"Pieces of the Dream…Creating a Legacy for the Future"

For Immediate Release

(October 2, 2003) - The "Pieces of the Dream…Creating a Legacy for the Future" youth conference is being held on Saturday, October 25, 2003, at the Workers Arts & Heritage Centre.

"Pieces of the Dream" is a community mobilization initiative that has been created by the African Canadian Caribbean Association, and the African Canadian Workers Advisory Committee, a project steering committee at WAHC.

The issues that will be discussed and examined at the conference borrows several themes from "…and still I rise: a History of African Canadian Workers in Ontario, from 1900 to Present", a traveling exhibit which is on display at WAHC until December 19, when it leaves to travel to sites across Canada. The exhibit tells the fascinating, but little told story of African Canadian workers. In many ways it is the story of a dream not yet achieved, and of the determined struggle of African Canadians for equality in spite of overwhelming odds.

By sharing stories that illustrate the long climb up the job ladder for African Canadians, we will highlight the impact their resistance and struggle for job opportunities and equal rights had on Canadian society as a whole.

Through a series of workshops and discussions, young African Canadians will share work experiences and will explore opportunities to make their dreams a reality. Guest speakers include Leon Robinson, owner of the Boom Spot, a Hamilton hip hop clothing store; Kayla Perrin, award winning author; and Dr. Raymond Winbush, Director of Urban Studies at Morgan State University. Dr. Winbush is the best selling author of Reparations: Should America Pay?

One featured speaker at the conference will be Grace Edward-Galabuzi of York University, who will be discussing his recent research: " Canada's Creeping Economic Apartheid". Galabuzi will highlight "the key role race has played, and continues to play, in structuring and limiting economic opportunities. As people of colour approach one-fifth of Canada's population, the depth and scope of the problem can - and must- no longer be ignored".

The organizers of this conference hope to foster the growth of networks between young African Canadians and their peers, which will lead to the development of community based strategies to combat racism, economic inequality, and create more empowering workplaces for all Canadians.

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WAHC is an independent non profit-charity committed to communicating the heritage of Canadian Workers and their unions, reflecting the broad cultural and racial diversity of Canada and the role of women.

ACCA is an organization that works in cooperation with other community groups to meet community objectives. It has been a registered charity since 1979. ACCA is responsible for initiating cultural programs that involve Afro-Canadian Caribbean youth and seniors.

For more information, please contact:
Michelle Myrie, Conference Coordinator
(905) 522-3003 x 21

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