Official Flag Raising | February 1 - 7, 2021
On February 1, 2021 the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association and the Town of Newmarket honours the Decade with a Flag Raising Ceremony* to:
- Promote respect, protection and fulfillment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent within the Town of Newmarket.
- Promote a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of the community within the Town of Newmarket.
*Due to COVID-19 precautions, this event will be live streamed via Instagram and Facebook. In person guests by invitation only.
Click here for more information | Visit the UN Website to learn more
Virtual Reception & Celebration
February 6, 2021 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Register in advance to get Zoom link | Free
Join us for the Black History Month 2021 Reception and Virtual Celebration Program featuring live entertainment, featured guests, spoken word poetry and more! Click here to watch
Riverwalk Commons Falls Illumiation
Thursday, February 18, 2021
As dusk arrives look to the Riverwalk Commons falls to see the water beautifully illuminated in the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association colours. Click here to learn more about NACCA
Moderated Black Panel Discussion
Saturday, February 13, 2021 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | FREE| Zoom Live Event | Register to Get Your Zoom Link
Empowerment & Advocacy: Personal Resilience & Resolve
There is potential: power within each individual to resist the negative influence of oppression. Learn and grow through this remarkable panel discussion led by esteemed experts and focused on personal empowerment for the Black community.
Register here to get your Zoom Link
Meet The Panelists
Genelle Pollydore | Panelist
Genelle Pollydore is a passionate and motivated Anti-Racist Research & Practice Graduate student with a Global Health Promotion and Disease Prevention background. She is well-versed on the Social Determinants of Health, Health Inequities, Anti-Black Racism, and Community Building Strategies. Genelle has a variety of community health and Black community program experience which has heightened her passion for social change and health equity. Her goal is to facilitate community change through promoting Black health and wellness. The health of the Black community is of upmost importance to Genelle, and she continues to uplift the Black community through innovative holistic health and anti-racism initiatives that aids the Black community to reach their full potential.
The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine P.C., C.M., O.Ont., C.B.E. | Panelist
Jean Augustine made history as the first Black Woman elected to Canada’s Parliament and served from 1993-2006. Her tenure included distinguished service as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister; Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women; Chair of the International Trade Committee; and Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Her legislative successes include the historic Black History Month Motion; and the ground-breaking Famous Five Motion, which authorized the first and still the only statues on Parliament Hill depicting women - - other than Queen Elizabeth.
From 2007 to 2015, she served as Ontario’s first-ever Fairness Commissioner.
In 2008, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora was launched at York University to help advance education, equity and inclusiveness.
Also in her name are a Girls' Leadership Academy in Scarborough; a Centre for Young Women's Empowerment and a municipal park in Etobicoke; a Secondary School in Brampton, and a multi-purpose complex and district park in Vaughan.
A member of the Order of Canada and Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Jean Augustine holds honourary doctorates from the universities of McGill, Toronto, York, Windsor, Waterloo, Guelph, and Trent; and supports scholarships at Centennial College, George Brown, and Humber College.
More information at www.jeanaugustine.ca
Jerisha Grant-Hall | Moderator
Jerisha is an innovative and strategic thinker who is committed to moving our communities forward through partnerships and cooperation. Jerisha holds a Masters degree from York University and has developed specialized knowledge in the principles of race relations, equity, diversity and inclusion. She is the founder and chair of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), which is a registered nonprofit organization that is focused on building and connecting communities, supporting and strengthening Black families and businesses, and empowering Black youth. Jerisha is Chair of the Town of Newmarket Anti-Black Racism Task Force and was a member of the Steering Committee as well as the Working Group to work closely to develop the anti-Black Racism strategy for the York Region District School Board. Jerisha is deeply committed to building community and building relationships. She is a dedicated leader that is driven by the desire to eradicate racial discrimination by cultivating and promoting an inclusive environment where social harmony, mutual respect & human dignity are realized for all.
Ken Jeffers | Panelist
An African-Canadian activist with more than three decades of experience in community outreach, and the former manager of Access & Diversity at the City of Toronto. Ken has a record of building strong and lasting partnerships and working proactively and collaboratively to build safer communities.
Appointed by the Ontario Provincial Government, Ken is a Board Member of the Toronto Police Services and the Ontario Police Services.
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Jeffers came to Canada in 1969, where he carved out a career in public service. In addition to his work with the City of Toronto, he helped establish the African Canadian Legal Clinic — a non-profit legal service that fights anti-Black Racism.
Matthew Palomino | Moderator
Born in Kingston, Jamaica and educated at Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School and subsequently the University of Guelph, Matthew Palomino is the Youth Director of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association. Immigrating to Canada at age 15 with his family in 2009 he is currently enrolled in Paralegal Studies at Seneca College. After the unacceptable spate of Black deaths in Canada and the United States Matthew took it upon himself to become more active in his local black community. He has a keen interest in racial and class disparities in the legal system particularly as it relates to access to justice issues.
Author Visit & Reading - Desmond Cole
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Virtual | Free | 7 to 8:30 p.m. | Register in Advance to Get Zoom Link
Join us for a "live" and interactive author reading and Interview featuring Desmond Cole, celebrated Author of 'The Skin We Are In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power' and featuring moderator, Michael Bowe.
Register in advance | Space is limited | Register early |Sponsored by Newmarket Public Library
Upon registration, you will receive a link to participate.
Meet the Presenter Desmond Cole
Desmond Cole is a journalist, activist, and author. He has spent the last ten years reporting and commentating on politics and social justice. He is especially interested in the struggle for Black liberation within Canada. Desmond's work includes ten years of local and national news coverage, five years of radio broadcasting at Newstalk 1010, a disruptive opinion column with the Toronto Star and an award-winning magazine feature. Desmond's first book is the national #1 bestseller The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power.
