“Local Lens: Multiculturalism: Cultural Equality”

2024 CONTEST WINNERS

We are delighted to announce the winners of the HBHAS Local Lens Contest, a celebration of local talent and community engagement. Through this contest, we have witnessed inspiring submissions that highlight the unique perspectives and creativity of our community and young people.

Congratulations to all the winners! Their exceptional work truly embodies the spirit of this impactful HBHAS initiative.

First Place Winner
Devi Alleyne-Omkaroe

"Cultural Equality From An Uncultured Black Girl"
Grade 10 - Burlington Central High School

Second Place Winner
Maya Jazayeri

"A Quilted Tapestry: Multiculturalism and Black History in Halton"
Grade 10 - Burlington Central High School

Third Place Winner
Keshav Mishra

"Enhancing Cultural Equality in Canada: Halton's Past and Future"
Grade 12 - Georgetown District High School

The HBHAS thanks you for your participation and welcomes you to our future HBHAS programs and events.
Have a great year at school.

2023 CONTEST WINNERS

The HBHAS thanks all contestants, jury and project members for their respective input in developing and participating in this project inclusive of the Halton Secondary School Board, Halton Catholic School Board, Metroland Media, Joseph Brant Museum, Oakville Museum and Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills, and Oakville Libraries. Continued successes.

The Butterfly Effect: Unveiling its impact on Halton’s Black History Maya Jazayeri, 2023 First Place Recipient Gr. 9, Burlington Central High School April 22, 2023 "The flapping of the wings of a butterfly can be felt on the other side of the world." (Lorenz, 1960), A simple theory deemed as the butterfly effect, which simply highlights the capability of small actions generating large changes.

2022 CONTEST WINNERS

We are elated to have finalized the 2022 winners of our “Local Lens: The Black Experience in Halton” and are pleased to introduce to you:

The HBHAS thanks all contestants, jury and project members for their respective input in developing and participating in this project inclusive of the Halton Secondary School Board, Halton Catholic School Board, Metroland Media, Joseph Brant Museum, Oakville Museum and Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills, and Oakville Libraries.

The winning contestants received awards and honorariums in the amount of $500 first prize, $250 second prize and $100 3rd prize. Metroland Media (Inside Halton) interviewed our two first place contestants and placed excerpts of their narratives in their Halton newspapers Burlington Post, Milton Champion, Oakville Beaver and Independent/Free Press as well as enabling viewer opportunities to appreciate all “selected” narratives accessible to all through QR coding. (https://1drv.ms/u/s!Anzit_vbJ_digtx08LP08AbcY5lSBQ?e=NpiTRm).

The winning contestants received their awards at our 2022 Emancipation Gala on July 29th at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, signed and presented by Lawrence Hill and the Halton Black History Awareness Society.

The HBHAS is working towards developing an annual journal, with the support of the partner libraries, museums and sponsors, incorporating “selected” narratives to be distributed within their networks. The HBHAS is looking to annualize this project with focus on our diverse communities, which is the fastest growing visible minority population in Canada. Kudos to Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills in participating and supporting this valuable program as stated by the majority of essay providers.

Thank YOU for your ongoing support and the best of continued successes in appreciating our diverse community, learning about how cultural integration can develop knowledge and self appreciation and identity, and progress towards a more authentic inclusive collaborative environment at home, school and vocation. Thank you for your interest and participation. Continued successes.