Shadows of Racism: Voices Unheard
A transmission from the future is received, broadcast from
98.6 FM, The Adoopowinaak! in Eabametoong First Nation, witness the celebration
of the epochal Great Event of 2052 - the moment that reshaped humanity's
destiny.
From the depths of history emerges a relic--a vinyl record, a
masterpiece crafted in 2023 by Unionville High School students. Hear the
resonating voices of the youth as they share their immigrant experiences of
journeying to and adapting to life in Canada. These recordings help ignite the
flame of change, advocating fairness and inclusivity, seeking the warm embrace
of equity.
This transmission is a living testament to the progress and
desire for change. Let poetry and music guide our journey, as we embark on a
path towards an illuminated and limitless future full of boundless potential…
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SIDE A
SIDE B
Track 1: Evening
Show - Intro
Track 2: Home
- Intro
Track 3: Home
- Song
Track 4:
Hushed - Intro
Track 5:
Hushed - Song
Track 6:
Assimilation ABC’s - Intro
Track 7: Assimilation
ABC’s - Song
Track 8:
Evening Show – Sign Off
Track 9:
G.O.D.’s Patch Fix
SIDE C (Bonus Material)
Track 1: Okay - Intro
Track 2: Okay - Song
Track 3: Conflict of Opinion - Intro
Track 4: Conflict of Opinion - Song
Track 5: I
Am Human Too - Poem
Artist Statement Track 5
The poem "I am Human Too" is the creation of
Janae Layne, a 16-year-old Grade 11 student enrolled in the Arts Unionville voice program at Unionville High School. Several factors served as inspiration
for Janae in crafting this poem.
"I drew inspiration from my teachers at Randall Public
School. In eighth grade, my teacher introduced me to the 'Many Faces of
Markham' contest, recognizing my passion for activism. Encouraged by a friend
who admired my poetry, I decided to participate in the contest and emerged as
the winner. This success motivated me to participate again in 2023, where I secured victory once more. I now proudly hold three awards, each signed by the
mayor: two for poetry and one for community service."
Janae is a dedicated youth activist who has been a member
of Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth) since 2021. This organization actively
addresses issues such as anti-Black racism, systemic racism, anti-Indigenous
hate, and all forms of discrimination within York Region and the Greater
Toronto Area.
Janae's award-winning poem claimed the first place in the
2021 "Many Faces of Markham: Working Together to Confront Anti-Black Racism"
writing competition. Her poem, along with her tireless anti-racist efforts, has
garnered recognition from the Mayor and Members of City Council in the City of
Markham.
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Album Cover Artworks
Each album cover was inspired by one of the album's soundtracks. The cover art connects to
the theme, A Seat at the Table, by depicting various
dishes. 100 vinyl records with corresponding sleeves and inserts were created
and distributed to project stakeholders and community members as a means to
share our student’s lived experiences and to inspire
anti-racist work. To quote visual artist, activist and scholar Syrus Marcus Ware "... make the revolution irresistible." In and through the arts Unionville High School
students and staff attempt to do just that.
Album Insert - Artist Statements for Sides A and B
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This transmission was made possible through
Alpha Education's initiative, "Shadows of Racism: Voices Unheard,"
and by a Ministry of Education Community-Connected Experience Learning (CCEL)
grant. Special thanks are extended to Unionville High School’s Community
Classroom, History, Music, and Visual Arts departments for their contributions
to the project. A heartfelt acknowledgment is also extended to Jacqueline Teh, an award-winning Juno songwriter, musician, and educator, for her guidance and
mentorship as a consulting guest artist.
The "Shadows of Racism: Voices
Unheard" project culminates in a group exhibition involving students from
across the GTA. The exhibition, entitled "A Seat at the Table," will
be hosted at the Ontario Science Centre on October 20th, 2023.
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Credits:
Art Director: Ryan Liu
Sound Designer: Starry Mark
Voice Actors & Script Writers: Joshua
Camara, Bianca Chan, Anastasia Wong, Anna Zhou & Kaitlyn Lee
Graphic Designers:
Joanna Liu + Ava Peng (album cover #1)
Vivian Fang + Cathy Zhang (album cover #2)
Cindy Feng (album cover #3)
Ryan Liu (album cover #4)
Cynthia Liu (album cover #5)