Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance

Page created by Ruben Fuller
 
CONTINUE READING
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Black Voices
                                 th

Anniversary
Produced by Diversity Magazine
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
Message from the Executive Director

I
    t is my pleasure to welcome you to our 5th Annual Celebration of Black
    History Month in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB).
    The past years have been incredible and exciting with the economic
    turndown that has affected all
of us including the 2016 Alberta
Wildfires.

I am grateful for the faithful
commitment of our Board members
and volunteers (past and present)
who have relentlessly given their
valuable time, and energy to help
Rehoboth Alliance fulfill its vision
so far. We will keep pressing on to
new heights as the need demands.
Thank you so much!

February has been designated
as Black History Month by the
Government of Canada; a time
that all Canadians are given the
opportunity to learn about the
many valuable contributions, that
Black Canadians have made to our
beautiful country called Canada.
Our theme for this year is “Honoring the Past, Investing in the Next Generation”
which coincides with the Government of Alberta’s theme: “Black Canadian
Youth; Boundless, Rooted and Proud.” Their campaign poster highlights the
contributions Black Canadian youths have and continue to make in shaping
Canada’s heritage and identity.

Among the many programs and services we have been offering to the youths
in the RMWB; this year we added the Black Youth Innovation Program to
empower our youths. The purpose is to enable the youth to reach their full
potential in science, technology and, to dig deeper into their roots. We are
privileged to live in this beautiful country where all cultures are celebrated,
and we are grateful that a whole month has been set aside for us to celebrate
our heritage. Added to the fact that our Keynote Speaker for tonight’s banquet
is no other that the Hon. Jean Augustine; who in 1995 moved for the Canada’s
                             2            rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
House of Common to officially recognize February as Black History Month.

I extend our profound thanks and appreciation to all our stakeholders, sponsors
and partners; whose valuable contributions, have made this celebration a
success.

Tonight’s banquet represents our effort and commitment to promote
multiculturalism not only in the Alberta Province but throughout the whole
world and, make a difference! As we celebrate tonight; think about a life you
will impact and remember that you were placed in your position of authority
not for yourself but, to make a difference in someone’s life; “for such a time as
this”.

Enjoy the celebration!

Sincerely,

Regina B. Oppon
Executive Director

  18
              Content
             Black History Month Gala 2018
  24         About Rehoboth Alliance
  26         Black History Month Gala 2017
  31         Black History Month Gala 2016
  36         Cultural Extravagaza 2016
  37         Black History Month Gala 2015
  40         Youth Symposium
  43         Summer Camp
  46         Internatiobnal Woman’s day

                               3             rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
4   rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
5   rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
Bienvenue au banquet et à la cérémonie de remise de prix du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs.

Cette soirée est un fait saillant du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs, que l’on souligne maintenant depuis cinq
ans à Wood Buffalo. Des rassemblements comme celui-ci sont le moment tout indiqué de rendre
hommage aux membres de la communauté noire pour leur contribution à notre culture et à la richesse de
notre société.

En plus de célébrer les leaders noirs de la région, le banquet est l’occasion de récompenser les gagnants
du concours de rédaction de l’école Lincoln Alexander, ainsi que d’assister aux prestations des talentueux
artistes noirs de la scène locale.

À titre de ministre du Patrimoine canadien et du Multiculturalisme, je tiens à féliciter toutes les personnes
honorées aujourd’hui. Merci à la Rehoboth Alliance pour l’organisation de cette magnifique soirée!

                                       L’honorable Pablo Rodriguez

                                       6                  rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
Welcome to the Black History Month Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

This event is a highlight of Black History Month, which has now been celebrated in Wood Buffalo for
five years. Gatherings like this are a great way to honour those in the Black community for their
contributions to our culture and prosperous society.

In addition to celebrating our local Black leaders, this banquet will also recognize the winners of the
Lincoln Alexander School Essay Contest and feature exciting performances by talented local Black
artists.

As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I’d like to congratulate everyone being honoured
tonight and would like to thank the Rehoboth Alliance for organizing this wonderful celebration.

                                   The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez

                                        7                  rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
DAVID YURDIGA, M.P.
                            FORT MCMURRAY – COLD LAKE

Tonight, we will honor the achievements of Black Canadians who have
contributed to the development of our local community.

This event is a celebration of heritage, multiculturalism, and unity; Fort
McMurray is fortunate to have a diverse community which enhances the
fabric of our region.

As your Member of Parliament, neighbor, and friend, I would like to
express respect for your individuality, culture and shared heritage.
Together we continue to grow the community in Fort McMurray and
cultivate lasting friendships. Thank you to the Rehoboth Alliance and the
Afro-Canadian Community of the Regional Municipality of Wood
Buffalo for putting on such a fantastic event.

Sincerely,

David Yurdiga, MP
Fort McMurray – Cold Lake

                            8              rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
A MESSAGE FROM THE
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
 Each February, we take time to recognize the legacy of the black people who have left
 their mark on Alberta. Every struggle and every triumph tells a story, and these
 narratives continue to shape our society, as do the lives of all those of African,
 African-American and Caribbean heritage whose stories have become part of our
 province.

 Alberta’s great strength is in its diversity. Our vibrant cultural mosaic makes our
 province an exciting place to live and helps us understand each other better. This is
 worth celebrating.

 The achievements and contributions of Alberta’s black community are inspirational,
 and all Albertans can be grateful that we have the chance to learn more about and
 honour the black experience. Black History Month allows us to reflect on the past and
 see the future more clearly—a future in which every Albertan is part of building a
 brighter tomorrow.

 Thank you to the Rehoboth Alliance and the Afro-Canadian Community of the
 Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for helping bring Black History Month
 to life for the residents of Fort McMurray.

                                    9                rehobothalliance.org
Black Voices Anniversary - th - Rehoboth Alliance
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
                                                                ALBERTA
                                                                  TanyYao
                                                        Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

As the MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo it is my pleasure to recognize The Rehoboth Alliance and
the Afro Canadian Community for their Fifth {5th) Annual Black History Month celebrations. The Black
HistoryAsMonth
         the MLAcelebration      is a way for
                 for Fort McMurray-Wood         us all
                                            Buffalo  it istomy
                                                             reflect ontothe
                                                               pleasure       remarkable
                                                                          recognize         achievements
                                                                                    The Rehoboth  Alliance andand
                                                                                                               the contributions
                                                                                                                   Afro Canadian
that Canadians
      CommunityofforAfrican
                     their Fifthand
                                 {5th)Caribbean
                                       Annual Blackdescent     have made
                                                    History Month           to ourThe
                                                                     celebrations.  region,  our province
                                                                                      Black History           and to Canada.
                                                                                                    Month celebration  is a way for
        us all to reflect on the remarkable achievements and contributions that Canadians of African and Caribbean descent have
       made to our region, our province and to Canada.
With this  year’s theme honoring the past, investing in the next generation and keynote speaker Hon. Jean
Augustine
       With Ithis
               know
                  year'sthis  yearhonoring
                          theme     will bethe
                                             as past,
                                                memorable       a celebrations
                                                      investing in                as years
                                                                   the next generation      gone by.
                                                                                       and keynote    EachHon.
                                                                                                    speaker   yearJean
                                                                                                                    theAugustine
                                                                                                                         extravaganza
                                                                                                                                  I
and Gala
       knowshowcase        thebeculture,
              this year will               food,a celebrations
                                as memorable       dance andasattire      withby.cultural
                                                                   years gone     Each yearpride.  The Lincoln
                                                                                            the extravaganza        Alexander
                                                                                                               and Gala showcase Essay
                                                                                                                                  the
Contestculture,
         seeksfood,
                  to inspire    students    to learn    about  individuals    and   stories that  make    up  the  black  history
                      dance and attire with cultural pride. The Lincoln Alexander Essay Contest seeks to inspire students to learn  and
write about their experience in learning about these subjects.
       about  individuals   and stories that make  up  the black history and write about their experience in learning about these
        subjects.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, schools and attendees for doing your part in ensuring the Black
       Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, schools and attendees for doing your part in ensuring the Black History Month
Historycontinues
         Monthtocontinues     to grow and be successful.
                   grow and be successful.

                    V
             Va      LA
               c    ray - Wood Buffalo

                            CONSTITUENCY OFFICE: 102-9912 FRANKLIN AVE., FORT MCMURRAY, AB. T9H 2K4
        CONSTITUENCYfortmcmurray.woodbuffalo@assembly.ab.ca
                     OFFICE: 102-9912 FRANKLIN AVE., FORT       MCMURRAY, AB. T9H 2K4
                                                            780-790-6014

        fortmcmurray.woodbuffalo@assembly.ab.ca                                     780-790-6014

                                               10                       rehobothalliance.org
11   rehobothalliance.org
12   rehobothalliance.org
13   rehobothalliance.org
January 28, 2019

Fort McMurray Public School District (FMPSD) congratulates and thanks the Rehoboth Alliance
on celebrating five years advocating for the importance of Black History in Fort McMurray, and
Canada. We are stronger when we learn and grow together.

FMPSD has been a proud supporter of the Alliance, in particular the annual Lincoln Alexander
Essay Contest. Every year students from across our District participate in the initiative, and
learn about contributions made by Canadians of black origin. And, every year we have FMPSD
winners.

Thank you once again for hosting this important essay contest, and the Black History banquet,
which brings the entire community together to honour important Black Canadians.

Sincerely,

Doug Nicholls
Superintendent of Schools
Fort McMurray Public School District

                           14                 rehobothalliance.org
 	
  
	
  	
  
	
  	
  
	
  
Congratulations	
  to	
  Rehoboth	
  Alliance	
  on	
  5	
  strong	
  years	
  in	
  Fort	
  McMurray!	
  
	
  	
  
The	
   vision	
   of	
   Rehoboth	
   is	
   ‘empowering	
   youth	
   and	
   children’	
   and	
   we	
   see	
   this	
   vision	
   being	
  
attained	
  through	
  the	
  advocacy	
  of	
  the	
  organization.	
  We	
  agree	
  with	
  Rehoboth	
  that	
  when	
  we	
  
all	
  work	
  together,	
  success	
  is	
  attained	
  for	
  all.	
  
	
  	
  
We	
  are	
  proud	
  to	
  partner	
  with	
  Rehoboth	
  on	
  the	
  Black	
  History	
  Month	
  writing	
  contest	
  each	
  
and	
  every	
  year.	
  We	
  are	
  always	
  excited	
  to	
  see	
  and	
  share	
  the	
  great	
  work	
  of	
  our	
  students.	
  And	
  
we	
  share	
  great	
  pride	
  in	
  the	
  beautiful	
  and	
  inclusive	
  messages	
  that	
  are	
  shared.	
  
	
  	
  
The	
   work	
   of	
   Rehoboth	
   does	
   not	
   stop	
   with	
   sharing	
   messages	
   of	
   inclusivity.	
   Rehoboth	
   is	
  
working	
  on	
  the	
  ground	
  level	
  tomake	
  sure	
  people	
  always	
  come	
  first.	
  Through	
  projects	
  like	
  
the	
   Housing	
   First	
   Youth	
   Program,	
   the	
   Rural	
   Homelessness	
   Project,	
   Day	
   Care,	
   Women’s	
  
Academy,	
   and	
   After	
   School	
   Programs,	
   Rehoboth	
   continues	
   to	
   support	
   families	
   in	
   the	
  
Regional	
  Municipality	
  of	
  Wood	
  Buffalo	
  in	
  many	
  ways.	
  
	
  	
  
We	
   are	
   thankful	
   for	
   the	
   support	
   of	
   Rehoboth	
   not	
   just	
   for	
   the	
   Fort	
   McMurray	
   Catholic	
  
Schools	
  family,	
  but	
  for	
  the	
  entire	
  Regional	
  Municipality	
  of	
  Wood	
  Buffalo.	
  
	
  	
  
Congratulations	
  on	
  5	
  wonderful	
  years!	
  
	
  	
  
	
  	
  
	
  	
  
George	
  McGuigan	
  
Superintendent	
  of	
  Schools	
  
Fort	
  McMurray	
  Catholic	
  Board	
  of	
  Education	
  

             9809	
  Main	
  Street,	
  Fort	
  McMurray,	
  AB	
  	
  T9H	
  1T7	
  	
  Phone	
  780-­‐799-­‐5700	
  	
  Fax	
  	
  780-­‐799-­‐5706	
  

                                                            15                              rehobothalliance.org
151 Wild Rose Street, Fort McMurray, Alberta

 780-750-0011

               16        rehobothalliance.org
17   rehobothalliance.org
BLACK HISTORY
      MONTH GALA 2018

      18   rehobothalliance.org
19   rehobothalliance.org
20   rehobothalliance.org
Board Members

Planning Committee

      21    rehobothalliance.org
22   rehobothalliance.org
23   rehobothalliance.org
WHO WE ARE:

Rehoboth Alliance   Rehoboth Alliance is a community based organization whose mandate
                    is to promote healthy development of the social, cultural and emotional
                    needs of women, youth and children in the Regional Municipality
                    of Wood Buffalo and Alberta. Gethsemane International Assembly
                    operates as Rehoboth Alliance as a trade name and is incorporated
                    and registered in the Province of Alberta.

                    Our core values are aligned with the kinds of programs or projects
                    we develop and implement. Programs implemented reflect quality of
                    services and measurable outcomes based on the community needs we
                    address.

                    The Board of Directors want Rehoboth’s vision and mission to reflect
                    through the programs or projects implemented, and have developed
                    a business plan through a strategic planning process. We developed a
                    five (5) year plan to position Rehoboth Alliance as a formidable service
                    delivery agency working to support youth, children and women in the
                    RMWB.

                    The Mandate of Rehoboth Alliance is to:
                •           Develop programs and services that engage disadvantaged
                            and under- Privileged youth, women and children.
                •           Coaching and Leadership development
                •           Skills training and development
                •           Education, sensitization and awareness programs
                •           Advocacy
                •           Community engagement

                      Philosophy & Values
               • Value Our Clients                         •   Equal Opportunity
                                                               for All
               • Inclusivity                               • Equality
               • Diversified programs • Professionalism
               • Transparency

                                  24               rehobothalliance.org
For Ages

©2018 Kumon Canada, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
                                                            3+
  Give your kids smart advantages
  that last a lifetime.
    An academic advantage in math, reading, writing, and grammar
    The habits they’ll need for a successful school
    life, including how to be a good student
    Valuable skills they’ll use throughout their lives, including
    perseverance, work ethic, focus, pride in getting things
    right, and more
    Kumon begins from 3years old to grade-12 math &
    reading

 Save $20 on Enrollment*
 upon presentation of this magazine!
 Kumon Centre of Fort McMurray
 780-370-1133
 fortmcmurray_ab@ikumon.com
 *Offer ends March 31, 2019.

                                     25         rehobothalliance.org
Black History Month

      26   rehobothalliance.org
Gala 2017

     27     rehobothalliance.org
28   rehobothalliance.org
29   rehobothalliance.org
30   rehobothalliance.org
BLACK HISTORY
MONTH GALA 2016
     31   rehobothalliance.org
32   rehobothalliance.org
33   rehobothalliance.org
34   rehobothalliance.org
35   rehobothalliance.org
Cultural Extravaganza 2016

Rehoboth Alliance Programs and Services
Rehoboth Alliance has developed and and conferences.
implemented the following projects that
target youth women and children:           History Annual Celebration:
                                          We celebrate black heritage and the
         Youth Programs:                  immense contributions blacks continue to
Our youth programs include training,
                                          make in Canada.
leadership development and self-esteem
development for youth. We also provide         After School Tutorial
after school tutorial programs for Grade
9-12 youth to reduce school drop-outs and
                                                         Program
                                          The after School tutorial programs
to increase high school graduation among
                                          focuses on assisting immigrant students
the low- income, and immigrant families.
                                          in grades 7-12 in the following subjects;
Women and Children Program: English mathematics and Science. The
We support women in the community         goal is to reduce high school drop-out
through skills training especially for    and to increase graduation. This program
immigrant and low income women            continues to be in demand as new
through exhibitions, conversation café    immigrants come to Canada.

                             36             rehobothalliance.org
BLACK HISTORY
MONTH GALA 2015

    37   rehobothalliance.org
38   rehobothalliance.org
39   rehobothalliance.org
Youth Symposium

     40   rehobothalliance.org
The objective of the          are the youth of RMWB
Symposium        is     the   (urban and rural) MLA’s,
elimination of high school    councillors, civic and
dropouts and the increase     commercial         leaders.
in high school graduation     More than 90 students
especially among the          were in attendance. The
low income and migrant        youth leaders facilitated
families. This involves the   this event and choose the
sensitization of the youth    speakers and topics to be
to stay in school, dream      discussed. This galvanized
big, and maximize their       and motivated the youth
potentials and making it      to be stakeholder in the
to the corporate world        debate and planning of a
or any field of their         sustainable and thriving
expectation. Participants     community.

                                  41              rehobothalliance.org
42   rehobothalliance.org
Summer Camp

    43   rehobothalliance.org
Youth Summer/Science Camp:
This year we registered 40 youth for a five-weeks of summer camp. The goal is to help
youth who cannot afford to have fun during the summer and also to get them off the
street and be engaged in meaningful activities that will keep them out of trouble; by
learning and exploring their creativity during their summer vacation. The program
focused on fun, safety and age- appropriate skills development. Recreational activities
were: swimming, soccer, basketball. Field trips were done once a week to the Oil Sand
Discovery Centre, Fire Station, 103.7 Radio Station and Finning. We had a week of
Science Camp with Actua Youth STEM program, Actua works with university students
through a group called
Eureka.       This      year,
university students from
British Columbia offered
a one week science camp.
The youth did some
coding and digital skills
and were taken to Finning
for a science field trip.
The parents expressed
their appreciation for the
activities done at the camp.

                              44              rehobothalliance.org
45   rehobothalliance.org
Interview at 103.7 Radio Station              At Ecole McTavish School to distribute BH
                                               T-Shirts
         International Women’s Day
              Women’ s Academy
The event was held at the Best Western        its members – the idea of “Protectionism”
Hotel; 32 ladies were in attendance           (shielding oneself or the community
including 3 representatives from Red          from external influences). This is a cut
Cross. The objective was to talk about        across issue and is irrespective of one’s
mental health issues affecting women          social standing outside the segment of
and especially the immigrant community        the immigrant community. This trait
of the Regional Municipality of Wood          breeds isolation and loneliness among
Buffalo (RMWB) after the Alberta 2016         constituent families thus preventing such
Wildfires. As diverse as the community        from seeking outside assistance to deal
is, and with the different cultural values,   with the social issues.
there is however one common trait among

                                    46          rehobothalliance.org
Welcome Jamboree 2016

       47   rehobothalliance.org
A Big Thank you to All our Sponsors
You can also read