African Canadian Association of Ottawa’s 2024 Black History Month gala
by Fubara Okujagu
Saturday 10 February 2024
Despite my wife and I having lived in Ottawa, Ontario for over 9 and 14 years respectively, we had never heard of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa until our non-African friends invited us to attend their gala event. Either my friends are more invested than we are in the African community or, the ACAO needs a more targeted marketing strategy. Nonetheless, we were delighted to dress up and show up to the event entitled African Day on the Hill (ADOTH) 2024. The event was all about celebrating African culture, African diversity, and conversely its unity. The gala was held on February 10, 2024 at the Collège La Cité campus Building in the East end of Ottawa.
There was a check in area just inside the doors and just beyond that, some of the event’s sponsors had set up displays to advertise their products. A photo and interview booth rounded up the welcome for the event. Inside the main hall were a sea of tables adorned with Africans, Canadians and a group Colombians who participated in the cultural exhibitions. The Gala was emceed by John and Peggy the respective English and French speaking due who guided the sometimes-askew program through the night. The welcome message was delivered by the President of ACAO, John Adeyefa who highlighted some of the work being done by the association. Amongst the notable VIPs in attendance were, Head of Chancery of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the city of Ottawa Police Chief and the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Greg Fergus.
The hall was packed with Africans from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean and many in between. They came decked out in their most colourful traditional clothes. My wife and I luckily opted for our traditional clothing to support the event which was pretty affordable at $30 per person. The food was served somewhat late for my liking and although the lines moved quickly, there could have been a better option for food distribution. I will readily acknowledge that; the chicken was sinfully delicious and the caterer should be invited back next year.
The night’s performances ranged from pretty good to Just okay. Richard Best of Ghana did his best rendition of the Black History Month anthem while Vee Leconte did an excellent bilingual rendition of the Canadian National anthem. Interspersed in between speeches were various cultural displays. The Itetero Group by youthful Rwandans, the Spoken Work by Deborah Senyange, Dancing by the Uganda Ngoma Troupe, singing by Miss Nino, more of Richard Best and a fashion parade.
The night officially rounded up some time after 11 pm with acknowledgements to and from the Chief of Police who managed to squeeze in a recruiting pitch for his organization. There was also a quick and final dance from some youths. I for my part will keep an eye out for succeeding events and hope to play a more intricate role in the future of the Association.
Fubara Okujagu emigrated to Canada from Nigeria in 2010 and now calls Ottawa home. He works with the Federal Government Public Service and sometimes publishes articles on diverse interests.