2011 - 28th Anniversary - Black Cultural Centre

 

“Expanding Our Horizons” was the theme of the BCC dinner on Saturday, April 16, 2011 The reception and dinner at the Ramada Park Place Plaza Hotel in Dartmouth featured keynote speaker Senator Don Meredith from Toronto and Ottawa and guest musical artist, Miss Maureen “Reeny” Smith from North Preston.

• MLA Mat Whynot

An elegant processional entrance by our guests and dignitaries was led by RCMP Honour Guard, Const. Elizabeth

Lubain to the stirring beat of the ceremonial drumming. Senator Don Meredith was accompanied by his wife, Michelle. Emcee Ms Twila Grosse (BCS Finance Committee Chair) opened the program with welcoming remarks and invited Miss Smith to render national anthems O Canada and Lift Every Voice to get the assembled guests ready for a rousing evening. BCS President, Dr. Les Oliver greeted the assembly with a challenge based on the theme of the evening.  He proposed that the United Nations designation of 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent is the right time for us to view our Nova Scotia story in the global context.  A greeting from the A.U.B.A. Moderator and BCS Board Member, Pastor Wallace Smith was followed by a prayer. The Province of Nova Scotia greeting was brought on behalf of the government by MLA for Lucasville-Lower Sackville, Mr. Mat Whynot.

• Miss Maureen “Reeny” Smith

During dinner Ms Anne Simmons, BCS Board Member, introduced Miss “Reeny” Smith where she sang two beautifully rendered songs while providing her own piano accompaniment.

BCS Past-President, Pastor Brian Johnston provided an informative introduction and invited Honourable Rev. Don Meredith to the podium as our keynote speaker. Sen. Meredith delivered a powerful, thought provoking message full of observation, hope and challenge for the future. His experience with young people in Toronto gave hime a valuable perspective on issues that concern many African Nova Scotian communities. The room received his message with enthusiasm which they expressed by a rousing standing ovation. Dr. Les Oliver presented Senator Meredith with a beautiful  “nautical“ wall clock plaque to commemorate his 2011 visit to Nova Scotia for the BCC celebration. It was kind of him to take time to delive his message to us and he was invited to return.

Miss Smith further stirred the group when she returned to present two more songs, rewarded with a standing ovation. Furthermore, in recognition of her energetic role of preparing herself with education and training and to reflect the BCS interest in youth achievement, Dr. Oliver presented the 2011 BCS President’s Award to Miss “Reeny” Smith. She received the award in the presence of many friends and family, including her parents and her sister. The BCS president is proud to recognize Miss Smith as a young person striving to make the most of her talents with the support of community, family, education and church.

• Senator Don Meredith

Appreciation certificates were presented to corporations that have continued to support the BCC over the years. The 2011 certificates were presented to Park Place Ramada Hotel (Armour Group), Western Union, RBC, Lyle Tilley Davidson Accountants and Long McQuade Music.  The BCC values the support and assistance provided by its corporate friends.

In the days following the event, the Centre received considerable positive feedback from people who had attended the event. The Centre realizes that much thanks for any success goes to the many friends, staff and board members who work hard to put it together.