Black culture has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape in the city of Brampton, giving rise to numerous new forms of expression, films, music, fashion, dance, art, culture and entertainment. Culture continues to form and impact the cultural environment of the city, and its effect has been felt by residence and communities.
At the Black Empowerment Unit, our objective is to leverage the cultural landscape to foster relationship in the diverse communities in Brampton and to increase the resilience of young people by strengthening their ties to their cultures and communities. We are working with families who feel that they cannot fit into the Canadian culture, and yet cannot understand the culture of their parents. We are learning about one another and sharing our cultures. By learning about cultures, it helps us better understand how we relate to other families, community and to Canada in general. Helping build the confidence we need to overcome the isolation and everyday cultural challenges we face.
By feeling connected to families, friends and their cultural heritage, our community would be more emotionally prepared to deal with the struggles they may face while integrating into the wider Canadian community. For example, during the 1920s and 1930s, the Harlem Renaissance was a huge cultural movement in which Black artist, painters, authors, musicians, and intellectuals flourished and made significant contributions to the worlds of music, dance, art, and literature. Similarly, the rise of hip hop in the late twentieth century was a cultural phenomenon that transformed music, dance, and fashion.
Work underway by the Unit includes:
- Producing a series of information sessions to learn about the cultural landscape in the city of Brampton.
- Working with organizations to support art and culture.
- Providing direction to individuals and groups that are interested in music career, dance, art, fashion, entertainment, and filming.
