By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Music, food, books, skincare, clothing, and community spirit filled the halls of Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School on May 7 as families, students, vendors, and performers gathered for the school’s third annual Afro-Caribbean Marketplace.
What began as a vision inspired by another community event has steadily grown into a celebrated tradition in Oakville, drawing support from across the Halton Region and creating a space where African and Caribbean cultures are proudly showcased.
Ally and event organizer Cameron Smith-Thomas explained that the idea for the marketplace first emerged after joining the school’s parent council in 2023, when his son entered grade 9. Inspired by Halton Black Voices’ inaugural Afro-Caribbean Marketplace at Florence Meares Public School, he wanted to create an event that would help diverse families feel more welcomed and represented within the school community. “I also wanted my son to see his culture reflected at school,” he said.
This year’s marketplace featured performances by DJ Icon, singer Sasha L Henry, and the KPass Drummers, helping create what organizers described as an “amazing vibe” throughout the evening. Organizer Smith-Thomas said the event’s continued growth would not be possible without the strong support of the school administration.
“I am so grateful to the school administration, particularly Principal Teresa Castellarin, for her unwavering support of the event,” Smith-Thomas said. “From the moment we started planning the first marketplace, Teresa has shown enthusiasm about the importance of helping Black students see their African and Caribbean cultures celebrated. She has encouraged us to make the event bigger each year and has helped promote the marketplace widely across Halton.”
Parents involved in organizing the event said the marketplace has become about far more than shopping or entertainment. For many, it is about visibility, belonging, and ensuring Black students see themselves reflected in their school environment.
Parent volunteer Yvette Hall said this was her first year actively helping organize the event after previously attending as a guest. Her daughter joined the school this year.
“I think representation matters, just point blank,” Hall said. “I feel that I need to represent my child wherever she is. I need people to know that somebody cares about her, and therefore somebody cares about all the others that look like her.” Hall added that her family plans to continue participating in future years.
Longtime organizer Nadia Adderley-Trider said she became involved from the marketplace’s inception because she believed Black culture deserved to be celebrated just as prominently as other cultures within schools.
“A lot of cultures are celebrated, so why not Black culture?” she said. “We have amazing culture. Our music is great. Our food is great. Our hair is beautiful.”
Adderley-Trider said she hopes the marketplace can eventually expand into school hours to reach an even broader audience of students and families.
“I want it to be introduced to the wider school body so everyone can participate,” she said. “Everyone can see the beauty of the culture.”
Among the vendors was author Victoria Daly, who showcased her Mia’s World series of books and activity books focused on co-parenting and separation from a child’s perspective. Daly said community events like the marketplace create safe spaces for important conversations that are often avoided.
“Oftentimes parents don’t know how to start conversations related to co-parenting,” Daly said. “I find that my books help fill that gap and help parents navigate it.” She also described feeling a strong sense of belonging at the event. “Here, I feel welcomed,” she said. “I feel like I belong. There’s a sense of community here.”
Vendor Anthony Pereira, owner of A+ Smoodees, said he was proud to support another event connected to Halton Black Voices. Pereira said his business was created to bring health awareness to the community through nutrition and culturally familiar flavours.
“A lot of us are dealing with high blood pressure, diabetes, and particular issues that we can help avoid and address through natural nutrition,” he said. Pereira emphasized the importance of Afro-Caribbean marketplaces as spaces where young people can see examples of entrepreneurship and cultural excellence. “We have to have representation for the youth coming up,” he said. “We have to show and remind them we are excellent.”
He also stressed the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and circulating economic support within the community.
The success of this year’s marketplace would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, parent council members, school staff, and the school’s Black Student Union, whose student volunteers helped with promotion, setup, and cleanup throughout the event.
As the Afro-Caribbean Marketplace continues to grow each year, organizers hope it will remain not only a celebration of culture but also a lasting example of inclusion, representation, and community connection within Halton Catholic schools.
