The National Music Centre (NMC) in Calgary marked the beginning of Black History Month with an inspiring and dynamic celebration that brought together the city's Black artists, musicians, and community leaders. The event, held on Saturday, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation through protection, sharing, and education.
A Day of Music, Fashion, and Community Dialogue
The full-day festivities featured an array of engaging activities designed to honor Black heritage and creativity. Attendees enjoyed live musical performances, a vibrant fashion show, and a thought-provoking panel discussion with three distinguished community members. Additionally, local vendors showcased their products, and a short documentary highlighted the legacy of Jean Augustine, the trailblazing first Black woman in Canadian Parliament who championed the recognition of Black History Month three decades ago.
Celebrating Black Brilliance Across Generations
Stephanie Hutchinson, NMC's Director of Programs, emphasized the center's commitment to celebrating Canada's diverse cultural mosaic, particularly through music. "I firmly believe that Black music is foundational to many contemporary music forms we know today," Hutchinson stated. "Celebrating Black History Month through music is crucial for us, as music uniquely brings communities together."
This year's event aligned with the Canadian government's Black History Month theme: "Honoring Black brilliance across generations, from nation builders to tomorrow's visionaries." Hutchinson noted that the programming thoughtfully wove this theme throughout the day's activities.
Collaboration and Curation with Master T
The NMC collaborated with renowned TV and radio personality Master T, famous for his earlier role as a VJ at MuchMusic, to curate the event's program. Hutchinson estimated that over 500 people took advantage of the free admission to participate in the celebrations, describing the gathering as "a true celebration and a coming-together of community."
Panelists Reflect Theme of Intergenerational Excellence
The panel discussion featured three notable individuals who embodied the event's theme:
- Cheryl Foggo, an acclaimed author and playwright
- Allison McDonald, a respected community leader
- Xavier Morain, a youth mentor and advocate
Morain, a sociology student at Mount Royal University with aspirations for law school and potentially politics, shared his personal journey. "With law, I feel I could fight for things that matter to me," he explained. "Anything I can do to be there for people and use my gifts, I'll do."
His experiences growing up, including struggles with identity and the positive influence of role models, led him to youth mentorship and public speaking. Morain expressed admiration for today's youth, noting their passion and the expanded opportunities available to them compared to his own adolescence.
The Importance of Cultural Preservation and Sharing
The event underscored a fundamental truth: culture cannot be preserved without active protection, sharing, and teaching. Through music, dialogue, and artistic expression, the National Music Centre provided a platform for these essential activities, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Black contributions to Canadian society.
By creating spaces where community can gather, celebrate, and learn, institutions like the NMC play a vital role in ensuring that cultural heritage remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.
