Canada has often voiced pride in being built on “multiculturalism”.  But this claim has not been consistent. Racialized Canadians have historically been underrepresented in Canada’s conventional media and societal narrative; largely denied the access afforded those who are not. The COVID and racial pandemics coupled with the recent Residential School discoveries, have forced Canadians to reconcile this disparity. Wes Hallfounded The Black North Initiative responding fulsomely, encouraging business leaders to sign its pledge to welcome Black C-suite decisionmakers into their boardrooms. New York based Canadian shoe designer, Aurora James, founded 15 Percent Pledge inviting North American retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned business.  An increased number of “BIPOC” Canadians are now being cast in high visibility media roles. But is this a just for-the-moment trend? Will change be embraced by all Canadians irrevocably? Or will Canada soon revert to the previous status quo?

I’m a Canadian creator living in Ontario who identifies as Black thus for whom successes have not always been easy.  I am however fortunate to have been mentored by great Canadians. They’ve inspired me to pay their gifts forward to today’s young people, particularly those racialized, coming up.

To commemorate Canada’s emergence post-COVID and reinforce the shift into active diversity, we propose a significant milestone marker, MODECANADAROCKS Renaissance + Reunion, a street party & theatrical stage spectacular commemorating Canada, celebrating Indigenous, Black, and globally recognized leaders, artists and creators of media, music, food, and fashion ­– livestreamed across Canada and around the world. The event will be presented live, outdoors under the stars, on the evening of Saturday, August 13^th, 2022, at Ontario Place, with television broadcast later.  Net proceeds benefit Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth(evas.ca) rated one of Canada’s Top 10 Impact Charities by Charity Intelligence.

The event’s is produced by Delectant Media for Mode Canada Rocks, a Canadian not-for-profit, missioned to raise awareness and financial support for various charities and urgent causes that may arise. Links to sponsorship opportunities below. Please join us in amplifying the message “Diversity is not a trend.”