Louis March Remembered as a ‘Great Soldier’ and a ‘Torchbearer’

By Neil Armstrong

Photo contributed     Louis March, founder of the Zero Gun Violence Movement, speaking at an event.

There are many epithets being used to describe the late community stalwart Louis March, 68, who died at Sunnybrook Hospital on July 20 after a brief illness. They include “a great soldier,” “a torchbearer,” “a very committed, kind, passionate, Afrocentric and tireless leader,” and “an advocate for youth.” 

But March, who was born on August 1, 1955, in England and spent part of his childhood living in Spanish Town, Jamaica, and attending St. Jago High School before coming to Canada in his early teens, was so much more in the eyes of those who knew him.

For over 30 years, he volunteered in the African Canadian community, focusing on social justice and youth advocacy in organizations including the African Canadian Heritage Association (ACHA), Young and Potential Fathers, now Ujima Fathering Centres, the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride committee, and Black Students Union, George Brown College.

Having previously worked in the financial services industry, he graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson University, in the public administration and governance program in 2017 and pursued further studies there in 2018. 

In 2013, March founded the Zero Gun Violence Movement (ZGVM), a collaboration of 40-plus GTA organizations, agencies and programs, addressing structural and socio-economic conditions contributing to gun violence.

Working in a volunteer capacity, he was the director initiative to reduce gun violence in the city.

“The intention is to help build healthier communities for all, and ultimately save lives via a city-wide collaboration of organizations, agencies and programs. I have decided to put my professional business career on hold, so that I can dedicate my full attention to the ZGVM,” said March on his LinkedIn profile.

Dwe, an artist and a friend of over 40 years, met March in the 1980s when they both worked in the financial services. Over the years, their families followed a similar path of moving from apartment to apartment until they bought their homes. Dwe and March were even on the same basement team, Ashanti Gold.

He said March was one of the first to buy his paintings. “We hung out at Louis’s basement every Friday for over ten years straight, that was the meeting place,” said Dwe, noting that they discussed every possible topic at these sessions.

Describing March’s house as being like a museum and library celebrating Black culture, he said they often discussed their philosophy that children learn through play so adults who could afford to go to school should learn through socializing. As a result, a game of dominoes became a roundtable discussion, and they exchanged many books because March insisted that everybody should read. 

“We’ve lost a great soldier; he’s going to be missed. It’s going to be hard for anyone to fill that slot. He was dedicated 250% to what he was doing.”

Dwe said Black children needed reassurance that they can achieve greatness and March constantly provided that in the community.

“Somebody had to pick up the torch and go with it and that man was Louis. He marched in the right direction for us and it’s up to us now to keep marching in that direction.”

Nzinga Walker, a neighbour and close friend of the family, said March was a tireless leader who was determined to pursue the things he believed in, but she also knew him as a family man who looked out for others, and their families would have dinners together.

“He was a very kind person, when he saw the opportunity to fulfill a need he didn’t hesitate if that’s something he had the ability to do,” Walker said, noting that they always engaged in robust political discussions and had strong differing views on many occasions but always centred the community. 

Adisa Oji, chief of Mother Africa's Children Photographic Reproductions International (MACPRI) and founder of the Made in Africa Awards movement, who is based in Ghana, said among the final things they both shared before March was hospitalized was the support of Zero Gun Violence Movement for his work in Ghana.

March purchased red, black and green (RBG) products for gift giving, supported its flag fundraiser production campaign, and sponsored an associated venture.

“My love for Brother Louis is eternal. There were times I was flat broke, no money for the next day. And I would reach out to Brother Louis and on the dime, he would say something like put together a $200 package for me.”

Oji said it was never about the money, but it was March’s heart that touched him. “When I heard the news, I sobbed—not because I was sad—but because of the tenderness of our relationship. It is still real, journey well Big Brother Louis and as his parting words often in or regular voice and text messages [say]: ‘We still have a lot of work to do.’”

Louis March addressing those gathered for the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride at Union Station

A section of the crowd gathered at the annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride. On July 31, 2024, at 10:00 p.m. everyone will be gathered at Union Station to make the journey to Downsview Park subway. It wraps up at 12:30 a.m. on August 1, Emancipation Day.

Community advocate Kofi Sankofa described March as a Pan Africanist, Garveyite, community builder and mobilizer.

“In my last conversation with Baba Louis, he wanted to get Sankofa birds to award community leaders at the upcoming Underground Freedom Train Ride, July 31-August 1. He also wanted to unify various community organizations. Baba Louis March was always bringing community together. He was our historian and community elder. We will continue your work and be inspired every time your name is called as our ancestor,” he said.

Blackhurst Cultural Centre, organizer of the annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride with which March played a major role, posted on its Facebook page: “It was a privilege to have walked with Louis in this life. Sending lots of love to the family at this time. Louis carved out a big place in our hearts and in the City of Toronto. May his spirit forever live in our stories and memories.” It will hold an event to honour him at the Centre on July 26.

Dave D’Oyen, a student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University, organized an Emancipation Day March in Toronto on August 1, 2020, which Louis March championed.

“Brother Louis is one of my biggest supporters, in advocacy and in education. When I was worried about the turnout for the Emancipation Day March, he would say, “No matter who turns up, even if it’s 10, we will march like 10,000.” He readily shared information about scholarships to ensure I had funding for my legal studies. He would remind me I am one of his biggest investments. Brother Louis has served young people, Jamaicans and the wider Black community, and this country well. He saved many souls, and his legacy requires that we continue his work.”

Michael Charles, a former president of ACHA, said March always found time to create a balance between his family and the community.

“He was a very loving man, love for his family was paramount, to his son, to his wife, and to his extended family,” Charles said, noting that March’s work for the African community was his lifework.

Lindis Collins-Bacchus, a member of ACHA, said March was always very committed and was their communications person who went all over Toronto.

“He used to bring a lot of people to the program because he was out and about even before Zero Gun Violence. People already knew Louis very well, but he also seemed to have a bigger agenda. He actually found his niche in the Zero Gun Violence, I think, because he loved helping young people and got more and more committed to helping the young people who were in trouble.”

Collins-Bacchus said March would always purchase merchandise from vendors at events to support them whether he needed the items or not.

She said March was a dedicated Garveyite, strong in his Afrocentricity, and a great financial person. ACHA has never forgotten the professionalism he demonstrated in managing the funds of the 55-year-old organization — something she said has contributed to the longevity of the organization. March left a good management history and legacy with the program.

March is survived by his wife, Wendie; son, Troy, his two brothers Adrian and Trevor, and his 91-year-old mother, Alecia March-Aitcheson. 

Plans are being made to have two events: a private funeral attended by the family, and a community celebration of thanksgiving — an “aseda” (meaning gratitude in the Twi language) — to be held on Sunday, August 25, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto. Registration details are on Eventbrite.

On July 26, Blackhurst Cultural Centre held an evening of remembering March which saw an overflow of community members, an outpouring of love, and insightful and jocular heartful tributes to the late community advocate. 

A section of the gathering at Blackhurst Cultural Centre on July 26, 2024

The Louis March Tribute event at Blackhurst Cultural Centre on July 26, 2024

 

 

Photo credit: Sophia Findlay     Louis March and Neil Armstrong at the launch of the book, Welcome to Blackhurst, at Blackhurst Cultural Centre

 

 

Some Upcoming 2024 Events and Festivals in the Greater Toronto Area

Compiled by Neil Armstrong

Blockorama, Pride Toronto's longest running and largest stage representing the African, Black and Caribbean LGBTQ community. 

Pride Toronto Festival – Pride Month (June). Pride Festival Weekend- June 28-30. Check out Blocko After Dark and Blockorama organized by Blackness Yes! Wellesley Parking Lot, Toronto on June 29 & 30.https://www.pridetoronto.com/festival-about-page/

Toronto International Storytelling Festival 2024 (Sunday, June 9 - Monday, June 17)—https://storytellingtoronto.org/festival/

Toronto Caribbean Carnival – Official Launch at Scarborough Town Centre on June 15, 2024. Other events from (July 14 - August 4)—https://www.torontocarnival.ca/toronto-carnival-events

Toronto Fringe Festival (July 3-14). https://fringetoronto.com

AFROFEST (July 5-7), Woodbine Park, Toronto. https://www.afrofest.ca

Taste of Lawrence (July 5-7). A 3-day food and cultural festival that takes place in the Wexford Heights BIA. https://festivalstoronto.com/events/taste-of-lawrence/

Salsa on St.Clair (July 6&7). St. Clair Ave. West between Winona Rd. and Christie St. Saturday: noon-10pm/Sunday: noon-8:30pm.

Regent Park Film Festival in the big park in Regent Park. (July 10, 17&24). https://rpff.ca

The annual Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride, starting at Union Station and ending at Downsview station. 

Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride (July 31). Union Station to Downsview Station. https://blackhurstcc.org Check their social media pages for updates.

Island Soul, 26^th edition, at the Harbourfront Centre. (August 1-5). https://harbourfrontcentre.com/series/island-soul/

2024 SummerWorks Performance Festival (August 1-11). http://summerworks.ca

JAMBANA One World Festival, (Monday, August 5), Chinguacousy Park in Brampton. https://jambana.com

Blockobana organized by Blackness Yes! (Sunday, August 4), Stackt Market, Toronto. https://blockorama.ca/blockobana/

Jerkfest Toronto (August 9-11), Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road, Toronto. https://www.jerkfestival.ca

Rastafest, Canada’s largest celebration of Rastafari heritage (August 15-17). Rastafest in Little Jamaica and the 7^thAnnual Canadian Reggae Music Conference. https://rastafest.tv

Jamaica Day Family, Food and Music Festival (August 24-25). Brampton Sports Park. https://torontojamaicaday.com

13^th annual Afro-Carib Fest (August 24-25). Thomson Memorial Park, Scarborough. https://afrocaribfestival.com

 

 

  

Roger McTair Remembered as the Consummate Creative Person at Memorial

By Neil Armstrong

Photo installation of Roger McTair at a memorial held at The Theatre Centre in Toronto

Yesterday, the Franco Boni Theatre, Gallery, and Cafe of The Theatre Centre on Queen St. West in Toronto were filled with people who knew and loved the late filmmaker, poet, author, columnist, aesthete, and teacher Roger McTair. The evening was one of libation, tributes, songs, music, readings, and ole talk. Those on the programme included Jesse Ryan on sax; Kemba Byam, libation; Danae Peart, land acknowledgment; tributes from James Cullingham, Carl James, Alexander Francis, Rita Cox, Joe & Bell Jacobs, John & Gail Campbell, Sam Lewis, Herman Silochan, and AnnMarie Roberts; readings by Alison Isaac, Ramabai Espinet, and Dionyse McTair; and a song by Tuku Matthews. Danilo McCallum did live painting on stage, Ian Kamau’s photo installation was in the Gallery, and sorrel, sweet potato pudding/pone, doubles, and vegetables were among the refreshments. 

 

Roger was definitely celebrated in this space which included his urn flanked by candles and flowers. He was described as “a consummate creative person,” a lover of jazz, literature, theatre, philosophy, filmmaking, and the bibliophile had an overflow of books in Trinidad and Canada. Hence the title of his book, My Trouble With Books, published in 2018 and launched at The Theatre Centre on May 25 of that year. Looking back, there was an overflow of the theatre then, as it was last night. Storyteller Rita Cox, who was there in 2018 and yesterday, reminded us that Roger “contributed a lot and the memories will last.” Claire Prieto shared some of her memories of them living in the Bathurst/Bloor St. area, raising their son Ian Kamau,  attending Ryerson Polytechnic, and the challenges they faced as pioneering Black filmmakers in the 1970s. At that time, they were asked “who would be interested in a film about Black people?” Their documentary “Home To Buxton” was made in 1987. “We are here, and we were here, and we have a right to be here,” she said profoundly.

Ian Kamau speaks at the memorial for his father, Roger McTair, at The Theatre Centre.

Claire Prieto reflections on her life with Roger McTair. Standing beside her is Kemba Byam.

Ian Kamau being greeted at the memorial.

Working alongside Ramabai Espinet, Roger’s sister, Dionyse, found 200 poems of his underneath the covers of books or in folders. She said they have compiled a 500-page book that will be published posthumously by a UK entity. Ian Kamau spoke at the conclusion of the memorial of his father telling him that when he died, he wanted jazz played. As a dutiful son, he, working with his mom, Claire, aunt, Dionyse, and others did that and more yesterday. Ian reminded us that Roger loved people and community hence his reason for bringing so many together to remember him. He told us to take one or more free copies of his father’s book — there were 200 of them in the Gallery — and to take the photos too from his installation if we saw any we wanted. The closing curtain of the evening included a short film of an intimate father-son moment of haircutting, thoughts from Roger, Dionyse and Ian, and ended with James Brown’s 1950s song Please Please Please” — a poignant moment in the event given his sister’s reflections of their childhood.

 

Ian did a great job in honouring his father last night. We will continue to wrap him and his family in love and support. Well done, Ian Kamau. Thank you.

 

Jay Williams Memorial Fund Established to Honour His Legacy

 By Neil Armstrong

Photo contributed    Jay Williams, educator, speaker and education consultant

In the aftermath of the sudden death of educator, speaker, and education consultant Jay Williams, 40, many of his friends and colleagues have spoken about continuing his legacy.

To make that possible, his family has established the Jay Williams Memorial Fund to honour the legacy of the gregarious teacher, mentor and coach who died in the wee hours of February 29.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Fund at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/99794 (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/99794).

“Your gift will continue the work Jay began, reaching students and those who teach and mentor them. Thank you for honouring Jay’s life with your generosity,” said the family. 

In an announcement of the funeral details, his mother, Paulette Senior — who was appointed to the Senate of Canada in December and sworn in during the first week of February — and the entire family thanked everyone for the messages of “condolences and outpouring of support as we navigate our heartbreak and our way through life without him.”

The viewing and visitation will be on Friday, March 15, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road in Ajax, Ontario. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 10:45 a.m. at Apostolic Pentecostal Church, 1920 Notion Road in Pickering, Ontario. 

Williams was an educator for 14 years at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and was the coordinator of equity as well as held portfolios in equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, the Black Student Success and Excellence initiative at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and Model Schools for Inner Cities. 

 

Williams had a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech University. 

“Jay was driven by a passion to use education as a platform to make lasting impact. Inspired by his commitment to equity, he helped students achieve success despite daunting circumstances, and an education system and teaching methods that limited their ability to reach their full potential.

“Jay inspired students and colleagues with his energy, authenticity, and belief that as we know better, we must become better. As a consultant, speaker, and author he advocated for policy changes within the education system that were essential for students to realize their goals,” noted his family.

They said his aim was to “connect with people to facilitate the process of informing and (re)educating in all environments, not just educational settings.” He believed in “the importance of being a role model to engage, empower, motivate, and inspire not only students and educators but society as a whole.”

Arun Chetram, a friend of Williams since elementary school, said, “JJ was my first best friend growing up at the ripe young age of 5 years old. We made an immediate connection that remained in place until his tragic last day. 

 

“JJ was the glue of our community, the connective tissue that brought various circles of the community together and it truly was one of his superpowers, bringing his community and people together. To know who JJ was is to also know that all the success and recognition he obtained, was not by fluke, but from his tireless work ethic to always do better and to uplift those around him and most importantly the next generation. 

 

“He tackled injustices and social issues head on, never forgetting where he came from but also ensuring he remained true to self. His loss is a void that will never be replaced. His legacy lives on through his family, his friends, and the countless number of students that he influenced. I will forever miss him. His energy, his infectious smile and aura was undeniable because he truly cared about and loved those close to him immensely. While time is the only healer, it will be extremely difficult to make sense of him being taken away from us too soon. For all of the amazing things he set out to accomplish and the everlasting impact he had on so many, it's hard to not think of what was to be, because the truth is, he was only getting started. 

 

“I love you my brother and I'll ensure I do my part to keep your legacy going,” said Chetram.

 

Storyteller, author and managing director of Blackhurst Cultural Centre, Itah Sadu, recalled how excited Williams was when he and his mom invited her to tell stories at his school. “He was a primary grade student, I was just blossoming in my career, and boy, that day he made me feel like a superstar as he sat straight back, eyes filled with excitement and his face glowing with all the potential in the world.” 

The co-owner of A Different Booklist said she had several opportunities to work with the dynamic educator and witness his progress. 

“In January, I danced with him and several educators at a “wind down Friday” at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre. It was joyous. I will always remember how he wrapped me up as an Auntie in the warmest embrace. Thanks to his mom and family for sharing this brilliant young man and gift with us,” she said.

Karen Murray, system superintendent, equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression for the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement at the TDSB, said Williams was loved. “By being his authentic self, he made a difference in the lives of students, families, and staff for generations to come.” 

Abhi Arulanantham, principal of Edgewood Public School, said Williams was someone “whose mere presence made you pause, and when he spoke, you just knew that he was someone committed to doing what he could to make the world a better place for others, especially young Black folks.

 

“He and I spoke just a few days before he passed, and our conversation was about how difficult it is to carry the burden of doing equity work in a system that is not set up for racialized folks. We ended the conversation with him saying he was going to come by my school in a few days so that he could ground himself with students and remind himself of why he does the work he does despite all the obstacles. This is how I will remember him - as someone who would completely put himself out there in a harsh world full of obstacles, just so that he could ensure that our students - our future - are better. Jay was special,” she said.

 

Lindsey Marshall, coordinator, Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement (Acting), said Williams’s authentic commitment to Black student success and excellence was reflected in the way he lived and engaged in his work both in and out of the classroom. “I know Jay's impact and legacy will continue to shape the fabric of education for generations to come.”

 

He was the only child for his mother and leaves behind his father Ron Williams and five siblings.

 

 

Centenarian Lillie Johnson Celebrated for Her Work at Order of Canada Investiture During Black History Month

By Neil Armstrong

Photo contributed      Lillie Johnson at the Order of Canada investiture

Lillie Johnson’s relatives are very proud of their “Aunt Lillie” or “Aunt Cissy” as they call her. 

Speaking on their behalf at the investiture of the Order of Canada at Extendicare Rouge Valley in Scarborough on February 27, her nephew-in-law, Legiston Ferron, said “Every family should have a Lillie Johnson for her tenacity, her strong opinions — and she’s usually right — and her softer sense of true caring, good humour, and her ability to mentor young people and to have fun at the appropriate time.”

He said the family and people of Cornwall Mountain in Westmoreland, Jamaica, were proud of the centenarian who will mark her 102^nd birthday on March 16, 2024. 

“She’s very special not only to us, but also to the people and organizations she has touched over the years. Aunt Lillie, you have made them all better with your infectious drive and dedication to task. Your passion, especially for the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, is legendary and deeply appreciated. You’ve done more in your lifetime than many others could ever dream of doing and you are one of the most amazing women that I’ve ever known. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition as an Order of Canada recipient.”

Referencing the Irish playwright and critic George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote — 'Some men see things as they are and say why, I dream things that never were and say, why not' — Ferron said, “Lillie Johnson dreamt of things that never were and asked why not.” Also present was Johnson’s niece, Verna Robinson.

His remarks concluded the presentation of the Order of Canada insignia by Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Johnson was among 78 new appointments to the Order announced by Governor General Mary Simon in late December 2023. Through their exemplary commitment, they inspire and challenge us to join them in making Canada a better country, said the announcement.

Reading the citation to accompany the presentation of the insignia, Dr. Jim Lai, the aide-de camp of the lieutenant governor, noted that investitures into the Order of Canada usually take place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. However, at the request of the governor general this investiture was happening in Scarborough.

 “Nurse and educator, Lillie Johnson, is a dedicated public health advocate. Founder of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, she led the organization for four decades encouraging greater understanding of the disease at the public and academic levels, and successfully lobbying for its inclusion in newborn screening in Ontario. She has also been involved in the development of specialized organizations to further address the health needs of the Black community.

“By command of the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Lillie Johnson of Scarborough is hereby invested as a Member of the Order of Canada,” he said, which was followed by applause from all those gathered for the occasion including some of the residents, staff and administration personnel.

Lillie Johnson with Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

Johnson was born on March 16, 1922, in St. Ann, Jamaica, to parents who were both teachers. She was one of ten children and after graduating from Wolmer’s High School, she attended Shortwood Teachers College, taught at various schools in the 1940s before leaving for Edinburg, Scotland to become a nurse in the 1950s, and then went to England where she studied midwifery and worked in Oxfordshire. 

Johnson returned to Jamaica and worked at the University College of the West Indies for a few years before leaving to work as a nurse at Beth Israel Hospital in New Jersey. In 1960, she migrated to Canada to work for the Canadian Red Cross, then at St. Joseph’s Hospital and subsequently the Hospital for Sick Children. She was the first Black director of public health in Canada — between 1982 and 1988, she was the director of public health for Leeds-Grenville & Lanark District in Eastern Ontario.

Elaine Thompson, who shares Johnson’s power of attorney with veteran social justice advocate Beverly Johnson, said she has known her for many years, from being her Mary Kay customer to attending her health briefings for CUSO, the international development agency for Canada, and being a board member of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario (SCAO), which Lillie Johnson founded in 1981.

Thompson said she nominated Johnson for the Order of Ontario which she received in 2010. In 2014, Johnson’s memoir, “My Dream,” was published as a Canada 150 series publication.

“The most important lesson I have learned in life is how much I have been influenced by family and home environment: the sincerity, the honesty and the love for people regardless of colour, race or creed. That has had a great influence on the work that I have done,” writes Johnson in “My Dream.”

Dr. Michael Guerriere, the president and chief executive officer of Extendicare, said they were extremely proud to have Johnson as one of their residents and congratulated her on the appointment and expressed how honoured they felt that she was being invested into the Order during Black History Month. He noted that her passion and pursuit of improving health care has changed countless lives.

Among those in attendance at the investiture were Dr. Christopher Morgan, founder of the Black Health Alliance, and Ulysse Guerrier, president of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario.

“At some point in time she had a burning desire to help those people in a particular community that many people didn’t recognize were invisible, unaware, and were not getting the type of treatment that they deserve, and that was the sickle cell community,” said Dr. Morgan, noting that Johnson, with Beverly Johnson and others decided to establish the SCAO. 

“Lillie has been a pioneer, tireless in her efforts,” he said, noting that Johnson’s love of people kept her going and she encouraged people to believe in themselves.

Photo contributed   Left to right: Michael Guerriere, President & CEO, Extendicare; Legiston Ferron; Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; Rev. Amirold Lazard, Church of the Nativity, Malvern; Beverly Johnson, Elaine Thompson and Dr. Christopher Morgan with Lillie Johnson

Guerrier said he met Johnson in 1998 when he moved back to Toronto from Montreal where he was involved in a sickle cell organization.

He said he told her that the reason he came to the SCAO was to find out what the organization could do for him. “She paused for a moment, she looked at me and then she said, ‘Instead of you asking what the association can do for you, why don’t you ask yourself what you can do for the organization?’ After she told me that, I’m like, what! like I need help, I’m coming to you and this is what you tell, so I was upset.”

After a few months, he attended a brunch with his brother at her invitation where he met other people with sickle cell. Since 2000, Guerrier became more involved and is now the president.

Johnson’s spiritual leader, Reverend Amirold Lazard of the Church of the Nativity, Malvern, blessed the ceremony.

Photo contributed   Elaine Thompson, Lillie Johnson and Neil Armstrong

Elaine Thompson in conversation with Lillie Johnson with in the background, left to right: Ulysse Guerrier, president of the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario; Dr. Christopher Morgan, founder of the Black Health Alliance; and Legiston Ferron, Johnson's nephew-in-law

A reception was held in an adjoining room where a cake with a congratulatory message was complemented by sandwiches, sandwich wraps, tea, and bottles of water. 

 

KasheDance Boosted by Major Funding from Canadian Government

By Neil Armstrong

Photo contributed   Left to right: Jill Cato, Assistant Artistic Director of KasheDance; Marci Ian, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament (Toronto Centre);  Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage; and Kevin Ormsby, Founder and Artistic Director of KasheDance

A professional Afro Contemporary dance company in Toronto founded by Jamaican Canadian Kevin Ormsby has just received major funding from the Government of Canada.  

KasheDance, which was established in 2009 and will celebrate its 15^th anniversary with the production, Retrospek, in April, offers a professional dance training program that takes dancers’ careers to the next level while addressing systemic barriers in the performing arts industry.

This week, Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, and Member of Parliament (Toronto Centre), announced a $200,000 investment to support KasheDance’s training program. They toured the facility and met with staff who showed off their talent and ingenuity.

A new recipient of Canada Arts Training Fund, the dance company will receive $100,000 in 2024-25 and $100,000 in 2025-26. This funding responds to historic funding inequities for Indigenous and racialized training schools. This priority was announced in Budget 2022, as part of a $5-million funding increase for the Canada Arts Training Fund.

“I am continuing a legacy of African Diasporic dance companies before KasheDance. To receive support from the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage for the diverse training of Canadian artists in dance is truly an honour. This support serves as an affirmation of a Canadian future where diverse approaches to training and the development of dance artists will showcase Canada's unique creative sector both nationally and internationally,” said Ormsby. 

 

The founder, artistic director and choreographer said he is “fully committed to utilizing this funding to foster the growth of professional dance artists while promoting the sustainability of historically marginalized and racialized arts organizations. It reinforces our dedication to the evolution of the creative sector and adapting to the changing needs of artists."

 

The dance technique used by the company, KasheDanceTek, was created by Ormsby and incorporates Afro Caribbean and contemporary movements, music, philosophies and training techniques. KasheDance has performed at the Canada Dance Festival, Dancing on the Edge Festival, Dance Immersion’s presentation series and at many other acclaimed venues in Canada, the United States and in the Caribbean.

Minister St-Onge said seeing vibrant, diverse forms of dance explored and taught is inspiring. 

“KasheDance is a beautiful example of how cultures can be shared through art. Its training program will help teach new dancers these styles and provide opportunities for communities to experience it. It’s wonderful to be here and to see firsthand how much our investments really mean for people and communities. Our government is proud to support groups like KasheDance,” she said.

The company is the only formal professional, Black-led dance training program operating on an ongoing basis in Toronto, where there is a lack of training opportunities for Black artists in Black artistic traditions. This support, through the Canada Arts Training Fund, will allow KasheDance to expand and further develop its professional training program.

Minister Ien said as a proud Torontonian with Caribbean roots, she is thrilled to see the vibrant spirit and cultural richness that KasheDance brings to Toronto and Canada. 

“Its performances showcase the beauty of Caribbean heritage, while also serving as a powerful reminder of the diverse tapestry that makes Canada truly exceptional. I am so proud that our government supports KasheDance’s arts, and I know that it will continue to inspire and uplift audiences."

February is Black History Month in Canada, which is a time to recognize Black excellence, especially organizations that are leaders in their fields like KasheDance, said Canadian Heritage.

Graduates of KasheDance’s professional program are working with KasheDance and other Canadian performing arts companies, such as Little Pear Garden Collective, Kaeja Dance, the Shaw Festival, the Stratford Festival, Fujiwara Dance Creations, the Collective of Black Artists, the Luminato Festival Toronto and Coleman + Lemieux.

Photo contributed   Members of KasheDance with Ministers Marci Ien and Pascale St-Onge, left to right: Jill Cato stooping, Vanessa Sandre, Kevin A. Ormsby, Orin T. McRey, Cheryl Chan, and Kaitlin Standeven. Sitting are Dwauntea Chambers and Ariel Simms

The company is unique in Canada due to its use of the Critical Response Process to create, teach, research and present dances based on the realities of African Diasporic experiences. This creative process includes giving and receiving feedback throughout the progression of a work’s creation.

Trained in classical ballet and contemporary dance, Ormsby is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer and teacher. He is the program manager of Cultural Pluralism in the Arts Movement Ontario and is on the faculty of the dance program at Centennial College in Toronto. 

He is also a frequent guest instructor at the National Ballet School, the University of Madison-Wisconsin and the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas – Austin. Ormsby is a 2014 Canada Council for the Arts Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award in Dance recipient, a 2016 Ontario Arts Council Chalmers Fellowship and a Toronto Arts Council Cultural Leaders Lab Fellow.

KasheDance is the Company In Residence at Citadel + Compagnie, a Toronto-based dance company and creation centre. Through this relationship, the organization has a dedicated space for sustained development, creative work, presentation and training. It is also a home to national and international guest artists and choreographers.