Saturday 25 February 2023
Africa Day Gala 2023 – African Canadian Association of Ottawa celebrates Black History Month
Resilient Africa Rising!
By Joy Osiagwu
The OCAC Multipurpose building in Ottawa was agog with festivities on Saturday, February 25th, as Africans and friends of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO) came out en masse to celebrate the famous annual Africa Day on the Hill.
A cross-section of guests at the event
It was not a surprise to see the colorful guests and members of the Association; after all, it was the first after a long break due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
L-R: Peggy Civil, Erich Sarah, and Yvette Ashiri, a community, and good governance advocate
Eric Sarah and Peggy Civil, the masters of ceremony, warmly welcomed guests and took them through a fashion show displaying the rich traditional attires of the continent.
Models on parade with fabrics from Africa.
The President of the ACAO, Mr. John Adeyefa, commended the African community for their resiliency throughout the Pandemic. He noted that though disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the African community played a significant role, as many members who are frontline workers and health practitioners were in the line of duty throughout the season.
Mr. John Adeyefa, President, of ACAO delivered a speech.
Adeyefa also highlighted the activities of the ACAO during the period in the community, such as food supply to the less privileged through the food bank drive, caring for seniors, and pulling together to address mental health issues resulting from the effect of the pandemic.
Rich artifacts from the African continent were on display at the event.
A significant highlight of the period under review was the success story of the African Hockey Association (AHA). He said AHA is a community-led response to diversity in hockey. These initiatives by the Association are anchored on the core values of empathy, equity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Isokan Yoruba Ottawa dance troupe on stage at the event.
The guests watched a display of cultural performances from various parts of the African Continent by members of the Association.
Eric Sarah and group on the drums to the admiration of guests
A collage of performers at the show
In the spirit of the celebration and maintaining good health in the community, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) quickly reminded the people of the importance of knowing their HIV status. Haoua Inoua, the Manager of Education and Prevention at the ACO had the one-minute HIV Self-testing kit on location for people to take home for the test.
Haoua Inoua of ACO gave a short talk on getting tested.
HIV Self-Test Kits on display at the event.
The Executive Director of ACAO, Mr. Hector Addison, and some special guests presented the Legacy Builder Award to deserving members for their meritorious contributions to the African community.
Hector Addison and guests Presented awards to recipients.
The editor of the Black Ottawa Scene, Mr. Godwin Ifedi, was a recipient of the legacy award. Mrs. Bernadette Ojiaku received the award on his behalf.
Mrs. Bernadette Ojiaku received the award on behalf of Mr. Godwin Ifedi.
“Resilient Africa Rising” was the theme of the 2023 celebration.
The ACAO was founded in 2016 as an umbrella organization to promote African Canadians’ social, economic, and cultural well-being in Ottawa.
Members of Isokan Yoruba Ottawa posing for the cameras before their stage performance.
The executives work hard to minimize systemic racism and discrimination through relevant initiatives and community-tailored programs.
For more info on the African Canadian Association of Ottawa, visit:
African Canadian Association of Ottawa – Impacting Communities Changing Destinies (acaottawa.org)
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Joy Osiagwu is a Project Officer with Black History Ottawa. She has over two decades of experience as a broadcast journalist in Nigeria and North America. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Cumbria in the United Kingdom, plus a post-graduate diploma in Broadcast Performing Arts from the Columbia Academy, Vancouver, British Columbia.