The Many Roads to Freedom

March 19, 2019

The year was 1962. The civil rights movement was in full swing, and a talented Canadian musician felt inspired to compose a song in support. The resulting composition, Hymn to Freedom, soon became known world-wide as the inspiration for the Civil Rights Movement. The musician? Popular Canadian jazz musician, Oscar Emmanuel Peterson.

In recognition of Canadian Black History, Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Music and the Laurier Centre for Music in the Community (LCMC), together with The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (KWMC) and other community partners, are pleased to present The Many Roads to Freedom on March 22 at 8 p.m. at First United Church in Waterloo.

The Many Roads to Freedom will highlight the history and achievements of Black Canadians. Hymn to Freedom will be sung by a mass choir while pictorial images drawn from highlights of Canadian Black history from coast to coast will be featured on the screen.

“It is an honour to be included and offer a collaborative partnership in this important milestone where music and visual images serve to raise the awareness of Canadian Black History,” notes Lee Willingham, Director of LCMC.

It is hoped that this event, as well as a resulting video production to be made available on YouTube upon completion, will help Canadians acknowledge and understand the role of the Black Community in Canada, while encouraging inclusiveness, unity, respect for others and freedom for all.

Along with the choir, soloists and a professional quartet will be featured. Special guest will be the Honourable Jean Augustine, one of the first two Black Canadian women elected to the House of Commons.

For more information, please contact: Lauris Dacosta P.H.N, B.N., Project Coordinator, 519-725-2369 or Lucia Harrison, CEO of the KW Multicultural Centre, 519-745-2531.