Date of Publication: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Thursday 29 May 2025
The Ottawa Public Library Gloucester branch on Oglivie Road was abuzz last Thursday as over twenty Black teenaged students assembled for a unique event featuring four Black seniors, in an event titled “Seniors’ Tales at Sunset” (STAS). Organized and hosted by Emerging Lives Initiative, a community based youth centred organization led by Executive Director Ifeoma Okonji, the evening provided an opportunity for the elders to share their life experiences with the youth. John Adeyefa, President of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa; Jamaican-born Dervis Gaskin; Nigerian-born self published author Sir Reuben Egbunonu; and Godwin Ifedi, Editor of Black Ottawa Scene, were there in person to share their lived experience from the growing up years in their respective home countries, to their journey to and eventual settlement in Canada. Under the guidance of MC Henry Leger, the youth took the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the challenges each of the elders faced during their sojourn in Canada. The evening was rounded off with a splendid dinner provided by Chichi’s Restaurant.
For more info on Emerging Lives Initiative visit: Emerging Lives Initiative
