Celebrating Black Activism in Canada: Movie Screenings and Discussion – Hybrid Event

Host: Region 4 Coalition of Racialized WorkersWhen: April 5, 2025 (1pm – 6pm)Where:OPSEU/SEFPO Ottawa Regional Centre, 2525 St. Laurent Blvd #103, Ottawa, ON K1H 8P5, 2^nd floorRSVP if attending in-person by emailing: [email protected]OR   REGISTER HERE TO JOIN VIRTUALLY Three Films will be shown with an engaging conversation to follow.  We will be discussing Canada’s dark past of social injustice and discrimination against Black people in Canada and celebrating the inspiring activists who stood up for our rights.

Film 1: Long Road to Justice – The Viola Desmond Story (Full Documentary)

Nine years before Rosa Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an African Nova Scotian entrepreneur made a similar stand in a New Glasgow movie theatre. This documentary highlights the life of Viola Desmond and places her action and its consequences in the broader context of the struggle for civil rights in Nova Scotia.

Film 2: Halifax Destroyed the City of Africville

Africville was a close‐knit Black community in the north end of Halifax for over 120 years. The City demolished Africville in the 1960s, and its residents have been fighting for justice ever since.

Film 3:  Mr. Jane and Finch 

Long-standing community activist and amateur documentarian, Winston LaRose has dedicated the last 25 years to supporting the troubled community of Jane and Finch in Toronto; with gentrification high up on the political agenda, the man affectionately named as Mr. Jane and Finch, decides to challenge the traditional powers for the city councillor seat of ward 7.Food and Refreshments will be provided in person. We hope to see you there!Share the Event posterIn Solidarity,OPSEU/SEFPO’s Coalition of Racialized Workers