Saturday 31 August 2024
Over 200 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Ottawa, were with family and friends, at the Billings Estate on Cabot Street to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the country’s independence. Among the distinguished guests were MP for Nepean, Chandra Arya; Senator Bernadette Clement; Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, High Commission for Trinidad and Tobago, Joanne Alfred; President, Black History Ottawa, June Girvan; President, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association Suzette Small-Weekes; President, Flo’s Seniors, Joanne Robinson; President, Barbados Association of Ottawa, Jacqui Dixon; and Program Coordinator, Ottawa Golden Oldies Black Seniors’ Club, Godwin Ifedi. Under the leadership of TTAO President Ingrid John-Baptiste, the program included scholarship awards to four outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, good music, delicious food, music, dance and happy comradeship. Black Ottawa Scene was there to bring you pics from this joyful event.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PRESENTAIONS:
Présenter : Andrew Williams, Treasurer TTAO, Member of the TTAO Scholarsip Committee
KANIEL JOSEPH:
C.L.R. JAMES SCHOLARSHIP
Kaniel Joseph is a second generation Canadian whose lineage originates in Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.
In March of 2019, he and his family visited Trinidad. This gave him the opportunity to become familiar with the culture of Trinidad. And Tobago. He visited his grandmother and other family members. The vacation allowed him to understand and appreciate his family’s culture when it came to the food, clothing, music. And most notably, weather. Kaniel says , that vacation is an experience is one that he will never forget and forever appreciate. As it was his introduction to the culture of his family.
With regard to his academic achievements, Kaniel has consistently made the honor role throughout his high school career and received his B1 in French, which officially names him as bi-linguaI.
He has played Basketball and Football for his high school and other competitive clubs.
Présenter : Joycelyn Francois, Member TTAO Scholarship Committee
ANASTASIA NOEL:
DR. SADE FRANCOIS SCHOLARSHIP FOR YOUNG BLACK WOMEN:
Anastasia Noel, is a Trinidad and Tobago national presently pursuing a diploma in photography studies at Algonquin College. She obtained the Level 1 and Level 2 Certification in Photography at the University of the West Indies.
She was heavily involved in track and field and in 2017 was the National Association for Amateur Athletics (NAAA) Bronze Medalists in the 60m Hurdles. and in 2019 was awarded the Abilene Wildcats Athletics Club Best Under 17 Female Athlete.
Anastasia is passionate about hairdressing and events decoration.
She considers herself a well-rounded individual who aspires to specialize in Forensic Photograhy.
Présenter : Ingrid John-Baptiste , Co-Chair TTAO Scholarship Committee
ELLIE BOUZI-LARYEA:
The WALKER FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
Ellie Bouzi Laryea is an Ontario Scholar and undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, where she is double majoring in Sociology and Health Studies with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She serves as an Education & Outreach Director of the university’s Black Students’ Association and is the Second-Year Coordinator with the Women and Gender Studies Student Association. Ellie also contributes to the Toronto Youth Cabinet’s urban health working group, aiming to enhance health outcomes for city youth. As an aspiring educator, she is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Présenter : Senator Bernadette Clement
CHRISTINA CHARLES
A.T. TOLLEY AFRO-CARIBBEAN FEMALE SCHOLARSHIP
Christina is a PhD Candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ottawa, studying language development and disorders. Her curiosity is currently piqued by the language ideologies held by multilingual young adults in the Ottawa area. As a Black woman and second-generation immigrant, with roots in Trinidad and Scotland/Ireland, Christina brings a racially-inclusive lens to her many commitments on campus. She was a member of the Student Experience Working Group of the Action Committee on Anti-Racism and Inclusion at the University of Ottawa.
Christina works part-time as the Data Lead at a Black woman-led local consultancy who use an equity lens to find radical solutions to organizations’ biggest challenges. Her busy schedule includes completion of her data analyses and writing her thesis, all while supervising students, guest lecturing, giving conference presentations, and staying engaged in multiple research projects.
Présenter : Dianna Pierre, Co-Chair TTAO Scholarship Committee
KEISHA CUFFIE :
A.T. TOLLEY AFRO-CARIBBEAN FEMALE SCHOLARSHIP
Keisha Cuffie is a proud daughter of Trinidad and Tobago, an author, public speaker, and curator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in politics and Critical Race Studies and will be pursuing a Master’s and a Graduate Diploma in Curatorial Studies at Carleton University in September 2024.
Keisha made history as the first Black employee at Upper Canada Village (UCV), where she was hired as the Black History Program Coordinator. In 2022, she began co-curating UCV’s first permanent Black History exhibit and in 2024, organized the first Emancipation Day event hosted by the village.
To date, she has authored two books, the first is: D is for Dazzling/D pour Diamant. Her second book, The Time Keepers/Les Gardiens du Temps, is the first in a historical fiction series based on Emancipation Day, inspired by real individuals and events, highlighting the history and contributions of Black communities in Canada.
In 2024, Keisha founded the Afro Adventure Club, a not-for-profit, French-focused organization that empowers children and youth through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
