Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association launches York Region's first African-centred library Oct. 8

Library honours memory of Iris Malcolm for her 'quiet resistance against poverty, illiteracy and oppression'

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 7, 2022
Lisa Queen

The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) officially opens its Iris Malcolm Library, a safe space for readers to explore Black-affirming books that educate about Black identities, history, culture and communities, on Oct. 8.

Inside the NACCA Community Centre at 449 Eagle St., it is the first African-centred library in York Region.

The library is named in honour of Iris Malcolm, mother of NACCA chair Jerisha Grant-Hall.

A Newmarket resident, Malcolm, the mother of five other daughters, one son, and a grandmother, died in September 2015.

Her powerful legacy has been the impetus for much of the work Grant-Hall has championed in dismantling anti-Black racism over the last four years with NACCA and “much longer in her heart,” the organization said in a statement.

“Jerisha is grateful to her mother for her quiet resistance against poverty, illiteracy and oppression,” it said.

“Motherhood: It is said that all love begins and ends there. It is without question that Ms. Malcolm understood that to her core as she raised and nurtured strong and capable daughters, a son and grandchildren, both stressing and encouraging the value of a good education and nurturing them in all ways to read.”

The library already has more than 370 books, all of which have been authored by Black authors.

Many have been provided by donors Indigo Chapters Love of Reading Foundation, CQ Business Consulting Inc. and others.

“In many public libraries, less than three per cent of Black diasporic literature is showcased, emphasizing the necessity of this space,” NACCA said.

It is important for children, youth, and those coming from the Black/African community to see themselves reflected in the writings and faces of Black authors as the Black experience and culture are not fully reflected in the works of those who are not Black, the organization said.

While a great deal of work for Black History Month happens across the community as a foundation of NACCA’s work, Grant-Hall feels strongly that living Blackness is year-round.

"I can’t be Black only during Black history month. I’m Black all my life, and the Iris Malcolm Library will help to honour and provide an ongoing legacy and opportunity to the Black community to live it too,” she said.

The organization looks forward to building on its collection.

The library will provide opportunities for patrons to enjoy readings by celebrated authors, get reading support and assistance, take out books to read and create a sense of belonging for everyone in the Black community.

“Indeed, a beautiful legacy in Iris Malcolm’s name,” NACCA said.

The library will provide a safe space for readers to explore Black-affirming books that educate about Black identities, history, culture and communities, support youth and adult mental health through conversation, connection and a sense of belonging, and build linkages to understanding ourselves and others and combat isolation and empower children to develop self-confidence, resilience and self-love.

The library will be available through a new online platform, allowing visitors to check out books virtually and return them to a soon-to-arrive book deposit drop box.

The launch is Oct. 8 from noon to 4 p.m.