural Group in 2021.
At Regional Council Colleen chairs the Planning and Works Committee and serves on the Budget, Audit. Administration & Finance, Community & Health Services and Licensing & Hearing Committees.
Dom Vallie, was born in Toronto in 2000 and raised in Kitchener. When he was 12, Dom started writing rhymes, when he was 14 he used a plug and play USB mic he received as a birthday gift to record his first song. He used the time confined to his home from a grounding from his mother to get serious about developing his music skills. He used Garage Band to create beats and loops and wrote raps to those beats and recorded them.
From there, he created his first project, Nights, which was released on Spotify in 2017. His follow up albums Vallie Girls was released in 2021 and Are We There Yet in 2022.
His career continues to rise. He's nominated for a Juno Award for Rap Single Of The Year for Been Himma. On February 16, he's performed with Tomb at THEMUSEUM in Downtown Kitchener as part of the Downtown Kitchener BIA Free Concert Series. You can visit Dom Vallie's website HERE
From there, he created his first project, Nights, which was released on Spotify in 2017. His follow up albums Vallie Girls was released in 2021 and Are We There Yet in 2022.
His career continues to rise. He's nominated for a Juno Award for Rap Single Of The Year for Been Himma. On February 16, he's performed with Tomb at THEMUSEUM in Downtown Kitchener as part of the Downtown Kitchener BIA Free Concert Series. You can visit Dom Vallie's website HERE
Master T, Tony Young.
Immigrated to Canada and Kitchener from Leeds England in 1974. He attended KCI.
An iconic show host and producer for 17 years at Much Music, he Interviewed hundreds of artists like Jennifer Lopez, Jay Z, Janet Jackson Madonna, Eminem and the did the last interview Tupac gave.
Tony also compiled the platinum selling Much DanceMix CDs
Known and appreciated across Canada for promoting positivity, unity , harmony and helping others succeed.
He’s a sought after festival, event and concert host, actor, film maker and interviewer.
Immigrated to Canada and Kitchener from Leeds England in 1974. He attended KCI.
An iconic show host and producer for 17 years at Much Music, he Interviewed hundreds of artists like Jennifer Lopez, Jay Z, Janet Jackson Madonna, Eminem and the did the last interview Tupac gave.
Tony also compiled the platinum selling Much DanceMix CDs
Known and appreciated across Canada for promoting positivity, unity , harmony and helping others succeed.
He’s a sought after festival, event and concert host, actor, film maker and interviewer.
During Black History Month in 2022 on my social media accounts, I featured black residents from Kitchener, or who represented Kitchener and make us all proud with their achievements
To learn more about Kitchener's commitment to Equity, Diversity, Anti-Racism, Indigenous Initiatives, Inclusion and Social Justice Issues, click the image below.
Lift Off By CCAWR is collaborating with members of the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of Waterloo Region and Wellington County to develop and deliver a new incubator and accelerator program for Black early-stage and growth entrepreneurs. To learn more , click the image below.
My fellow Councillor Ayo Owodunni hosts a Podcast called The Immigrant View.
Ayo and his guests share information for immigrants looking to maximize their potential in Canada.
To access his podcasts, click his image below
Ayo and his guests share information for immigrants looking to maximize their potential in Canada.
To access his podcasts, click his image below
Toronto Maple Leafs Video: There Can't Be Black Excellence Without Black Futures
To Watch, Click The Image Below
To Watch, Click The Image Below
