The Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba incorporated (ACAM) was founded on March 8, 1968 with Kofi Amoh as its first president. Today we take great pride in the fact that our presidents have hailed from several countries- Belize, Dominica, Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.

ACAM was incorporated on June 1, 1972. On April 15, 1974, ACAM took possession of premises at 259 Watt Street. After renovations the centre was officially opened on July 31, 1976, and on September 1, 1981, we paid off our mortgage.

The Afro-Caribbean singers became well known locally and put out an album " Sun, Spirit and Soul", in 1975. The Afro-Caribbean dancers constitute an on-going tradition, and has performed in Manitoba, USA and in Jamaica.

ACAM has been in Folklorama since its inception in 1970, starting out on Morley Avenue, then moving to other locations including Crescentwood Community Centre, River East Arena, Technical Vocational High School, Sargent Park School and presently Grant Park High School.

ACAM has published the Black Historical Calendar for many years and in 1994 sponsored the Book " Black Experiences in Manitoba". ACAM endeavours to encourage and to meet socio-cultural needs. To that end there are Summer Drop-in centre, children's Christmas party, a very popular seniors' Christmas dinner , a traditional Harambee, Dinner theatre productions and Job Recruitment Fairs.

ACAM, embracing all strands of the Black historical experience, has made a valuable contribution to the vitality of the Manitoba Mosaic. There are always new challenges. We will stay the course for the betterment of all of us, in building and sustaining a vibrant community.

FOLKLORAMA

Since 1970 ACAM has been a chief participant in Folklorama, Winnipeg's annual two week celebration of culture. Along with the India, Greek, Poland, Portuguese and Ukraine pavilions the Africa/Caribbean Pavilion was one of the festival's original six.

The pavilion has endured many changes over the years as the event started out on Morley Avenue before moving to Crescentwood Community Centre, River East Arena, Tec Voc High, Sargent Park School and finally to Grant Park High school for Folklorama 2005. As the largest cultural celebration of its kind in Canada, Folklorama attracts Winnipeggers and out of towners alike to sample the exotic foods and to witness the entertainment, which includes the ACAM's Afro-Caribbean dancers.

Every year the pavilion selects two youth ambassadors (12-17), one male and one female along with male and female adult ambassadors (18+). As an ambassador one serves as a representative for both ACAM and the Africa/Caribbean pavilion both during the festival and throughout the year by making appearances at various events. As with most of the events organized by ACAM, we rely heavily on members who volunteer their time in order to make the event a success. The week that the Africa/Caribbean pavilion runs during August a busy yet fulfilling time.

Prior to 1990, each pavilion's queen filled the role of today's adult female ambassador and the pavilion's mayor was the equivalent of today's adult male ambassador.

JOB FAIR

For the past six years the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba has organized an annual Job Recruitment Fair in the hopes of creating an atmosphere where those seeking employment can meet prospective employers. The event is held during the month of February and has become an important symbol of ACAM's involvement with the community.

The Job Fair is the pet project of Jim Ogunnoiki who has served as coordinator every year since it's inception. What began as a modest event has grown annually and this past year included 17 potential employers. Media exposure continues to raise the profile of the Job Fair and, as its organizing body, ACAM is committed to making it a continued success.