The enthusiastic response to the recently completed All Souls Rising black heritage events affirms the willingness of the Salt Spring community to celebrate its rich ethnic diversity and to grapple with complex issues of race, identity and prejudice.

As we begin a period of reflection on the challenges and triumphs of a celebration for which the planning began 22 months ago, in December 2007, we wish to clarify two issues.

The Oct. 16-17 events were funded with financial support from the Capital Regional District (under the administration of Gary Holman) and a federal Building Communities Through the Arts Heritage Grant.

The Oct. 22 concert by Leon Bibb and Lisa Maxx with the Bill Sample Trio was produced by Mr. Bibb and Ms. Maxx, who set the date, secured the venue, determined the ticket prices and paid for advertising. While we were thrilled and honoured to receive a personal phone call from Mr. Bibb, during which he asked to participate in the All Souls Rising celebration, he did not request nor were any grant funds allocated for the stellar performance. That Mr. Bibb and Ms. Maxx took the initiative, in less than a month, to organize, fund and deliver to our community a concert designed to coincide with Salt Spring’s landmark black heritage celebration speaks volumes about their artistry, activism and self-love. We are forever grateful.

We hope to offer to the community, during February 2010 Black History Month, a public forum to evaluate the All Souls Rising festivities.

Evelyn C. White and

Joanne Bealy,

Co-organizers, All Souls Rising