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A call from the Black Community Association of Laval

par Benoit LeBlanc
Voir tous les articles de Benoit LeBlanc
Article mis en ligne le 27 août 2008 à 8:42
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Althea Seam, president and coordinator of the Laval Black Community Association, enthusiastically at work on behalf of the community. (Photo: Martin Alarie)

The Laval Black Community Association has launched an appeal to the people of Laval to become part of a number of community projects intended to help young blacks develop and actualize their talents, potential, and skills.

"Whether we're black or white, Anglophone, Allophone or Francophone, I truly believe the time has come to work together because we live together. I want everyone who decides to join our cause by answering our appeal, to fulfill their objectives and expectations at the same time as we can try to fulfill those of the association," explains Althea Seaman, president of the Laval Black Community Association.

Under Mrs. Seaman's leadership the association, which she single-handedly revived six years ago after it had been allowed to lapse into more than a decade of inactivity, developed partnerships with many schools and churches on Laval island, with the aim of addressing the needs of young people of the region, through diverse activities, projects, and initiatives.

Some of the projects she'd like to implement include fashion shows for girls, a basketball league for boys, essay contests revolving around the reasons for staying in school (for all), the writing and editing of a book of collective positive experiences in community living and successful business management, evenings of dances and concerts for all ages across all generations, from teenagers to goldenagers.

Black History Month

Most of these projects will come to life in preparation for Black History Month, the annual February celebration of Black history, Black culture, Black literature and the arts, and Black achievements in leadership, business, science, education, communication and media, and a whole lot more.

"For the past six years, I've concentrated our activities around the major annual event. It's a wonderful occasion to share, relate, and communicate with each other," Mrs. Seaman specifies, adding that she would love to implement employment programs to advance the cause of the community.

Sharing and integrating

The Laval Black Community Association was founded in 1983, following an influx into Île Jésus of immigrants originating from the Antilles. "It was very important at that time to offer better and more effective opportunities for integrating into community's life," Mrs. Seaman points out.

Since then, the face of the black community in Laval has changed substantially, with a much greater presence of French-speaking people among the city's population. This does not necessarily make communication between associations (French-speaking, English-speaking) any easier.

At present, 12,000 people of black origin live in Laval. Anyone wishing to become associated with, and involved in, the work of the Laval Black Community Association, can contact Mrs. Seaman, at (450) 687-2176 or at alseees@yahoo.ca

Photo: AngAlt

(Photo: Martin Alarie)

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