Many Rivers to Cross: The African Canadian Experience, photo exhibit at York

Many Rivers to Cross Poster

In commemoration of Black History Month, the Multicultural History Society of Ontario’s photo exhibit Many Rivers to Cross: The African Canadian Experience will be at York.

The Many Rivers to Cross photo exhibit will be on display Feb. 18 to March 7, at the McLaughlin College Art Gallery, 001 McLaughlin College, Keele campus.

Many Rivers to Cross exhibit posterMany Rivers to Cross is the title of a song by Jimmy Cliff, the multi-talented Jamaican artist. It is a graphic metaphor for the struggles and hopes, the successes and failures, of people of African descent everywhere, whether they live on the African continent or away from it, in the diaspora. The title also catches in a phrase the centuries of striving by African Canadians, who have had many rivers to cross.

This exhibition attempts to convey an impression of the place that those of African descent have long occupied in the Canadian mosaic. It deals with immigration, culture, the struggle for justice, and work, all in the context of a complex and supportive community life.

The exhibit will officially open as part of the 2014 World Day of Social Justice ceremonies on Feb. 20, from noon to 1:30pm, in the Senior Common Room, 140 McLaughlin College. York equity studies Professor Lorne Foster will provide a brief introduction and interpretation of the various photos in the collection that documents an important and integral part of Ontario and Canadian history. Everyone is welcome to attend.

This event is co-sponsored by School of Public Policy & Administration, McLaughlin College, Centre for Human Rights, Institute for Feminist Legal Studies, Centre for Refugee Studies and York Centre for Public Policy & Law.

For more information contact Lorraine Myrie at ext. 33825 or lmyrie@yorku.ca.