This Little Light of Mine:

Addena’s Substack

This month Valerie was sharing and collaborating with Jack Page  and other local artists in a SUM Gallery Exhibit : “a generosity of abundance“.   The exhibit runs from February 22 - April 05, at The Queer Arts Festival & SUM Gallery, so you still have time to experience it in person.  It is truly marvellous!  This unique exhibit combines Valerie’s breathtaking Indigo Grio Art panels with a Queer Arts and Canadian History photos and Film exhibits. So you have have one week to see this Colaniration.———————————————

Welcome back!!! I’m so glad to be invited once again into your inbox. This issue is late so I am honestly thrilled that you are sticking with me and my adventures on my Newsletter journey.  

I’m  still here sharing my ramblings, my writings,  and questions I have about Whaa Gwan  around us.  I’ve been continuing my collaborations with other artists and community activist whenever I have the and I have a few exciting projects on the go

( I’ll tell you about them as they come up. I promise.)

Last month, celebrating Black History Month, there were a lot of activities here, In Victoria, in Vancouver and everywhere across the world.  It was an exciting and educational month. I learned a lot of history that I wasn’t taught in school and that I hadn’t learned just from being out in the world.   Here in  Victoria, the BC Black History, Awareness Society (BCBHSS) had a whole month packed with events.

On February 29 , I performed at The Belfry Theatre as the 20 minute Opening Act  act  in one one of the B.C. Black History Awareness Society’s Black History Month events: “The Power of Words and Music”. 

 I was thrilled and honoured to receive a Standing Ovation for my Storytelling performance about my family and growing up in Winnipeg and I shone a little light on the Institutional and Social Racism that was so prevalent in the times I grew up.  

The stories I performed showcased my Mother’s Civil Rights fights, and stories of her teaching us, and showing us by example, how to find the courage to fight against political and Institutional racism and injustice. 

 🎉🎉 Even more thrilling, than my ovation was when the feature music performer, (International blues and Jazz singer) Maureen Washington, mentioned me when she first came out on stage) saying that my performance was really powerful and provocative. 

She said: “ your Mother’s fights for human rights and racial equalities for all people helped changed the world, she made it possible for me, and my children ( when they came along) to have it easier in this world.”  I was so honoured, by her comments that I burst out crying!    What a beautiful Tribute to my Mother. 

After the show Maureen gifted me one of her CD/albums , and I gifted her my books.  

It was a spectacular night produced by “The B.C. Black History Awareness Society“ 

Bravo to them! 💖💖

 Check out all the items and information on their website.   Spectacular!!

BC Black History Awareness Society – Our roots run deep

bcblackhistory.ca

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A week before that, on  February 15th, 2022 Government House announced:

 The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia “I am proud to share I am now Honorary Patron of the BC Black History Awareness Society, whose tireless efforts highlight the stories and achievements of Black Canadians from past and present, all year round.”

BCBHAS President Silvia Mangue Alene is at Government House with the Lieutenant Governor for the announcement. 

A few weeks later I got a letter from Government House from the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia : The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC

Imagine my surprise and delight. 

The Honourable Janet, Austin, 0BC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, wrote a letter addressed to Dear Addena and Irvin Sumter – Freitag saying, she was pleased to have met us at the Belfry Theatre’s, Black History, Awareness Society  event, and that “she had enjoyed the opportunity to recognize the many contributions of a British, Colombia’s Black Community to our province and it’s history, both wonderful and difficult.”.

The Honourable Janet Austin also thanked us for the copies of my books, entitled, Stay Black & Die and Back In The Days , Irvin gifted her, saying “they were so well written and provided much-needed insight into the racism within Canada. They also reminded me that, although we have made progress over the years, there’s still no so much more to do. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.”

As Y’all  can imagine  I am Over The Moon honoured by her letter and her response to the historical experiences reflected in my Black History Performance piece ! 

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Remember in the 2nd “This Liitle Light of Mine” Newsletter when I  introduced you to the electrifyingly talented, Valerie D Walker, the Renaissance Artist, Alchemist, transmedia maker, educator, curator, Earth positive natural Indigo Grio, radio Wave Creatrix, and BIPOC Femme Afro-futurist time traveller?  

(I’ll give ya’ll a minute to take that in again) 

This month Valerie was sharing and collaborating with Jack Page  and other local artists in a SUM Gallery Exhibit : “a generosity of abundance“.   The exhibit runs from February 22 - April 05, at The Queer Arts Festival & SUM Gallery, so you still have time to experience it in person.  It is truly marvellous!  This unique exhibit combines Valerie’s breathtaking Indigo Grio Art panels with a Queer Arts and Canadian History photos and Film exhibits.

I shared a few photos at the beginning of this Newsletter to give you an idea of the Exhibit, but if you get a chance,  go down to The Queer Arts Festival and SUM Gallery at Ste. 425- 268 Keefer Street Vancouver, BC and experience it in person. The Exhibit is there until April 05.s