Healing Narratives: A Black History Month Art Symposium 2024

Join us on Thursday, February 22 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. (enjoy delicious breakfast catering from 8 to 8:30 a.m.). 

The Department of Family Medicine is hosting Healing Narratives: A Black History Month Art Symposium to celebrate Black History Month and its significance, explore the historical journey of Black communities, illustrate the healing power of art in health care and promote cultural competence.

This inspiring artistic symposium will feature a diverse array of artists and storytellers who will delve into topics such as Black health, healing, community organizing, resistance, mental health, and more. Experience the healing power of storytelling as we explore various art forms, including poetry, music, steelpan, spoken words and performances that will inspire, educate, and foster meaningful dialogue. The event will also include a delightful breakfast buffet, showcasing the richness of Black food. 

We invite all faculty, staff, and learners to register your attendance for this free, hybrid event using Eventbrite. The in-person event will be hosted on the 2nd floor auditorium of the David Braley Health Sciences Centre (DBHSC). There is a maximum capacity for in-person attendees, so please register as soon as possible. For people attending remotely, the event will be live streamed via Zoom.

We hope you can join us as we come together to celebrate Black History Month. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Admin and Project Coordinator – Pelumi Jegede (Jegedo1@mcmaster.ca).

Artist line-up

Kassia Johnson | Land Acknowledgement

Dr. Kassia Johnson is a Developmental Paediatrician, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at McMaster University.  She provides clinical services through the Developmental Paediatric and Rehabilitation – Child Development Clinics at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre in Hamilton, Ontario.  Dr. Johnson also works in the part-time positions of Senior Medical Director EDI for Hamilton Health Sciences, Director of Antiracism and Inclusion for the Department of Pediatrics and Co-Chair Diversity and Inclusion with Undergraduate Medical Education at McMaster. 

Dr. Johnson is the Physician Lead for the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Antiracism Initiative and an active member of the Anti-Racism Coalition (ARC) at McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH). Dr. Johnson has provided consultation to numerous Boards of Directors in Hamilton (YWCA, Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre) and across Ontario as well as participated in the development of numerous Medical Education resources about child development, neurodiversity, and childhood adversity. In the future, Dr. Johnson will continue to work to dismantle the structural and institutional racism that impacts the health and wellbeing of our communities. 

Lucky Stickz | Steel Pan Performance 

Join us for “Rhythmic Remedies,” a presentation exploring the steelpan’s journey from adversity to healing and joy. This session highlights the steelpan’s roots in African and Caribbean history, illustrating its role beyond music – as a tool for healing and cultural identity. We’ll discuss the steelpan’s therapeutic impact in healthcare and its contribution to promoting cultural competence. Celebrating Black History Month, this presentation is a tribute to the transformative power of music and art in fostering understanding and resilience across diverse communities. 

Luckystickz, a Canadian artist with Jamaican and Trinidadian roots, is a musical virtuoso known for his Afro R&B/Pop fusion. His journey began with the drum’s primal pulse, leading to the captivating resonance of steel drums. Luckystickz’s debut EP, “Everyday Battle,” ignited international acclaim, marking him as Vibe 105’s “Canadian Come Up Artist.” A Berklee College of Music alum, he’s shared stages globally with legends like Harry Belafonte and Brian Mcknight. Now, with his latest EP, “Housewarming Party,” Luckystickz invites you on a rhythmic journey blending soulful vocals and enchanting steelpan melodies.

AwulaNa | Vocalist 

 AwulaNa is a 4th year Political Philosophy student at McMaster University.  

A Ghana-born singer-songwriter who seeks to promote love, healing, growth, and the acknowledgement and acceptance of pain through her music.  

AwulaNa strives to create art that opens the hearts, minds, and souls of all who come across, and in her journey to the top she hopes to find her higher self along the way.

Kareesa McQueen | Spoken Word 

Karessa is a deeply passionate spoken word artist who has discovered herself through the rhythmic construction of words over the last 10 years. She is an advocate for the black community, the unseen, the unheard, and fierce. 

She is a believer in the power of the people. She aspires to move audiences into deep thought and emotions by addressing topics which are typically considered uncomfortable or controversial. Karessa believes true evolution can only come to fruition, by lighting sparks in the hearts of those who have yet to discover their unique powers and contributions to this world.

Selina Mudavanhu | Storytelling 

Dr. Selina Mudavanhu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Media Arts at McMaster University. She holds a PhD in Media Studies. One of Dr. Mudavanhu’s research and teaching interests is digital storytelling. In this work, she prioritises the voices of the ‘subaltern.’ Dr. Mudavanhu is interested in the manner ordinary people use digital storytelling to speak back to power and create alternative meanings as well as reflect on their lived experiences for their own benefit and the benefit of others. Dr. Mudavanhu has convened several digital storytelling training workshops in South Africa and in Canada and has also created and co-created several digital stories. Dr. Mudavanhu is currently teaching a third level course on digital storytelling that she developed. 

Afrolicious | Catering  

Afrolicious is a family-owned catering business operating in Hamilton for 16 years. They used to have a restaurant downtown Hamilton but closed, and now focus only on catering. 

They take pride in bringing the flavours of Africa to Hamilton and surrounding?areas and are committed to authentic flavours, food, and experience. Their goal is to showcase their food and culture in every way and to make sure their culture is experienced and spread across the world. 

A Cause to Support

We will also be supporting the Hamilton Black History Council, a not-for-profit community organization whose mission is to promote, celebrate, and honor the history of people of African descent in Hamilton, guided by four pillars: celebration, connection, education, and empowerment. We invite all attendees that are able to make a donation to support this cause as we collectively contribute to building and sustaining a legacy that celebrates and promotes Black history and talents.