On October 12th, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC), in collaboration with Canadian Heritage through the Youth Take Charge program, hosted Heritage Unveiled at the vibrant Never Was Average space in Montreal. This event brought together history, community, and culture to spotlight the contributions of Black Canadians and foster meaningful discussions.

Uncovering Black Canadian History with Rito Joseph

The event began with an insightful keynote by historian Rito Joseph, who captivated the audience with an in-depth exploration of the history of Black people in Canada, focusing on their contributions to Montreal. Rito illuminated aspects of history that are often underrepresented, engaging the audience with his depth of knowledge and powerful storytelling. His presentation helped attendees gain a deeper understanding of how Black history has shaped the city.

Panel Discussion: Black Leadership and Diverse Perspectives

After the keynote, we were excited to have four community leaders engage in a panel discussion that built on the themes raised by the keynote. Each panelist shared their unique journey as a Black leader in Montreal, reflecting on the role they play in advocating for the community.

• Wilkenson Derisme has been a key figure in Montreal’s music scene for over 13 years, excelling as both an artist and entrepreneur. In 2024, Wilkenson founded the Musiquali-T Foundation to support young artists of colour by providing essential resources. This could include mentorship, education, opportunity, and financial backing. His efforts are instrumental in nurturing a new generation of talent and fostering a more inclusive music community.
• Samanta Nyinawamuntu is a Black queer cultural organizer from Rwanda, and the Founder & Executive Director of the Black Healing Centre. Their work focuses on creating intentional spaces centered on healing justice for historically marginalized communities. The Black Healing Centre provides culturally relevant mental health care for Black people in Tio’tia (Montreal).
• Chris Luamba is a passionate advocate for Black culture and history, particularly the contributions of Black people in Montreal. His expertise in this field has fueled his efforts to improve the political and financial freedom of the Black community. Through his work, Chris is deeply committed to representation and the preservation of cultural heritage, aiming to empower future generations.
• Lourdenie Jean is a dynamic community worker with a passion for social sciences, particularly sociology, psychology, and anthropology. As an intersectional feminist and artist, Lourdenie has combined her interests to create L’environnement, c’est intersectionnel, an initiative that merges art, social engagement, and education. She focuses on anti-oppression work and social justice, applying her knowledge to strengthen the community and promote intersectional understanding.

Each panelist brought a distinct perspective to the conversation, enriching the dialogue with their varied experiences. The audience was fully engaged, and the discussion sparked thought-provoking conversations about hardships, community empowerment, and Black identity in Montreal.

A Taste of Montreal with Lucki Delite

During the break, attendees had the chance to enjoy a delicious Caribbean-inspired lunch catered by Lucki Delite. The menu featured jerk chicken sandwiches with refreshing drinks, which were a hit with the crowd. The lunch break offered a relaxed atmosphere for participants to mingle and continue the conversations ignited during the panel.

A Powerful Musical Performance

Heritage Unveiled concluded with a memorable performance by Joyciana and Ryan, a talented duo brought on by Wilkenson. Joyciana’s strong vocals, paired with Ryan’s skillful guitar playing, created a powerful moment that highlighted the city’s rich musical culture. Their performance was a fitting end to an event that celebrated history and leadership, while also highlighting the artistic contributions of the community.

Networking and Final Reflections

As the event drew to a close, we invited the participants to connect with one another as well as the speakers. This networking opportunity allowed attendees to reflect on the day’s themes and build new connections within the community.

A special thanks to the FBC team for their dedication in organizing Heritage Unveiled, and to Daniel Twijuke for expertly hosting the event and guiding the project to success.

To download event photos click here! (code: 4505)