More than 50 years ago Martin Luther King Jr. shared his dream of equality and brotherhood.
Although his speech was made in Washington, his message spread beyond the borders of the United States to the world. He talked about coming together and sharing, gaining an understanding of the similarities among people of all races.
It’s a sentiment Shalema Gantt, founder and president of the Nanaimo African Heritage Society, agrees with.
“We are so much more alike than we are different. We are human beings first,” she said. “Can’t we just be people?”
Gantt is inviting Nanaimo residents to celebrate Black History Month with the Nanaimo African Heritage Society this February.
The society is hosting a number of events throughout the month to celebrate the occasion and share information about black pioneers and their contribution to the community and Canada.
Gantt said there are black writers, doctors, scientists and more and this is an opportunity to educate people about their contributions. It’s also an opportunity to help break down stigmas and barriers, said Gantt.
“I just want the whole community to know everyone is invited to bring families and friends and celebrate black history with us,” said Gantt.
Gantt says people in the community ask her if the Black History Month events include them. She said it includes “everyone around the world.” The events also cover a wide range of racially diverse backgrounds.
“For me it’s an opportunity for me to know about other cultures. My ancestors were taken away from Africa many, many moons ago, but I get to embrace their culture,” she said.
It’s about sharing experiences through art, music and dialogue. It’s about celebrating and embracing the diverse cultures and experiences that created this community, said Gantt.
The grand opening ceremony is Friday (Feb. 12) from 2-4 p.m. at the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library. Admission is free. It features acoustic guitarist Daniel Gerrard.
The Nostalgia Jazz and Gospel Concert is Feb. 21 at the Brechin United Church, located at 1998 Estevan Rd. The concert features performances by Maureen Washington and Gina Williams.
Doors open at 2 p.m. for the exhibit and vendors and the concert begins at 3 p.m.
Black History Month celebrations come to a close with the grand finale dinner and dance Feb. 27 at Bowen Park.
Ezra Kwizera headlines the event. Kwizera performed during Nanaimo’s Black History Month in 2013 and Gantt said they brought him back this year because he was such a popular performer at the event. Kwizera, originally from Rwanda, grew up as a refugee in Uganda, and now lives in B.C.
Kwizera fuses a variety of ethnic styles such as reggae, soca, East African bongo and more. He also sings and raps in English, Kinyarwanda, Zulu, Swahili and Luganda.
The gala also features performances by spoken word poet and actor Adelene da Soul Poet, a.k.a. Bertha Clark, and performance poet Valerie Mason-John.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for admittance to view visual artists and vendor tables and the dinner starts at 7 p.m. Partial proceeds are being donated to help refugees moving to the Nanaimo community.
Tickets are available at Fascinating Rhythm, Arbutus Music or by calling 250-754-8550.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
GRAND OPENING CEREMONY at the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library Feb. 12, 2-4 p.m. Features an opening speech by Shalema Gantt, founder and president of the Nanaimo African Heritage Society. Entertainment provided by international acoustic guitarist Daniel Gerrard. Admission is free.
NOSTALGIA JAZZ and Gospel Concert Feb. 21 at Brechin United Church, located at 1998 Estevan Rd. Doors for exhibits and vendors open at 2 p.m. Concert starts at 3 p.m. Features vocalist Gina Williams, Maureen Washington and her jazz combo and the Watoto Fusion Dancers. Tickets $25, or $12 for children under 13, available at Arbutus Music and Fascinating Rhythm or call 250-754-8550.
FINALE DINNER DANCE GALA presented by the Nanaimo African Heritage Society to celebrate Black History Month is being held at Bowen Park Feb. 27. Doors open at 5 p.m. Features performances by Ezra Kwizera and his band, Valerie Mason-John and Adelene da Soul Poet, a.k.a. Bertha Clark. Tickets $40, or $20 for children under 13, available at Arbutus Music, Fascinating Rhythm or call 250-754-8550.
NANAIMO AFRICAN HERITAGE Society was formed to promote and share African heritage in the community with diverse groups of people. It also aims at providing cultural and recreational opportunities for positive social interactions. It welcomes people from all backgrounds to become members and attend events. For more information please go to www.nanaimoafricanheritagesociety.com or call 250-729-9332.
