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Cision Canada
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Celebrate Emancipation Day 2025: Pressed, Poured, Plated and Played at the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History Français
DRESDEN, ON, /CNW/ - On Saturday, August 2, visit the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, for an Emancipation Day celebration of hope and freedom commemorating the end of slavery in Canada on August 1, 1834. This year's program theme, Pressed, Poured, Plated and Played, celebrates how Black culture is shared and experienced across generations through crafts, drinks, food and music. Visitors can use a letterpress to make a souvenir bookmark, enjoy a beer poured by Black-owned Mascot Brewery, sample West-African food from Yaya's Kitchen and listen and dance to musical performances throughout the day. "Emancipation Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and enduring legacy of Black communities in Ontario, across Canada and around the world," said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. "Events like this one at the Josiah Henson Museum offers an opportunity to honour the past, celebrate cultural expression, and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger province for all. I encourage everyone to take part in this important day of reflection, learning, and celebration." "On Emancipation Day, we are reminded of the struggle for freedom and the courage that it required. The Josiah Henson Museum's celebration reinforces the importance of pursuing freedom, justice and human rights in Ontario's heritage." — John Ecker, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Heritage Trust This year, the event will run from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. The full schedule of events is as follows: 11:05 a.m. — Marque Smith piano performance Enjoy a soulful performance of ragtime and jazz renditions of historically significant songs by acclaimed pianist Marque Smith. 11:25 a.m. — Dr. Claudine Bonner author talk A leading scholar in Black Canadian history, Dr. Bonner discusses her upcoming book, The Black Press: A Shadowed Canadian Tradition. 11:45 a.m. — Artists in Motion (AIM) dance performance Watch this powerful multidisciplinary dance showcasing Afro, hip-hop and contemporary styles. 11:55 a.m. — Yaya's Kitchen food demonstration and sampling Taste the flavours of northern Nigeria and the Sahel. Maryam and Malvin Wright bring curated cuisine to the Emancipation Day festivities. 12:25 p.m. — Remarks 12:35 p.m. — Lunch break Visitors can explore the site and purchase food from Beef Meatz Bun or Truckn' Mama's food trucks. 1:25 p.m. — Farley Flex inspirational talk A prominent Black figure in Canada's music industry, Flex has launched careers, opened doors and used his platform as a Canadian Idol judge and promoter to elevate diverse voices in entertainment. 1:40 p.m. — Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters live music performance Get ready to dance! Garnetta Cromwell and her band DaGroovmasters electrify the crowd with their R&B, soul and funk. Their feel-good rhythms bring energy, joy and celebration to every audience. Emancipation Day is supported by RBC. Stay connected Follow the Ontario Heritage Trust on Facebook, X, Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe to the Heritage Matters ... more! e-newsletter. #ONheritage About the Ontario Heritage Trust The Trust is committed to preserving our cultural and natural heritage and ensuring its continued relevance for future generations. We are working towards an Ontario where heritage is not only preserved and valued, but is celebrated, enjoyed and used as a source of inspiration. The Trust will be a beacon in an Ontario where heritage is preserved, protected and promoted in ways that are sources of pride for all Ontarians. About the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History is owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust. This site celebrates the life and work of Reverend Josiah Henson and explores the history of the Underground Railroad in Ontario. The museum provides a space to discuss the legacy of slavery and racism and the enduring pursuit for social justice. Visit our website to learn more.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Meghan Markle's ex-BFF Jessica Mulroney ‘SPLITS from husband after 16 years', sources claim
MEGHAN Markle's former best friend has split from her husband of 16 years, sources claim. Stylist Jessica Mulroney - who was once very close with the Duchess of Sussex - has reportedly separated from her partner Ben, with whom she shares three children. 2 Ben Mulroney and Jessica together at the David Foster Foundation Gala in 2017 Credit: Getty 2 Meghan and Jessica were once close pals Credit: Refer to Caption It is understood that Meg's former close pal has been spotted without her wedding ring. Meghan and Jessica were once best friends, with Jessica's three children appearing as pageboys and bridesmaids at Meghan's 2018 Windsor wedding. But the pair fell out two years later when Jessica was embroiled in a race row with Black Canadian lifestyle blogger Sacha Exeter. In 2020, the mum-of-three was accused of The high profile spat, in which Jessica appeared to threaten Sasha with legal action in a private message after publicly apologising, reportedly left the Duchess of Sussex 'mortified.' The Canadian stylist has issued two public apologies, but Meghan is believed to have kept her distance. Most read in Royals Jessica shared a quote on Instagram which said: 'Life changes. You lose love. You lose friends. "You lose pieces of yourself that you never imagined would be gone. 'And then, without even realising it, these pieces come back. New love enters. Better friends come along. 'And a stronger, wiser you, is staring back in the mirror.' After the incident, Jessica lost her job on ABC's Good Morning America along with a number of fashion deals. Meghan reportedly met celebrity stylist Jessica Mulroney, whose father-in-law is former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, while she was living in Toronto filming Suits. Denise Palmer-Davies, director of PR agency Borne Media, told Fabulous , it is 'no coincidence' that Meghan struggles to keep friends. 'Meghan's friendships, particularly those that have broken down, are interesting," she said. "While we are all guilty of not staying in regular contact with people, it is quite unusual for an adult woman to lose so many friends. "It doesn't seem like a coincidence and there have long been reports about her conduct, particularly towards her employees. "It really isn't a good look brand or PR wise if there are continuous reports about behaviour and broken friendships. People will start to question why. 'It's little wonder she appears desperate to cling on to her friendships with the likes of high profile stars Ellen [Degeneres] and Oprah, it shows she can at least hold some relationships down.' More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Read more on the Irish Sun is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Meghan Markle's ex-BFF Jessica Mulroney ‘SPLITS from husband after 16 years', sources claim
Her children had a starring role at Meghan and Prince Harry's wedding Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MEGHAN Markle's former best friend has split from her husband of 16 years, sources claim. Stylist Jessica Mulroney - who was once very close with the Duchess of Sussex - has reportedly separated from her partner Ben, with whom she shares three children. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Ben Mulroney and Jessica together at the David Foster Foundation Gala in 2017 Credit: Getty 2 Meghan and Jessica were once close pals Credit: Refer to Caption Page Six reported that the pair's marriage had been on the rocks for a number of years. It is understood that Meg's former close pal has been spotted without her wedding ring. Meghan and Jessica were once best friends, with Jessica's three children appearing as pageboys and bridesmaids at Meghan's 2018 Windsor wedding. But the pair fell out two years later when Jessica was embroiled in a race row with Black Canadian lifestyle blogger Sacha Exeter. In 2020, the mum-of-three was accused of abusing her "wealth and privilege" by the influencer in an attempt to shut her up in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement. The high profile spat, in which Jessica appeared to threaten Sasha with legal action in a private message after publicly apologising, reportedly left the Duchess of Sussex 'mortified.' The Canadian stylist has issued two public apologies, but Meghan is believed to have kept her distance. Jessica has previously shared cryptic posts about "losing friends and finding better ones" since the pair's public fall out. Jessica shared a quote on Instagram which said: 'Life changes. You lose love. You lose friends. "You lose pieces of yourself that you never imagined would be gone. 'And then, without even realising it, these pieces come back. New love enters. Better friends come along. 'And a stronger, wiser you, is staring back in the mirror.' After the incident, Jessica lost her job on ABC's Good Morning America along with a number of fashion deals. Meghan reportedly met celebrity stylist Jessica Mulroney, whose father-in-law is former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, while she was living in Toronto filming Suits. Denise Palmer-Davies, director of PR agency Borne Media, told Fabulous, it is 'no coincidence' that Meghan struggles to keep friends. 'Meghan's friendships, particularly those that have broken down, are interesting," she said. "While we are all guilty of not staying in regular contact with people, it is quite unusual for an adult woman to lose so many friends. "It doesn't seem like a coincidence and there have long been reports about her conduct, particularly towards her employees. "It really isn't a good look brand or PR wise if there are continuous reports about behaviour and broken friendships. People will start to question why. 'It's little wonder she appears desperate to cling on to her friendships with the likes of high profile stars Ellen [Degeneres] and Oprah, it shows she can at least hold some relationships down.' More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Toronto Star
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Ontario is pausing its curriculum overhaul. Here's what that will mean for students
Ontario's surprise decision to postpone curriculum changes — including mandatory instruction on the Holodomor, the Holocaust and Black Canadian history, as well as an overhaul of kindergarten — has drawn disappointment from advocates, but teachers' unions say it gives educators much-needed time to prepare meaningful lessons. 'This provides a valuable opportunity to get it right,' said Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, said of the one-year delay. She noted the timing of the announcement was not ideal and created 'some uncertainty,' but the pause 'allows for better planning, clearer communication and more comprehensive professional development.'
Hamilton Spectator
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Ontario is pausing its curriculum overhaul. Here's what that will mean for students
Ontario's surprise decision to postpone curriculum changes — including mandatory instruction on the Holodomor, the Holocaust and Black Canadian history, as well as an overhaul of kindergarten — has drawn disappointment from advocates, but teachers' unions say it gives educators much-needed time to prepare meaningful lessons. 'This provides a valuable opportunity to get it right,' said Martha Hradowy, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, said of the one-year delay. She noted the timing of the announcement was not ideal and created 'some uncertainty,' but the pause 'allows for better planning, clearer communication and more comprehensive professional development.' The elementary teachers union also received no advance notice. 'We were surprised — pleasantly so,' said ETFO president Karen Brown. 'We're not opposed to a revised and updated curriculum; educators want that, and they want what's best for their students. But they need time to prepare. I'm glad (the ministry) is listening.' Both Hradowy and Brown said in the absence of any concrete guidelines from the government, teachers had been expressing concerns they would not be ready under the original timeline. Curriculum changes set to take effect this fall were introduced more than a year and a half ago. The province planned to revise Grade 10 history to include enhanced mandatory instruction on the Holodomor , the Holocaust, and Black Canadian histories and to add financial literacy to Grade 10 math. Kindergarten's play-based approach , introduced in 2010, was to be revamped in favour of a 'back-to-basics' focus on reading, writing and math. But last Friday, tacked on to the end of a news conference about the province taking over four school boards due to alleged financial mismanagement, Education Minister Paul Calandra announced curriculum changes would be shelved for a year. He said the delay would allow time to develop 'a more central, consistent' approach and give teachers the opportunity to properly prepare. 'Students cannot afford to wait,' Josh Landau, director of Ontario government relations at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, told the Star. 'In a time where antisemitism has risen to levels not seen in recent memory, there remains a troubling lack of understanding about the Holocaust, its impacts and the persistent dehumanization of Jews that reverberates even today.' Calling the delay a setback, Tiffany Ford, executive director of education non-profit P.E.A.C.H. , said 'these updates are crucial for providing Ontario students with a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history. While we understand the ministry is managing multiple priorities, we urge the government to uphold its commitment to these curriculum changes.' Debbie King, chair of the Black trustees' caucus at the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, said she was hopeful the pause would give teachers more support and time to prepare, but in the meantime 'educators should not fear reprisal or other potential consequences for supplementing or extending the existing curriculum with applicable content and materials in culturally responsive ways. 'Many school boards have already begun meaningful work in this area,' she added, 'but sustained and system-wide progress requires co-ordination, collaboration and commitment.' Roma Dzerowicz, project manager of the Holodomor National Awareness Tour — a mobile classroom experience about the 1932–33 famine-genocide that killed millions in Ukraine — said she was shocked by last Friday's announcement. 'We are disappointed,' she said, adding she had been contacting school boards as late as last week about potential visits to dovetail with the enhanced curriculum. A Ukrainian Canadian Congress spokesperson noted there just wasn't enough time to prepare educators to teach 'complex and historically significant topics like the Holodomor, with which many might not be familiar.' Valentina Kuryliw, who serves as chair of the Holodomor Education Committee, added that while the delay was 'unfortunate,' it was 'prudent.' Brown said she understands the frustration voiced by advocates, but emphasized the importance of providing teachers with the proper training and tools: 'You do not want our members doing a disservice to the Black community because the teacher who's delivering the curriculum is fumbling through the knowledge. No one wants that.' The heads of both teachers unions are urging the ministry to release details of the new curriculum as soon as possible, and not wait another year. Brown said many questions remain — particularly about the revised kindergarten program and how young students will be assessed. Error! 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