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November 3, 2021
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The 2021 Black and Caribbean Book Affair was an incredible success, thanks to all of you who attended and supported. Over three days we set social media ablaze with powerful ideas, writers, panelists and conversations. The event can be viewed on ADBCC’s Facebook page and will be archived on A Different Booklist Cultural Centre YouTube channel.

Congratulations to one of our great supporters and filmmakers, Roy T. Anderson and his team on the release of the documentary African Redemption: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Garvey. Despite the inclement weather, folks attended the ReelWorld screening and were treated to a first-class documentary. Check out our interview with Mr Anderson in conversation with journalist Neil Armstrong on our Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/adiff…

After many days of rain, October 27th was a day where the sun provided the candlelight and the opportunity for Canadians to participate in the Nguzo Saba, also known as the principles of Kwanzaa. It’s wonderful to see increasingly the principles of Kwanzaa applied throughout the year.

On October 27th, 2021, at 1.00 pm,

ADBCC- The People’s Residence was invited to be in Umoja, in unity with the Mascoll family to witness the permanent installation of Beverly Mascoll’s plaque outside of Bathurst subway.

Congratulations to Eldon Mascoll and Elder Emerson Mascoll and others for their Kujichagulia, self-determination, to make this moment a reality. Congratulations are further extended to all those who supported this project and showed the spirit of Ujima, collective work and responsibility.

The small gathering came with the purpose ( Nia); this was evidenced in the passion of the five generations of African Canadians that were represented.

We sang the Black National Anthem and Lean on Me. The Elders smiled and sang along. Junior of Lloyd’s Barber Shop gave testimony on being neighbours with Mascoll Beauty Supplies. Neighbourhood resident Owen Gordon talked about the pride he felt on seeing the plaque installed.

Mascoll’s grandsons moved from being the young generation and insisted on being called the strong generation. The power of the moment! What an opportunity for Beverly Mascoll’s grandchildren to cut the veil and release the plaque; a moment these African Canadian young men will never forget.

Solomon, a young Black man riding by on his bicycle, stopped and spoke about his mother coming to Mascoll for beauty products, and Brother Sayeed who travelled from Brampton to attend a meeting on Bathurst was greeted with this event. For Sayeed who had grown up in the Bathurst neighbourhood, this was like a coming home gift.

Elder Gloria represented the groups of domestic women from the Caribbean who came to Canada in the 1950s and made Bathurst Street a home away from home.

As an institution, The People’s Residence is proud to be part of this local moment of history. Beverly Mascoll’s plaque now stands close to the Gwendolyn & Leonard Johnston’s (Third World Books and Crafts) bench, outside the Bathurst subway.

Visit the plaque, take pictures and selfies. Record your history in the making and continue to explore the experience of Welcome to Blackhurst.

Sincerely

ADBCC