Through them : HONOURING OUR JOURNEYS

This event will take the form of an immersive cultural experience highlighting the journeys, voices, and legacy of Black women who have shaped the history of Canada, Quebec, and the Laval region.

It is intended as a space for reflection and for recognizing the social, cultural, economic, and civic contributions of Afro-descendant women. The event will open with a dialogue between guest speakers and the audience, focusing on the life paths of pioneering and inspiring women, the challenges they have faced, their achievements, and their role in building a more inclusive, equitable, and representative Quebec society.

The program will be enriched by cultural and artistic segments that connect history to the living expression of identity. Performances of dances rooted in Afro-descendant traditions, accompanied by explanations of their origins and meanings, will be presented, along with tributes to Black women singers who have left a mark on Quebec’s cultural landscape through musical excerpts, testimonials, and cultural vignettes. These moments will highlight the richness of Afro-descendant heritage and its contribution to Quebec culture.

The evening will conclude with the presentation of two honorary awards: the “Perle Noire et d’exception de Laval” Award, recognizing Afro-descendant women for their engagement, resilience, and contribution to the Laval community, and the “Coup de cœur” Award, honoring a Black woman from Laval who embodies passion, determination, and inspiration for present and future generations.