As February begins, so does the international recognition and celebration of black excellency and achievement. In honour of Black History Month, I would like to provide a closer look into one of Oakville’s prominent cultural organizations, The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. Their efforts to engage local disadvantaged youth have changed the racial landscape of Oakville by raising a new generation focused on cultural appreciation and inclusivity.
History and Mission
The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) is a non-profit organization that has been providing inclusive and diverse programming to Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, and Burlington since its establishment in 1977. The organization works towards the preservation and understanding of Caribbean culture by working with local schools, community organizations, and senior centres.
On the left, young members of the CCAH learn to play the steelpan drums. On the right, a group performs a traditional cultural dance at the Roots of Freedom festival. Photos courtesy of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton.
Their commitment to diversity is clear in their programming; they currently offer a youth leadership workshop, steelpan drum lessons, and Afro-Caribbean dance classes in partnership with Ballet Creole. The CCAH has also undertaken a number of community projects, having co-hosted the annual Roots of Freedom and Carousel of Nations festivals to honour local black heritage.
Youth Engagement
Throughout all of their programming, the CCAH advocates for youth engagement and inclusive education. They put a specific focus on aiding disadvantaged youth by emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s cultural background and making lasting connections throughout the community.
The CCAH currently runs a youth workshop alongside the Halton Multicultural Council, the Halton District School Board, and the Halton Catholic District School Board. Through these yearly workshops, the organization works to foster leadership, academic excellence, and civic responsibility throughout the community. The organization also facilitates teacher workshops for those in the Halton area, providing academic resources that teachers can use to integrate black history into the curriculum. Similar workshops are also held for parents who wish to develop skills to help their children understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.
Participants in a CCAH youth workshop meet with Richard Pinnock , a CCAH board member. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton.
The organization also runs an annual workshop entitled Youth Leadership in Action in partnership with the Halton Regional Police Service and Sheridan College. This program was selected for the minister’s report to parliament on the Multicultural Act of 2008 in order to demonstrate its excellence in cultural programming. This workshop is open to those aged 12 to 18, and has currently served over 15,000 students. Run over the course of four modules, this workshop explores the importance of youth philanthropy, post-secondary education, and professional development.
Representatives from the Halton Police Services and the CCAH meet at the Youth Leadership in Action Workshop. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton.
The CCAH has also established a partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada to assist young adults aged 15 to 30 in overcoming barriers to employment. They offer paid positions dedicated to youth outreach and program development that help individuals gain work experience and transitional skills for the labour market.
The Power of Youth
Throughout Black History Month, it is important to reflect on the innovation and achievement of local organizations such as the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. This organization’s focus on youth engagement continually ensures a welcoming and diverse community for all, demonstrating the value of cultural inclusivity in conquering racial barriers. For more information on the CCAH’s history and programming, please visit their website below.
For more information on Oakville's cultural programming, visit these links: