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When the Canadian League for the Advancement of Colored People met for the first time at London’s Aeolian Hall in 1927, the hopeful event committed to advocating against the economic disadvantages faced by young people, specifically joblessness. Nearly 100 years later, unemployment among black people in Canada is nearly 7% higher than the national average.  The Aeolian, in collaboration with the W.E.A.N. Community Centre and community partners such as the London Black History Coordinating Committee, the Congress of Black Women of Canada (London Chapter) and the Urban League, will revisit the 1927 event and the manifesto that was published as a result of that convention. With an aim to meet annually, this new project will serve to measure the progress toward equity and inclusion of the black community in London.

“The Aeolian is thrilled to collaborate on this historic event.  The directives from the 1927 CLACP Convention at The Aeolian are alarmingly similar to the work that needs to be done now for equity and inclusion.  We are committed to supporting this work, while celebrating Black culture and history.” – Clark Bryan, Executive & Artistic Director, Aeolian Hall

Like the original League convention, the event titled “Black Love” to be held at the Aeolian Hall of May 22, 2022 will include a meeting of the black community and its allies, dinner and a music performance. The Aeolian is proud to welcome the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers from Huntsville, Alabama. The choir, a dream for the two-time Grammy nominated songwriter and conductor, was formed after the Congressional riots of January 6 2021 to ensure that optimism has a place in speaking out against societal challenges. Much like the League in 1927, the choir is determined to not be bystanders and to let their creative voices be heard.

“As much as our history has been associated with struggle, slavery and suffering, it is of extreme importance that we acknowledge the fact that Black Excellence has always existed, and in fact, pre-dates the historical struggle associated with our people. This event would serve as a reminder to some, and as a lesson to others, that Black people have been here, and are as worthy of equality and respect as anyone else. There is nothing new under the sun, but we need to truly know our past, so that our children can know their future.” – Maya Mark, VP of the Congress of Black Women London Chapter

“In 1927 the advancement of color People was more than an event, but  a movement to advance equal opportunity and equal access to well-being spiritual health and personal economic prosperity, in all levels of society for black people and we must keep the movement alive!” – Pastor Thomas, W.E.A.N. Community Centre

“The first Convention of the Gathering of Black folk in London from across this land on October 10th 1927 was not only an historic event for the Black community but for all of London. To see men and women from our community setting the foundation for the work which was to come and continues to this day is inspiring. Replicating this event in 2022 is important, to demonstrate to the Black community and others that we have come a long way but still have a long way to go and much to achieve.” – Carl Cadogan, Chair, London Black History Coordinating Committee.

“The history of the Canadian League for the Advancement of Colored People gave me hope and determination. The purpose of the struggle from  95 years ago is still haunting us today, it must CHANGE”. – Francis J Hinnah, Sr. MPA WORK: Records Management Coordinator, County of Huron/Local Government Administration

Dress Code

In keeping with the original 1927 event, when guests attended in the latest Parisian fashions, patrons are welcome to celebrate in period attire, business casual or formal wear at their discretion.

The Aeolian Hall was filled with “sweet music” from a live orchestra on Oct. 10, 1927 and there was dancing with “old and young” joining together.

The occasion was the first-ever convention of the Canadian League for the Advancement of Colored People bringing people together from Toronto, Windsor and the United States.

The event attracted several hundred people from all backgrounds. They discussed a variety of topics over the course of the day, including “race prejudice” and unemployment of black youth.

In his speech, the league’s president J.W. Montgomery outlined the number of jobs that had been lost over the course of two decades within the Black community.

Three resolutions were passed that day in 1927, which provide a picture of the goals and hopes people had for the future. As published in the pamphlet prepared after the convention, the resolutions are:

– That we do all within our power to banish petty prejudice which bars success from ambitious and deserving colored youths.

– That we prepare our boys and girls to fill any and all positions within the gift of our country.

– That we seek with the assistance of fair minded white citizens to find places for members of our race after they have prepared themselves.