Black History Month panel guests will share experiences, hopes February 27
February marks Black History Month in Canada, a time dedicated to commemorating the important achievements, events and contributions of Black people and their respective communities in Canada. Black Canadians’ tradition of military service holds historical significance, pre-dating Confederation.
To help commemorate Black History Month and recognize the contributions of Black Canadians to the Canadian Armed Forces, 14 Wing Greenwood’s Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group (DVMAG) will host a panel discussion event February 27 at the Annapolis Mess. The panel, including five accomplished Black individuals: Ken Fells, Rev. Dr. Lennett J. Anderson, Quentrel Provo, Corporal Cliff Tshibungu and Cora Tolliver; will be lead through a guided discussion. Through their stories, lived experiences (both within and outside of the military), insights and more, the goal of the panel event is to inform the audience and cultivate a better understanding of Black History Month.
“Listening to others’ experiences and exposure to conversation provides a unique perspective,” says panel event organizer Warrant Officer Alan Bezanson, an 18-year CAF member and 14 Wing DVMAG member. These types of interactions are valuable, and help provide insight into experiences that others may not know about.
Acknowledging there could be some difficult topics and discussions, Bezanson believes it “takes bravery to tackle difficult issues and self-perceptions. But, in doing so, it presents an opportunity for growth.”
Bezanson became involved with Black Canadian outreach and education initiatives, including membership and advisory positions in several different organizations, the Nova Scotia Human Rights panel, and many more; a number of years ago, and has used some of his experiences as a “way to tackle issues, mitigate effects and empower others.” He has experienced, firsthand, the positive effects that these types of events can have.
The 14 Wing panel discussion event gets underway at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at the Annapolis Mess. Everyone is welcome to engage with panelists at a meet and greet, and through the question period.
Invited panelists
Ken Fells – School principal in Halifax, and a leading figure in 902 Man Up, empowering youth and addressing social issues in African Nova Scotian communities. Fells is a former Cadet Instructor Cadre officer who worked as army Cadet units’ commanding officer and as commander of the Argonaut Army Cadet Training Centre.
Rev. Dr. Lennett J. Anderson – Retired commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Anderson served 20 years as a unit and regional chaplain for Atlantic Canada. He is a senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, a recognized communicator and assistant professor in Leadership and Racial Justice with the faculty of Acadia Divinity College.
Quentrel Provo – Singer, songwriter and award-winning advocate as the founder of Stop the Violence Brand and Movement. Provo has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions, including being named as one of the world’s Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40. He’s the first and only African Nova-Scotian and Atlantic Canadian to receive the award. Previous winners included notable names such as Tiger Woods, The Weekend, Drake, Rihanna, Beyonce and PK Subban.
Corporal Cliff Tshibungu – Built a career in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), currently serving as a SEELM chaplain after seven years as a non-commissioned member. Joined the CAF in 2017 through the direct entry program, earning several notable accolades. He was recognized by the CAF’s Chief of Professional Conduct and Culture for his contributions to cultural transformation initiatives.
Cora Tolliver – Civilian employee with the Canadian Armed Forces, Tolliver is currently the regional manager, Atlantic Conflict & Complaint Management Services. She champions respectful, solutions-focused approaches to workplace issues, striving to maintain open lines of communications for Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
