Montreal hosts Black Arts Movement, educating African youth living in Quebec

A day filled with dance, music, and poetry, The Nigerian Canadian Association in Quebec and the Nigerian Students Association of Concordia hosted the Black Arts Movement Saturday centred around educating African youth living in Quebec about their heritage.

“In many schools, many parts of this culture is left out, it is our duty as descendants, to instill this culture in them so they can know where they are from and what it means to be black,” said Adesewa Badru Precious, President of The Nigerian Students Of Concordia.

The free event comes amid Black History Month and is dedicated to the celebration of Black excellence. Speakers included Quebec politicians and Diplomats from African countries including Liberia, Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone and the Caribbean.

“It is important that we celebrate also in Quebec because of all the history we have to share with all the population, so that we can celebrate our past, the present and the future and reflect on this past, so we can make sure that all the prejudice and systemic oppression that happen, don’t happen anymore,” said Madwa-Nika Cadet, Member of the National Assembly of Quebec

“The first thing I have in mind is representation, I have a lot of kids here who wanted to come with me and take pictures and asking a bunch of question, for me its important to have diversity in all forms of police force,” said Officer Thelus, Member SPVM.

Those hosting say, the event is one of several ways the black community fosters unity amongst the students and residents in the province.

We need to remind them that no one can stop their future, no one can pause their progress, they have to believe in themselves, they have to be very determined, and regardless of their Tradition, race or nationality, they all have to stand strong and be confident in their color and skin,” said Harry Smith , President Nigerian Canadian Associations.