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Remembering Our Original True Stories

This documentary follows a seventh generation Black Canadian man who goes to Jamaica for the second time, on a mission to document and reconnect with his Jamaican Maroons Roots. At Stepney Elementary School, in the birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley, as Papa Grand teaches and shares the oral history passed down to him from his Nova Scotian ancestors as well as from the Maroons of Acompong Town, Trelaney and Portland; he soon realises that he is actually fulfilling his life’s purpose: to redefine his strong and everlasting roots, and to one day discover and realise our original true story.

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A film by Garry James
Documentary, Toronto, 2010, 8 min from the Roots Challenge 2010

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About Black History Month

Black history in North America, unlike “white” history, must take into account the hundreds of thousands of Africans who were brought to this continent against their will. The experience of slavery, in Canada and the United States, wreaked havoc for generations. Canada played a role in the liberation and eventual return of some slaves to Africa, but for many others, their lives had already taken root here. Read more

“I am a Man”: Behind our logo

I am a Man

This image is from a famous photo taken in Memphis, Tennessee, at the height of the civil rights movement in the United States. On March 29, 1968, a column of mostly Black men walked between the guns and bayonets of the National Guard on one side, and army tanks on the other, with their placards proclaiming, “I am a Man”.

Portraits and stories

Black History Month. RCAF Maj Walter Peters. Viola Desmond 2nd Edition of the Underground Comedy Railroad Tour Canadian photo exhibit illustrates Black History Lanier Phillip’s Newfoundland story John Ware

Short films for Black History Month

“Where are you from?” A seemingly easy question becomes difficult to answer for a Canadian immigrant as she examines the complexities of origin. Using poetry, spoken word artist Amani takes us on a personal journey that defines her Canadian identity without denying her cultural history. In this animated spoken word piece, Lucius Dechausay, shares the challenges of forming a cultural identity in Canada. From black history in Africville to his roots in The Dominican Republic. Abdallah is a Djiboutian-born Canadian who lives in Montreal’s Mile-End neighbourhood, famous for its cultural diversity and vibrancy of life. Everyone who meets Abdallah is immediately struck by his sheer enthusiasm for life. He tells good jokes, too. Set in Montreal, Quebec, ‘Up From The Roots’ examines the relationships that exist between the city’s various Caribbean-Canadian communities, as well as their roots and identity. Oliver Jones talks about his life as a musician and how the music led his course to rediscover his roots. This world renowned pianist has worked with many artists and says the ones who have impressed him most are those who have remained humble. He has remained humble himself by remembering where he started. A film by Awakhiwe Dlodlo, for Radio Canada International Documentary, Montreal, 2010, 5 min 10 s This Cuban Canadian feels comfortable living in a small town in Smithers, BC, Canada. And Alex Cuba doesn’t miss his Cuban roots because he has adapted well in his new country. He says his music is also Cuban-Canadian and he keeps searching in himself that fruit which can grow in both countries.
See all the films

Your opinion on Black History Month

Black History Month is only celebrated in North America and in the UK. Do you think it should be celebrated all over the world?

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