Discussion avec Dorothy Williams: "Jazz et Identité Noire : Un Voyage à Travers l'Histoire"

Discussion with Dorothy Williams  – In English

A Walk Down Memory Lane: The Black Community in the Jazz era 

It all began at the end of the 19th century, during the industrialisation, with the construction of the railways and the recruitment of black people as porters in the stations, one of the few jobs available to these communities at the time. These people settled near the stations and, after the abolition of slavery, were joined by a wave of black immigrants, including jazz musicians, from the United States. The communities began to meet, first in churches, then in associations such as the now defunct Negro Community Centre and the Coloured Women's Club of Montreal (1902). These initiatives were the first signs of resistance against racism and for social equality in Canada. It was in this socio-cultural and historical context of the working class that jazz music enjoyed its golden age, from its emergence in the mid-19th century to its apogee. Driven by legendary figures such as Oliver Jones and Oscar Peterson, did jazz music help strengthen and promote this resistance born in the basements of churches?

This masterclass, hosted by Michael Farkas, Chairman of the Black History Month Round Table, in the presence of historian, author, archivist and consultant Dorothy Williams, invites you on a historical and musical journey through the black English-speaking district of Montréal.

The aim of this event is to celebrate and revive the memory of our communities. 

Discussion moderated by Mickael Farkas, President of Black History Month, director of MDJ and of performing arts programmes for children.