Haiti, heartbreak
and hope

Jan. 12 earthquake looms large over this
year’s very busy Black History Month

ROOTS REVISITED: Ekspresyon at Young, Gifted and Black

by TRACEY LINDEMAN

From the depths of the Southwest to the far reaches of Parc-Ex, Black History Month in Montreal is a citywide celebration. Daily events reach out to black people of Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and of course North America—but everyone is invited to take part.

While BHM gears up for a jam-packed February, it also launches into its 19th year with a heavy heart, with recent events in Haiti deeply affecting thousands of Montrealers. Though this year’s theme—“Each one’s effort brings more to all”—was decided before the earthquake struck, it strikes a particular chord now. “It’s a monumental task in Haiti,” says president of the Round Table on BHM Michael Farkas. “But it gives us a chance to look at why this country has been in disarray, historically.”

BHM was officially launched at City Hall on Monday, Feb. 1, but events are going on through Feb. 28, closing with the Sounds of Blackness Awards (SOBA) Gala. The SOBA will be a big to-do this year, red carpet and all, and will be telecast on MusiquePlus and MusiMax. The night will be marked by a number of performances, most notably the tribute to Oliver Jones, who is being honoured this year for his lifetime achievements (but won’t be performing). Théâtre Outremont (1248 Bernard W.), 8 p.m. $60, includes after-party. For tickets or info, e-mail info@galasoba.ca.

For a complete listing of events, go to montrealblackhistorymonth.com.

Haiti

Free beginner Creole lessons will be offered throughout the month of February. Check out the program for lesson dates. 2000 St-Joseph E. Classes from 7–10 p.m. Info: (514) 802-0546

A roundtable on human rights for Haitian refugees in Montreal is happening on Friday, Feb. 5. Representatives from several community organizations will share their personal experiences. Donations will be collected for care packages for refugees in Montreal. Maison de la culture CDN (5290 Côte-des-Neiges), 5:30–9 p.m. Info: (514) 713-3256.

One of several Haiti benefit concerts, featuring Pierre-Michel Ménard and a handful of other musicians, is happening Saturday, Feb. 20. A third of the ticket price will be donated to the Red Cross. At the Espace Dell’Arte (40 Jean-Talon E.), 9 p.m., $30. Info: (514) 490-9613.

Lessons and discussions

An Afro-Brazilian art form combining combat, dance and play, capoeira is growing in popularity as both a performance and a workout. Those interested in learning more about it can attend courses and seminars offered from Feb. 5-14 at four different locations in downtown Montreal. Mandatory registration. Prices vary depending on frequency and length, from $30 for a one-hour session to $250 for all the sessions. Info: (514) 270-5853 or capoeiraangola.ca.

On Thursday, Feb. 18, a panel on prejudice within the legal system will convene under the banner “Do bullets see colour? Race, Police and Justice in Montreal.” Organized by the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), the panel will address the ongoing case of Gemma Raeburn, a Dollard-des-Ormeaux woman who was allegedly racially profiled by Montreal cops in 2004. At the Best Western Hotel (3407 Peel), 7–9 p.m. Info: (514) 939-3342 or crarr.org.

Another potentially heated discussion is brewing for Feb. 18 with “Blacks in French Politics: A Comparative Historical and Sociological Approach.” Reservation required, at the Librairie Olivieri (5219 Côte-des-Neiges), 6 p.m. Info: (514) 739-3630.

Performances

The Young, Gifted and Black artistic showcase is exploring “My African roots” as its theme this year on Saturday, Feb. 6 through music, dance, spoken word and other formats, with performances by Ekspresyon, Vox Sambou, Katia et al. Oscar Peterson Concert Hall (7141 Sherbrooke W.), 8–10 p.m, $25. Info: (514) 918-3352.

The South African-born, Montreal-based singer and BHM spokesperson Lorraine Klaasen will perform on Saturday, Feb. 20 at la Maison de la culture Ahuntsic (10300 Lajeunesse), 8 p.m.. Passes are required and will be distributed to citizens (proof of address required) on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. at the venue. Info: (514) 872-8749.

Born in Guinea, singer-guitarist Alpha Thiam draws on fellow West African nations and dialects for inspiration and will perform with his Montreal-based band on Thursday, Feb. 25 at la Maison de la culture Marie-Uguay (6052 Monk). Passes are required and will be distributed Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.. Info: (514) 872-2044.

Gospel performances are slated for Feb. 5, 16 and 26, all at 8 p.m., at Ste-Irénée Church (3044 Delisle, corner Atwater) in Little Burgundy, with the Chorale du Conservatoire de Musique Moderne, Chorale de la Réconciliation and l’Ensemble Gospel de Québec. For tickets, contact Admission at (514) 790-1245 beforehand, or pay a little more at the door. Info: (514) 358-2993.

Post-BHM

Learning about black history doesn’t have to stop once March rolls around. Starting Sept. 2010, Vanier College will begin offering a social science major in black studies at the CEGEP level, the first of its kind in Quebec. For enrollment information, call (514) 744-7500 or visit vaniercollege.qc.ca.