THUNDER BAY - On Friday, the Caribbean African Multicultural Association of Thunder Bay (CAMAT) announced plans to celebrate Black Excellence – a unique showcase of the talent and contributions of black people in Thunder Bay and North America. The celebration will take place at the 7th Annual Black History Month Dinner & Gala on February 24, 2018 at the Italian Cultural Centre.
The entire community is invited to participate in the celebration of African and Caribbean culture and heritage, and be inspired by the successes of local black people. The event will include authentic African and Caribbean cuisine, live entertainment and the award of two CAMAT Scholarship bursaries to local students.
“We felt it is more important than ever this year to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the black community in Thunder Bay,” said Colleen Peters, President of CAMAT. “Presenting bursary funds from the CAMAT Scholarship Fund during the Black History Month Gala publicly recognizes the excellence of individuals working towards post-secondary education in Thunder Bay.
Achieving excellence in education will lead to achieving excellence in this community. We invite people from every part of the community to come together and celebrate the diverse people and cultures that make Northwestern Ontario a better place to live.”
As a new addition to this year’s event, members of CAMAT will be preparing a three-course African and Caribbean cuisine themselves. Authentic Haitian bean soup, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, African jollof rice and Trinidadian chickpeas are all featured on the menu. The evening will include dance performances from Africa and Haiti, and bring a unique showcase of a Nigerian Tradition. Raffle prizes and a chance to win a Westjet round-trip for two will also be available.
Proceeds of the event benefit the CAMAT Scholarship Fund, which provides educational resources and financial support for students of African and Caribbean heritage. This includes newcomer and refugee students at the elementary, collegiate and post-secondary levels of schooling.
There are three tickets categories - $25 for 12 and under, $35 for students and $50 general admission. For more information visit the Black History Month Gala & Dinner 2018 Facebook page or www.camatnetwork.com.
