The Municipality of Kincardine will host the first ever Afro Caribbean Culture Awards (ACCA) on October 21.
They will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Davidson Centre, recognizing Afro Caribbean youth ages five to 25.
"We have seen not only how much the municipality has grown over recent years, but how much diversity we have in the municipality," said Andrea Clarke, deputy mayor of Kincardine. "As a municipality as a whole, as we continue to promote and take that journey towards inclusivity, it's important that we have various events that celebrate different cultures and different religions that we can come together to celebrate and to educate ourselves and others."
What makes this award ceremony unique is there are no set categories to be given out.
"We've left it up to the nominator to indicate why they believe this young person or child warrants some form of recognition," she said.
Reasons can include doing well academically or as an athlete, or overcoming tough times.
In the future, Clarke hopes this will continue to grow.
"I'd like to think moving forward, this means that we can continue to celebrate and recognize various cultures and if we look at what the municipality may look like in 15 or 20 years, it's likely to continue to grow in its diversity," she said.
She added the municipality hopes those who come feel welcome and included.
"That's what the hope of this is, that it's one event," said Clarke. "I'd like to think of many where we recognize various cultures."
Clarke is looking forward for the celebration alongside the community. If you'd like to register or learn more, you can do so here.
