It was an evening all about celebrating community as close to 70 guests gathered on May 29th for the 1st Antigonish Black Community Recognition Night hosted by StFX’s Dr. Agnes Calliste Academic & Cultural Centre at the Marjorie Desmond Hall at the Coady Institute.
The night was an opportunity to celebrate and honour 20 community leaders from the black community who have made significant contributions to their community, the Town of Antigonish.
“The intent was to recognize some members in the community who have been actively making positive contributions to the community for many years, and also to ultimately recognize that these individuals serving as nurses, educators, artist, sports/coaches, social workers and other professionals, have made a significant difference,” says organizer Lorraine Reddick, manager at the Dr. Calliste Centre.
Although there are many more instrumental members in the community who stand out, it is the centre’s anticipation to recognize others for their contributions in the future, she said.
Ms. Reddick, who started in the position this past November, says the centre has four main pillars: Belonging, Academic Success, Healing, and Community. “It was important to inform the community that StFX is equitably mindful and appreciative of the contributions of our community members,” she says.
“Part of my outreach in engaging the community is working on ways we can partner with the African Nova Scotian community in addition to promoting inclusion and culture awareness with the university. Sharing the pride for my culture will encourage a positive partnership to enable future educational opportunities especially for our African Nova Scotian and black students,” she notes.
StFX education professor Dr. Wendy Mackey and The Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia president Mervyn Broom emceed the evening event.
In attendance was Antigonish MLA and Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson, along with Crystal States, Program Assistant, African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA) who brought greetings on behalf of the Honourable Twila Grosse, Minister of African Affairs; Antigonish Deputy Mayor Diane Roberts; StFX Vice-President Students Elizabeth Yeo, co-chair for the President’s Action Committee on Racism; and Academic Vice-President & Provost Dr. Amanda Cockshutt who brought greetings on behalf of President Dr. Andy Hakin. Also in attendance were community residents, Bill and Jeanine Gunn, the driving forces behind the Jeannine Deveau Educational Equity Endowment; Guysborough Councilor Mary Desmond, several StFX staff, other community members; and family of the honorees.
The honorees were presented with a glass trophy to complete the night. Author and artist Angee Bowden served as the guest speaker and Kenyatte Boakye was the guest soloist for the celebration.
“It was a nice evening. The whole aspect of the event was community. It bought everyone together,” says Ms. Reddick.
Those receiving honours included: Ms. Joan Phee, community volunteer; Mr. Trevor Reddick, teacher/coach/sportsman; Mr. John (Jonny) Phee, Taekwondo instructor; Ms. Darlee Rushton. community volunteer; Ms. Juanita Byard, Regional Ed for ANSA; Mr. Jamie Sparks, artist/producer; Ms. Samantha Reddick, PCW; Elder, Mrs. Laura Reddick, seamstress; Cst. Christine Pelley, RCMP; Ms. Stacy Desmond, teacher; Ms. Jasmin Desmond, teacher; Mr. Dondré Reddick. professional athlete; Mr. Marcel Desmond, political management master’s student; Ms. Tara Lee Reddick, writer, actress, teacher; Ms. Jennifer Desmond, teacher/community supporter; Ms. Syna Smiley, LPN; Ms. Morgan Gero, teacher/drummer; Mr. Christen Gerro, Special Olympics athlete; Mr. Junior MacLellan, veteran; Ms. Starr Borden, PCW.
