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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 6, 2009 - 11 Saluting Oakville's past By Tanya Kostiw SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The audience was on its feet dancing, clapping and singing at Oakville's Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday night, an event organized by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH). The evening featured musical performances by singer and pianist John Campbell, master drummer Muhtadi and the CCAH's steel pan band and drumming circle. The keynote speaker Michele Johnson discussed the spirit of resistance and resilience in Caribbean history. CCAH President Veronica Tyrrell said this year's turnout was better than last year's, when the event fell on the day of huge snowstorm. "It's fantastic. I'm really pleased to see the people out." Mayor Rob Burton and MPP Kevin Flynn also attended the event. "Black history is a major part of who we are in Oakville," said Burton. "Some of our earliest and most ... important ... residents were black residents as a result of the Underground Railroad." Tyrrell said many people are unaware Oakville played a role in "Black history is a major part of who we are in Oakville. Some of our earliest and most ... important ... residents were black residents as a result of the Underground Railroad." Rob Burton, Mayor of Oakville BOOK YOUR VALENTINE'S DINNER AT DENNY'S ON FEBRUARY 14 Michele Johnson the Underground Railroad. She hopes to get the message out. The Oakville Museum has an interactive exhibit called The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom. The exhibit is presented through the perspective of Deborah Brown and her husband Perry, as they venture from Maryland to Canada to escape slavery. Tours will be held on Feb. 15 and Feb. 22. This week's celebration also recognized Alvin Duncan, a black historian whose ancestry was tied to the Underground Railroad in Oakville. Duncan died on Jan 29 at the age of 95. The Duncan family is the last remaining family in Oakville with roots to the Underground Railroad. On Feb 2, Canada Post issued two stamps in recognition of Black History Month. One is of Rosemary Brown, the first black woman elected to Canadian legislature in 1972. When she ran for leadership of the NDP party, she became the first woman to run for leadership of a federal political party. The other stamp recognizes Abraham Doras Shadd, an important figure in the Underground Railroad and the first black person elected to Canadian office. For more information on Oakville's Underground Railroad exhibit contact Tyrrell at 905-257-0581, or the Oakville Museum at 905-338-4400. Manning Fine Jewellery $ 3999 es KIDS EAT FREE Every Tuesday Night 125 Cross Avenue Located in Trafalgar Village 905-845-4443 OPEN 24 HOURS · FREE WIRELESS INTERNET Can you hear the world? Hear the World is a global initiative by Phonak to raise the awareness about the importance of hearing. The initiative calls attention to the consequences of hearing loss and addresses a problem that affects more then 10% of the world's population. Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and other renowned musicians joined forces to help Hear the World . In the context of the Hear the World initiative, Phonak has established the non-profit Hear the World Foundation to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss through financial and technical assistance. The foundation is committed to the prevention of hearing loss as well as the support of people with hearing loss and their families. www.hear-the-world.com Photo by Bryan Adams The Hearing Aid Centre supports the Hear the World initiative. Call to book your hearing test today! Hearing Aid Centre Harry Belafonte singer and actor 905-849-7888