Essence:
Conference-symposium marking 400 years of Black Canadian heritage and culture. A coming together
to take stock/temperature, debate issues, and set a course for the next 100 years. 300 delegates
at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Conference book to be published.
History/Timeline:
Professor David Divine, John R. Johnson Chair in Black Canadian Studies at Dalhousie University
and a board member of Da Costa 400, developed the conference since his installation in August
2004. Target dates: October 25, 26, 27, 2005. TITLE: Multiple Lenses: Voices, the Diaspora,
Canada.
Theme:
“Through the lenses of history, law, literature, film, music, Black community organizations,
media, sports, Black spirituality, party politics, labour market, education, and lived
experiences, an exploration through Canadian eyes of how Black people in Canada have identified
themselves and been identified over a 400-year period. What factors influenced that process?”
- David Divine
Goal:
The national conference will provide a platform for eminent contributors from across Canada
to share ideas and research, both past and present, about what it means to be Black and Canadian.
This conference is the first of its kind and will include contributions from scholars, public
servants, community representatives, filmmakers, musicians, artists, politicians, spiritual
leaders, youth, and other members of the public. The purpose of the conference is to explore
the complexity of being identified as Black and Canadian and how this relates to citizenship.
Legacy:
Understanding and knowledge about the Black Canadian experience.
Recommendation:
The 400th anniversary is the appropriate juncture to stop and reflect on Black Canada’s
heritage and future.
copyright - Da Costa 400
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