Weekend gala celebrates the rhythm and roots of the Black community in N.L.

A weekend gala that aims to raise money for a mutual aid fund for the Black community in Newfoundland and Labrador was inspired by Black History Month, says a director of the province's Social Justice Co-Operative.

The event, calledRoots and Rhythms:A Black Mutual Aid Gala ,is scheduled for Sunday evening to celebrate and support the Black community in Newfoundland and Labrador. The event aims to raise money for a mutual aid fund.

Social Justice Co-operative director Kassie Drodge says that community usually uses their own resources to amplify their own voices.

"The mutual fund is to take some of that burden off," she said.

The gala is being held at 30 Harvey Rd, starting at 4 p.m. The funds collected will be used to financially support members of the Black community by assisting with individual bills and advocacy support, Drodge says.

"Myself, being a part of the Black community, I thought it was imperative to start an organizing fund," she said.

"One of the key components of community organizing is creating financial solidarity, financial support, and mutual aid is a great conduit for that."

Drodgesays she's pleased to see the growth of diversity in the province. Growing up in Paradise, she says,she didn't witness much diversity.

"Ididn't learn about Black history or about Black figures. That was a really big struggle for me," she said.

"I've seen an increase in the Black diaspora since 2012, and it gives my heart joy to see that to see the smiles, to see the diversity, the more I learn about my kinfolk who come from Africa, who come from other continents of the world. They can learn from me and my experience as a Black Newfoundlander and how to navigate Newfoundland."

WATCH |Discover more about a gala with a goal:

The goal of this gala is to raise money to support Black communities in N.L.

9 months ago

Duration 2:11

Roots and Rhythms: A Black Mutual Aid Gala is happening Sunday in St. Johns. Organizer Kassie Drodge says the money raised will establish a fund to support any issues or concerns of the Black communities. Drodge and musician Helena Elueme spoke with CBCs Weekend AM host and producer Heather Barrett.

The event will feature live music, including a performance by Helena Elueme, a musician who arrived in Newfoundland in 2017 and a member of a group called A Band Called Sam.

Elueme saysshe's had unpleasant experiences in Newfoundland butmost of her interactions have been positive.

"I love how welcoming Newfoundland is sometimes," Elueme said.

She says she enjoys the mix ofprovincial culture with other cultures, like her own.

"The Afrobeat scene here in Newfoundland, you'd be surprised but it's actually booming. And there are artists, such as myself, that come up every day and so you still get that feel of home," says Elueme.

The two women met at an Afro Arts Festival a few weeks ago. Drodge says she was mesmerized by Elueme's performance and invited her to perform at the gala.

Gala attendees will also be able to experience Nigerian cuisine, including jollof rice, a dish served with a tomato base and a smoky flavour, Drodge said.

"Folks can not only contribute to a good cause, but they can also immerse themselves in a different culture," she said.

"The whole point of this event is for complete immersion into that and to take our energy and to use that for good, which is the Black mutual aid fund."

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