"We do not exist alone, we need each other to be human. I am because you are, that is Ubuntu" - Tichaona eKhaya, Community Director
Bring on the Sunshine's (BOTS) annual festival has been re-invented and is fully virtual for the first time.
*The following excerpt is from the BOTS 2021 Festival Press Release
Bring on the Sunshine has been bridging an education and awareness gap in the community for over a decade, offering an annual festival during Black History Month, a summer camp, a youth leadership program and educational programming in schools. While 2020 has been tough, it has also created opportunities for new artists and ideas to intersect. Tichaona eKhaya, Community Director says, “At the centre of our humanity is community. We as Africans recognize and acknowledge that we do not exist alone, we need each other to be human. I am because you are, that is Ubuntu. During this trying time of isolation and separation, we call upon Ubuntu, for us to look out for one another, check on each other and come together to celebrate this Black History Month, with an awareness and understanding that opens new avenues that change our way of living and thinking this month and beyond, safely of course.”
This year the festival is showcased by a lineup of artists from Waterloo region to Cape Town(South Africa) including well known local artists Errol Blackwood, eKhaya, and new this year,Sarah Thawer as a JUNO-Award nominated drummer with a live performance and workshop, among others. There will also be a live panel discussion on “Black History and Migration:Where to now.” with local experts. Also new this year, is the 3D online Art show that not only showcases local artists, but also shares a 3D online exhibition of Zimbabwean soapstone sculpture hosted by ZimArt's Rice Lake Gallery in Peterborough. The event platform we have chosen also allows you to have private and group facetime conversations, meet and network with both vendors and new and old friends. Penny notes these casual points of connection are what many are missing the most right now.
This year the education program presented virtually in schools and offices has really taken off.The experiential education offered is important in directing conversation as society seeks ways to address unconscious and conscious bias that disproportionately impact the Black community. Penny says, “ Black History is world History and therefore impacts us all. For society to progress the learning and unlearning is for everyone in the community to do, and not just a problem for Black folks. And learning at the heart level is the best way to create change.”says Penny. “Experiencing this annual event is one of the ways you can do this.”
Website: www.bringonthesunshine.ca
Facebook Page: @BringontheSunshine.ca
Instagram: @BOTSunshine
Twitter: @botsunshine
Event Website: Bring on the Sunshine 2021
Facebook Event (2021): Bring on the Sunshine Festival 2021
