Community Outreach and Impact
<p class="font_8">The Festival Management Committee (FMC) has developed several outreach and education programs to engage the community and promote cultural awareness. These initiatives aim to support economic development, cultural education, and community engagement. These outreach and education programs are integral to the FMC and Toronto Caribbean Carnival's mission to promote cultural enrichment, community development, and economic empowerment. By engaging various segments of the community, these programs help preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean while supporting the broader socio-economic goals of the community. Here are some of the key programs.</p>
Building Black Entrepreneurs Program (BBEP): This program supports nearly 400 entrepreneurs by creating approximately 130 jobs and generating significant economic activity. It focuses on educating and empowering Black entrepreneurs to run their businesses efficiently and effectively.
Carnival Arts Initiative with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB): This initiative integrates carnival arts into local schools, potentially impacting 235,000 students and their parents. The program explores creativity and cultural heritage, emphasizing the history, artistry, and craftsmanship of costume-making.
Diversity and Equity Training Programs: Engaging 200 community leaders and educators, these programs focus on promoting inclusivity and respect within the community, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.
Schulich Business Excellence Academy at York University: In partnership with the Schulich School of Business, this program supports high school students from under-represented groups, particularly Black and Indigenous communities. It offers business education and mentorship to help students succeed in their future careers.
Young Learners Program with Toronto Football Club: This initiative supports the educational and athletic development of over 1,000 students, enhancing their academic performance and physical well-being. It includes mentorship and activities designed to foster growth and development in young learners.
Young Leaders Program:A new FMC program led by young people to encourage their peers to get involved in leadership roles in business, politics (for all political parties), and cultural and community organizations.
Caribbean Community Advocacy Network: To ensure continued advocacy for greater support for Caribbean and black interests the FMC also promotes socio-political (non-partisian), cultural, and economic advocacy for the Caribbean community at all levels of government. The aim is to amplify the voice of Caribbean interests, ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed by policymakers
Steelpan
Steelpan music in Canada has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the Caribbean diaspora, particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, where the steelpan originated. Introduced in the 1950s, the steelpan became a vital symbol of cultural identity and community cohesion for many Caribbean Canadians. As the instrument gained popularity, Toronto saw the formation of several steelbands, including the influential Afropan, established in 1973 by Earl La Pierre Sr. Afropan became a cornerstone of the city's steelpan culture, regularly performing at events like the Toronto Caribbean Carnival's Pan Alive competition, which began in 1997.
The steelpan also found a home in Toronto's educational institutions. Beginning in the 1980s, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) incorporated the instrument into its music curriculum, fostering new generations of pannists. Today, over 30 schools in Ontario offer steelpan programs, and the TDSB Panfest provides students a platform to showcase their talents.
Organizations like the Ontario Steelpan Association and the Canadian Federation of Steelpan have played crucial roles in promoting and preserving steelpan music in Canada. These groups organize events, provide resources, and support the community through various initiatives.The steelpan in Toronto has not only preserved its traditional roots but has also evolved by incorporating urban genres like R&B and pop, reflecting the diverse influences of its new home while maintaining its Caribbean heritage.This cultural preservation and adaptation of steelpan music highlight its importance not only as a symbol of Caribbean heritage but also as a unique and integral part of Canada's diverse musical identity.
Calypso
Calypso music is a vibrant and rhythmic genre that originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early 19th century. It evolved from the West African traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans, who used this musical form to communicate, satirize social issues, and express political commentary. Originally performed in a call-and-response style, calypso was heavily influenced by French, Spanish, and Creole musical elements. The lyrics, often witty and filled with double entendres, address topical events and societal issues, making calypso a "poor man's newspaper" in times of limited literacy. As it evolved Calypso has spawned many subgenres, including soca mento, benna, spouge, ska, chutney, and extempo. Calypso has been part of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival since 1967.
The first commercial recordings of Calypso occurred in the 1920s and 30s in Trinidad when the calypso monarch competition also emerged.
Until the emergence of Calypso Rose in the mid-1960s, the genre had been dominated by men, despite a long tradition of female chantwells. Calypso Rose’s success in the 1970s culminated in her becoming the first woman Calypso Monarch. The artform was nurtured in Canada first by the Calypso Association of Canada and now The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) which is a registered non-profit arts organization founded in 1981 to guide the growth and development of calypso in Toronto and Canada.