Sunday 23 July 2023
Ruth Aman
“Once upon a time….”, our favorite childhood opening statement, was said once again at Vincent Massey Park as Black History Ottawa hosted an in-person Children’s Stories in the Diaspora book reading on July 23. Featuring books written by Black authors, and celebrating African and Caribbean stories, this event had children and adults alike gripped on the edge of their seats.
A small and intimate group including community elders and newborn babies came together in the Vincent Massey Park to read books such as: ‘So Much!’ by Trish Cook, ‘Je T’aime du Fond du Cœur’ by Caroline Jayne Church, and ‘Crowning Glory’ by Louisa Ibhaze. Great community leaders such as Tarrah Mauricette of Caribbean Fit Fete and Manuela Laude of Noma Events were present and served the community further by reading books and leading the group in a dance party.
At 4pm, Joanne Robinson, a board member of Black History Ottawa, gave her warmest greetings to the audience and explained how Children’s reading is normally an event that occurs once a year via virtual streaming. However, she notes there are plans to continue it throughout the year and in-person. As a tradition that has spanned for over 20 years, this Children’s story program continues to celebrate diverse cultures and stories that are rarely focused on within society. It brings young readers and listeners into a world of hope, exploration, and pride as they can reflect on the strengths of those who have gone before them or those in the stories being read.
Denise Moore opened the program by reading the book ‘So Much!’, which is a book that highlights family, love, and joy. Manuela Laude read a short book entitled ‘Je T’aime du Fond du Cœur’ which caught the attention of both French and English speakers as it was a book read in French. Tailored towards a young audience, this book had great illustrations of children of all backgrounds being appreciated and loved on by their parents.
Other books such as MMMMM! Soup Joumou!, read by Arnold Tabaro highlighted unique aspects of Caribbean living. By learning about ‘Soup Joumou’, a traditional Haitian meal, listeners learned that meals are beyond food, but rather represent heritage, identity and so much more. He shared his own experience with Soup Joumou by stating that every 1st of January he only looks forward to eating a big delicious bowl of the traditional soup.
The book read in closing, ‘Crowning Glory: A History of African Hair Tradition’ was read by none other than Louisa Ibhaze, the author of the book, and founder of the Ottawa Black Book Club. This book showed the different hairstyles that crown the heads of many black men and women. From styles such as Bantu knots to cornrows and afros, the book gave a brief history on the traditions of these hairstyles. Readers learned that many of these hairstyles that may be deemed as ‘traditional’ or ‘unfit for society’ were actually symbols of royalty and high-class in ancient African kingdoms and civilizations.
Following the readings, Tarrah Mauricette approached the stage with an engaging activity for the audience. She played one of her favorite songs, ‘Sun is Shining’ by Bob Marley & the Wailers, and got the group up to dance their best dance moves. Everyone laughed and danced while drums played on by the Friendly Furry mate who had stopped by in on the reading. After this, the Friendly Furry mate led the group in a rendition of the Alphabet song inspired by Reggae beats. Balloon animals were also made for those who desired!
This event was surely a blast as everyone of all ages participated and enjoyed the stories being shared.
Check out this link on the Black History Ottawa’s Facebook page to see a recap video: