Colour of Birth Living Art Exhibition & Symposium
Join us for The Colour of Birth Living Art Exhibition and Symposium on February 1st and 2nd in celebration of Black History Month.
The exhibition will involve the launch of the digital Colour of Birth Gallery and three Panel discussions which will showcase the preliminary findings of the CMOC project, making this the first-of-a-kind historical midwifery presentation from the lens of Black midwives migrating to Canada between the 1800s and 1960s.
The panels will feature midwives, health equity specialists, scholars and researchers, Black activists, educators, and business owners.
Colour of Birth Symposium & Living Art Exhibition Schedule
Free Art Exhibition at DCC Atrium, 288 Church Street. February 1-2 (9 AM - 9 PM)
Day 1 - February 1:
Panel #1: 11AM - 1 PM
Panel #2: 2 PM - 4 PM
Day 2 - February 2:
Panel: 1 PM - 3 PM
Reception: 4 PM - 7 PM
Day 1 - Feb 1st 2024 : Panel Schedule
POD 250, 350 Victoria Street
This panel will put historical findings from the CMOC project related to the direct work of Black midwives in dialogue with current issues in the field related to representation, inclusion, and systemic/ structural racism.
This panel will discuss ancestral knowledge applied to preconception, pregnancy and postpartum health in the African Diaspora.
Day 2 - Feb 2nd 2024 : Panel Schedule
Sears Atrium 245 Church Street, 3rd Floor
(external link, opens in new window)
Beginning with the early history of Black midwives in Canada, this panel will explore how exclusionary labour and medical practices identified in the Canadian Midwives of Colour History project have evolved and/or continue to affect Black healthcare and allied professionals today. The theme of 'work to rule' and 'ruling where you work' in the community and institutional health will also be explored in dialogue with panelists.
Colour of Birth Symposium & Living Art Exhibition
The Exhibition will showcase photos, film screenings, videos, and visual art displays of current Black artists who depict Black families, birth, and infants; Nikola Steer (external link) , Solana Cain (external link) , Jessica Bernard, Reisha Felix, (external link) Sidontae Wilson Taylor, and Tracey Steer. (external link)
The reception will start with a mix and mingle including appetizers and featured vendors: Carleen Crooks, Akemi Designs (external link) and Rita Burke, Burke Bookstore (external link) .
Followed by a welcome from Karline Wilson-Mitchell, and appreciation from Dr Kiaras Gharabaghi, Dean of Faculty of Community Services and Dr. Grace-Camille Munroe, Interim Director Black Scholarship Institute, FCS.
Then move into a Dance/Drumming presentation by Dr. Emilie Jaboin (external link) and a Fashion show by Qweenfecy & Company, followed by the Silent Memorial March.
Concluding with an interactive dance of healing by Dr. Emilie Jaboin (external link) , closing words from Karline Wilson-Mitchell and a community Dance facilitated by DJ Martin Ses (external link) to end off the night.
Interested attendees can join The Colour of Birth Living Art Exhibition and Symposium either in person or online.
Securing your spot through registration is essential, enabling us to plan effectively. Virtual attendance via Zoom is available with limited slots, and registering in advance helps us organize the catering for the reception on Day 2.
