50 years of service for the Caribbean community in Waterloo Region
Around the Region regularly shares the work of different community partners. As we mark Black History Month in February, we hear from the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region. This non-profit organization is celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025. They work to foster cultural exchange, support youth with scholarships and mentorship, and connect the Caribbean diaspora through cultural events.
By Lannois Carroll-Woolery, President of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) was formed in 1975 by immigrants who trusted in Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s vision of a multicultural society built on tolerance and mutual respect. The founders crafted a mission statement: “To promote the social, cultural and economic interests of, and advocate for, the Caribbean community in the Region of Waterloo.”
The CCAWR’s initial activities focused on social gatherings, student tutoring, and cultural performances. Domino tournaments, Friday night Limes (social events), and cricket in Waterloo Park were some of the activities that attracted people.
In the years that followed, the association grew and matured. Its members embraced Canadian culture and values and made their peace with the snow and cold. They raised their families to appreciate the best of both worlds: steel pan bands participated in local parades, turkeys were seasoned with jerk sauce, children learned to ice skate and became fluent in French. There were significant challenges to overcome, including fundraising, capacity building, and strategic planning.
Volunteers gave their time and talents to help maintain the community, working at their kitchen tables on evenings and weekends to build up the CCAWR. A Building Fund was created for real estate investment, an Investment Club was formed, a scholarship program launched. There were other pressures as well: racism and other forms of prejudice, the lack of recognition of foreign education credentials and work experience, streaming of students into ESL and Applied level courses.
The CCAWR was encouraged to take on more advocacy roles – challenging the police, school boards, and elected officials to address complaints and concerns. The Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 was a significant inflection point in the life of the association. We were asked to contribute to solutions that improved diversity, equality, and inclusion for Canadians of African, Caribbean, and Black descent.
In August 2024, the Region of Waterloo experienced its first Caribana parade. With our partners (City of Kitchener and Caribana Ignite), the CCAWR helped to bring Carnival sights and sounds to over 15,000 residents. The opportunity to openly share our culture was a privilege and honour.
In 2025, the CCAWR will celebrate its 50th anniversary with special events and activities. We launched Black History Month February 2 with an event funded by federal, regional, and municipal governments, as well as corporate partners. This year is the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada.
The association’s scholarship program is now in its 25th year and has awarded more than $100,000 to over 100 university and college students. The LiftOff Black Entrepreneurship Program has graduated over 100 Founders. This program was also recognized with the 2024 Non-Profit/Charitable Award from the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
We will continue our efforts to help persons of Caribbean heritage fully participate in Canadian society, while sharing their unique talents, perspectives, and experiences, for another 50 years.