Virtual Lecture Series

Biography:

Mr. Green is a retired drama teacher and is currently an actor, singer/songwriter and producer of his own original music. He has served as a teacher for the Hamilton-Wentworth School Board in Hamilton, Ontario for 37 years. He initiated the Drama program at his high school and became the Assistant Head of the English department. teaching Drama and English in Canadian schools.

As an avid interest in the development of Black Canadian culture he grew up in the Owen Sound BME church where his great grandfather was once the pastor.

Mr. Green has won the Excellence in Education Award and in the past been nominated for the Reverend John C. Holland Award and participated in presentation for the Ontario Black History Society and The Speakers Corner for Emancipation Celebration Picnic 2014. civic groups dedicated to the advancement of Black Canadians.

His first CD…”Soul Dancing” was nominated for best Indie Album in 2013 and was highlighted in CBC’s talent search out performing numerous other contestants.

Mr. Green is a graduate of University of Guelph with a Specialized Honours in Drama, The University of London (Allthouse Teachers College) with a Bachelor of Education and The University of Toronto (Faculty of Education) Honours Specialist in Drama

Topic: From Slavery to Freedom – 6 Generations

Mr. Rob Green, a 6th generation descendent of survivors from the underground railway pioneered by the well-known Harriet Tubman et al. who led a great number of slaves to the promised land in Canada

The runaway slaves came from Maryland, Virginia and other southern states and used the Underground Railroad accessing freedom to Canada in 1850’s.

Mr. Green will present his family history, sharing his photos and remembrances of his Childhood growing up in Owen Sound  and provide a personal and in-depth account of   his knowledge of  the experience and struggle that these former black slaves encountered when they reached Canada and also an account of the history of his family as they progressed through the years to present day. Much has been told and written regarding the slavery issues and been depicted in novels, movies and documentaries. He will discuss his perspective remembrances of stories told to him by his Grandparents, Mother and Father and other relatives regarding life during the Depression, the World War and progressive development of his family (original Black Canadians) to present day.

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Biography

Ruth Murambadoro is a Black political feminist and seasoned public speaker whose scholarship sits at the intersection of feminist theory, politics, and justice. Her work interrogates the structures of power and oppression that shape the lived experiences of marginalized communities in the Global South—particularly women in Sub-Saharan Africa. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Black Feminisms at Memorial University of Newfoundland, located in Mi’kma’ki—the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq and Beothuk peoples.

Her growing body of work includes the monograph Transitional Justice in Africa: The Case of Zimbabwe (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020) and the co-edited volume The PhD Experience in African Higher Education (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022). Ruth also contributes thought-provoking essays to platforms such as Kujenga Amani, Africa Is A Country, and Herizons, among others.

A former board member of the Zimbabwe Peace Project and the African Studies Association, Ruth is a committed scholar-activist who works to advance holistic peace and development—both within academia and in broader society. She holds research affiliations with the Harriet Tubman Institute and the Centre for Feminist Research. Her long-term project, Humanizing African Women Movements, brings together diverse Black artists to build a digital repository of research creations that (re)present African women’s resistance to the geographies of violence shaping their everyday lives.

Topic: Between Home and Away: African Diaspora Women’s Entangled Lives of Displacement, Resettlement and Resilience

Western understandings of home often emphasize its physicality, framing it as a bounded space occupied by individuals whose lives are shaped by socio-political and economic forces. In contrast, African worldviews conceptualize home as more than a physical location or commodified premise. It is a lived, relational, and spiritual construct that anchors identity and belonging. Drawing on the African proverb musha mukadzi (“a woman is the home”), this essay examines how African diaspora women in Canada negotiate notions of home in opposition to colonial logics and Western prescriptions.

Within Bantu indigenous knowledge systems, musha (home) carries multimodal meanings that inform women’s identity, positionality, and purpose across diverse contexts. Thus, musha mukadzi offers a critical lens to understand how African diaspora women navigate existence within racist, capitalist societies while sustaining cultural values and forging new forms of belonging. The essay draws on life histories of Zimbabwean women in Canada, complemented by digital ethnography of African diaspora women’s engagements on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. These narratives reveal shared experiences of displacement, adaptation, and resilience, highlighting how women embody home as a portable, affective, and cultural construct.

Emerging data suggests that African women do not merely inhabit home; they constitute and reconstitute it through their bodies, practices, and relationships. In doing so, they create alternative worldviews that challenge dominant paradigms of mobility and settlement. Their positionality underscores the need to theorize home as an embodied, negotiated, and dynamic space through African feminist perspectives.

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Biography

Interested in Black History and eradicating racism against Black communities from an early age, Channon’s keen interest and passion in these areas, helped her realize that she must do all she could to educate others and raise awareness of the rich history of Black people. An enthusiast of reading, travel and writing poetry, Channon has an indescribable passion and thirst to not only know more about history, in particular- slavery (historical and modern), but to educate people on these issues and to assist in stopping it from continuing!

An honours graduate, with a Bachelor’s degree in History and Caribbean Studies from the University of Toronto, a Master’s Degree in Slavery Studies from the University of Hull in the UK, a Certificate in Adult Education from George Brown College and currently undertaking her PhD at Queen’s University, Channon has expanded her knowledge and information about Black History and the issues that the Black community faces both locally, here in Canada and internationally, by participating in conferences and workshops relating to the Black experience and history in Canada. Channon served as the Vice President for the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) from 2017-2023, where she helped the organization to preserve, celebrate and spread the rich Black history of Ontario and Canada.

Channon is the founder of Oyeniran Education Support (OyES), an educational organization that helps individuals and institutions identify and align with their intrinsic values, gifts and nurtures them to greatness. Channon uses the OyES platform and others, to teach people about Black History. Channon Oyeniran was born in Scarborough, Ontario but is a longtime resident of the Durham Region. She currently resides in the Durham Region with her husband and their sons.

Topic: An Overview of Black Canadian Historical Settlements and Communities

This presentation will provide an overview of the thriving settlements and communities people of African descent  built for themselves and their families in the late 18th century, 19th century and early 20th century.

This presentation will explore and discuss:

Early Black settlements and communities across Canada.

1. The individuals who helped to build these settlements and communities.
2. Important institutions built within these settlements and communities.

This presentation provides an opportunity for attendees to think critically about the various ways Black people arrived in Canada, and how they created thriving settlements and communities for themselves and families.”

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Biography

Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon is an assistant professor of African Canadian History at York University. She is an award-winning author and an award-winning curriculum developer. Dr. Henry-Dixon is a 2025 recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her leadership and ongoing work to advance understanding of Black history in Ontario.

Her research and publications deal with the enslavement of Black people in Ontario, their quest for freedom, the commemoration of Emancipation Day, and Black communities in the province. Her publications include the books Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada (June 2010), Talking about Freedom: Celebrating Freedom in Canada (2012), a number of youth-focused titles, and several entries for the Canadian Encyclopedia on African Canadian history. Recently, her biographical series with the Dictionary of Canadian Biography on the lives of a select number of Black people enslaved in colonial Ontario was released. Dr. Henry-Dixon’s most recent public history projects include the self-guided walking tour, Tracing Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s Footsteps in Mid‑19th Century Black Toronto. She is the curator for the new Archives of Ontario exhibit, Illuminate Black: Shining Light on the Black Presence in Ontario. Dr. Henry-Dixon’s multifaceted work reflects her unwavering commitment to researching, preserving, and sharing the histories of Black Canadians, making her a vital voice in the field.

Topic:

George Martin was one of the few Black people enslaved in Upper Canada as a child who gained their freedom. This talk traces his story and highlights the process of piecing together archival fragments to genealogically reconstruct his narrative.

Alinka Angelova- January 31- 12 p.m.

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Biography

Alinka Angelova is a distinguished writer, director, producer, and entrepreneur from Barrie, Ontario, renowned for her impactful work in original musical theatre. As the founder of Infinity Arts Productions (IAPC Corp), she has dedicated her career to bringing powerful stories to the stage, including her latest Musical production, Lost Heroes of Oro, which will be showcased at the historic Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres from February 6-8, 2025, in Toronto. A passionate wife and mother of four, Alinka combines her creative vision and dedication to community with an ambitious goal: to see her productions reach the stages of Broadway. .

Topic – The Lost Heroes of Oro

The Lost Heroes of Oro” is an immersive narrative that transports you through the historical events of the 1700s-1800s, shedding light on a significant chapter of Canada’s past: slavery. At its heart, the story revolves around one of Canada’s Black heroes, Richard Pierpoint, and the profound connection between his journey and the African Methodist Episcopal Church nestled in Oro-Medonte. Through song, drama, and dance, this captivating tale reaches back to the African continent, offering a glimpse into the remarkable life of Richard Pierpoint, a Black former slave. Driven by unwavering ambition, relentless determination, and an unshakable passion, Pierpoint embarked on a courageous journey that ultimately led him to the shores of Canada. His mission is to fulfill a destiny forged by his enduring spirit and resilience.

Though this period in history is often seen as a dark chapter, Alinka Angelova transforms it into something truly beautiful. Witness how she brings light to a time of suffering, leaving you inspired and uplifted as you walk out of the theatre.

Dates/Times:

February 6th – 7th, 2025: 11am and 7pm

February 8th, 2025: 2pm and 7pm

Location:

The Elgin Theatre, 189 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1M4

Tickets:

https://www.ticketmaster.ca/lost-heroes-of-oro-tickets/artist/3194039

Webpage: https://infinityartsproductions.com/the-lost-heroes-of-oro/

Instagram: @lostheroesoforo_musical @infinityartsproductions

TikTok: @lostheroesoforo_musical

Youtube Previews: https://youtu.be/4zvHptG5KZg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/829836775965563/?active_tab=discussion

Laura LaChapelle- February 6th, 12 p.m.

WATCH THE LECTURE HERE

Biography

With a passion for community support, volunteering and empowering youth Laura has been deeply involved in creating community engagement particularly through the Arts. She has 35 years of experience participating in community projects, leading art initiatives and inspiring others for a call to service. With her experience being a part of several committees and boards she has seen the shifting demographics happening across Simcoe County. Laura is dedicated to making a difference in people’s mindset about diversity & inclusiveness. 

After achieving a Bachelors in Anthropology from the University of Toronto, Laura focused on Theatre Arts. She developed local theatre in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach and saw this as an opportunity to bring youth together in a safe diverse environment. Laura has been Publicity Chair for Wasaga Community Theatre, Theatrical Director for the Town of Wasaga Beach and freelance journalist for both U of T and the Creemore Echo. Laura was also named among Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2023. 

Topic – Through My Eyes – Change & Challenge Being Biracial in Simcoe County

This presentation explores the personal journey of Laura, who grew up mixed-race in Simcoe County. It offers a candid reflection on the shifting dynamics of racism over the past four decades. Through her lens of lived experience and impactful non-profit work, Laura sheds light on the path toward fostering greater understanding, inclusion, and belonging. When it comes to diversity, what does the future hold for Simcoe County?

Peter Meyler – February 20 at 12 p.m.

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Biography

Peter Meyler’s research into Black history has led to two books, over 50 articles and numerous presentations. He was a consultant for History Channel’s award-winning series BLK: An Origin Story. He co-authored A Stolen Life: Searching for Richard Pierpoint and edited Broken Shackles: Old Man Henson From Slavery to Freedom. Articles have appeared in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail and Canada’s National History Magazine. He has uncovered information on a number of historic Black Canadians including John “Daddy” Hall and Larry Gains.

Topic – Richard Pierpoint: Freedom Fighter

Richard Pierpoint was African and one of Upper Canada’s earliest settlers. He survived the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and twenty years of enslavement. The story of his life and times answers questions and challenges assumptions about Ontario’s history.