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In a vibrant celebration of resilience and empowerment, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is set to mark this year’s Black History Month with the theme, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”: Telling Our Story, Writing Our History. This compelling theme encapsulates the spirit of determination and triumph that characterizes the African diaspora’s journey.
Central to the festivities is the collaboration with Sacred Heart Catholic High School (CHS), where seven talented young artists will be showcasing their creations. The artworks span diverse mediums, including photography, digital media, paintings, and drawings. This collaboration highlights the rich tapestry of artistic expression within the community and serves as a testament to the power of storytelling through various visual forms.
The theme, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” resonates strongly with the shared history of the African diaspora, emphasizing overcoming obstacles and the continual progress toward a brighter future. By choosing this theme, NACCA aims to inspire and empower individuals to embrace their narratives, recognizing the importance of telling their stories authentically and unapologetically.
The involvement of Sacred Heart CHS’s young artists adds a dynamic and fresh perspective to the celebration. The diverse range of artistic expressions, from the nuanced lens of photography to the limitless possibilities of digital media and the vivid strokes of paintings and drawings, reflects the multifaceted nature of the African and Caribbean heritage.
This collaboration provides a platform for these young artists to showcase their talents and establishes the groundwork for an annual tradition. By fostering a connection between education and cultural expression during Black History Month, the hope is to instill a sense of pride and creative freedom among students.
The initiative aligns with the broader goal of NACCA to create a lasting impact within the community. By intertwining the celebration of Black History Month with the creativity of young minds, a tradition is set to unfold, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.
As we delve into the narratives of the past, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association and Sacred Heart CHS invite the community to join them in celebrating the richness of their heritage. This collaboration not only honours the journey of the African diaspora but also serves as a catalyst for future generations to continue telling their stories with unwavering determination.
This exhibit will open on February 3rd at Newmarket’s Old Town Hall and will close on the 29th. We all hope to see you there!
Participating Students
Artists: Josh Kusema, K’zhae McKenzie & Deyano Smith (Gr. 11 Comprehensive Photography)
Medium: Inkjet on Archival Paper
Artist’s Statement:
This photo series aims to acknowledge and celebrate Black excellence, focusing on the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA). The approach involved capturing three headshots from various angles, each showcasing distinct outfits. The intention was to highlight the diversity among Black individuals, emphasizing differences in build and background while underscoring the shared experience of grappling with stereotypes.
The decision to present the photos akin to mugshots serves to draw attention to the unjust incarceration and racial bias faced by many Black individuals. Aligning with the theme “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” the project seeks to convey resilience by accepting and confronting the historical racism endured, affirming that Black communities embody their past and present, with an eye toward a future marked by acceptance and inclusion.
While acknowledging the prevalent challenges of stereotyping and racism, the project asserts a commitment to breaking free from the shadows of a tumultuous history. The initiative focuses on fostering a brighter future characterized by widespread acceptance and openness. The narrative recognizes Black individuals’ constant struggle to navigate a society where they often feel judged publicly.
In solidarity against racism and stereotyping, the project extends its hopes for liberation from the burdens that afflict Black individuals and people of all races.
Artists: Gabrielle Igbeyi (Gr. 10 iRAP Media Arts)
Medium: Inkjet on Archival Paper
Artist’s Statement:
The intention of my skateboard design was not to show a hyper-feminine, super-exaggerated image of a queer person/person of colour because I thought that would be a bit redundant. I aimed to make more of a “free” design where it’s not aimed at a specific group of people but is still able to empower. The skate community is currently very exclusive and not very open to people who are “different” and don’t confine themselves to these values, so instead of highlighting this difference and putting them in another box of one or two specific characteristics, I chose to make a design that can be used to represent any person of any background or orientation and can express a diverse view and community. The statue represents the person withstanding all the negativity in the environment and continuing to thrive and stand strong.
Artists: Mikayla Lawrence (Gr. 12 iRAP Visual Arts)
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Board
Artist’s Statement:
First and foremost, my motivation and reasoning behind this painting was the inspiration of Jean-Michel Basquiat and his use of bright colours, free brush strokes and styling. The piece is a self-portrait of my inner self, my self without my physical form, the essence of my being as a whole. The black avatar, front and center, is the soul of the human being; what is left when you look within people to see what’s left to show that we all, at the end of the day, are one. The figure’s mind and torso are open, showing the red and dark void that we all try to desperately fill with all our wants and desires that we come across as we get older; it’s a gash that most people will never be able to close; and for me, I see no future where I am ever truly fulfilled, but I still shall experience the colours of the world around me, the textures and cacophony of sound and colour that awaits me as I begin my journey into independency; and though my mind and heart will most likely never tire of its desires, I hope to see a day where my inner self can feel fulfilled and content with the things it has gained.
Artists: Gracie Bama (Gr. 10 Comprehensive Visual Arts)
Medium: Mixed Media
Artist’s Statement:
I used my art to represent the youth, the future, and African culture. The images in the center show excellence worldwide.
I used gold accents to represent the richness of our cultures. The colour and pattern on the scarf are significant in representing the ocean. Starting with our journey from our homeland to the Americas. Then to represent how we are still one united race despite the oceans between us. In African culture, water is a source of life, an instrument of purification and regeneration, which ties in with what we’re doing as a community. Healing the wounds and trauma and letting through greatness take over what used to be.
I wanted to show off dreadlocks because of their history of being perceived as dirty. It isn’t, nor is it ghetto. We shouldn’t need to get rid of them to fit into standards.
