Culture

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Jon Sarpong
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Jon Sarpong writes about our city's cultural diversity.

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Many cultures set to celebrate a new year

December 27, 2007 12:45 PM
 
 
Community Service. Three awards are given out in each category, and each winner receives both a plaque of recognition and a monetary scholarship. The keynote speaker for this year's event will be Sister Evanne Hunter, Canadian Regional Leader at the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who will be speaking about the United Nations and youth related topics. For more information on scheduling and admission, please call 416-292-9293 or e-mail info@cccyc.com.

From 1850 to 1860, Toronto's growing population included a substantial number of Black citizens, some of whom were freeborn, and others who had escaped slavery or were avoiding re-capture in the States. In fact, Toronto's multicultural make-up in the 19th century was well recognized by the city's inhabitants, including resident Benjamin Drew who in 1855 remarked:

"Many of the colored people own the houses in which they dwell, and some have acquired valuable estates. Their condition is such as � to afford encouragement to the friends of emancipation everywhere�"

In recognition of this long forgotten legacy, Toronto's historic Mackenzie House (named after Toronto's first mayor) located at 82 Bond Street, will present the exhibit A Glimpse of Black Life in Victorian Toronto, 1850 to 1860 (Saturdays/Sundays - Noon to 5 p.m. throughout February). The feature explores the experience of Black settlers, who with their marketable skills quickly became respected, successful members of the city's civic, business and cultural communities. This exhibit brings to life a dynamic decade in the history of Toronto's Black citizens and offers a glimpse of the fascinating story of their participation in the city's development. For more information e-mail machouse@toronto.ca.

For over 30 years, The Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and its Artistic Director, Menaka Thakkar, have built a reputation for artistic excellence, presenting works that are visually spectacular and infused with drama. From Friday, February 15 to Sunday, February 17, 2008 at Harbourfront's Premiere Dance Theatre (207 Queens Quay West 3rd floor) the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company will present Nritya Sandhya, a spectacular display of dance and performance. As Canada's oldest Indian dance company, the company exposes audiences to the stunning beauty of traditional Indian dance, while reflecting other cultures in their creation of new works. Inspired by many choreographic styles, the company reinterprets ancient themes, bridging them with more contemporary concepts. To purchase tickets or for scheduling information visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

Jon Sarpong is an Etobicoke resident and the diversity officer at Durham College and UOIT. He has a special interest and expertise in issues pertaining to ethnocultural issues. Contact Jon by e-mailing him at jsarpong@hotmail.com.