Honouring Emancipation Month: LUX Carnival's Glorious & Free Journey of Inclusivity
As part of The Standard’s 4th annual Glorious & Free campaign for Emancipation Day, we are excited to feature Sharon Niles, Founder of LUX Carnival Escape — Canada’s first Black woman-owned Caribbean Carnival band to visibly highlight those with special needs.
Emancipation Day, observed on August 1st, marks the abolition of slavery across the British Empire in 1834. This pivotal moment in history honours the resilience and strength of the Black community, making it a significant occasion for celebration and reflection.
Sharon Niles
Founder of LUX Carnival Escape
In light of this, we had the privilege of interviewing Sharon to discuss LUX Carnival’s unique perspective on freedom, memorable moments from past carnivals, and their role in promoting racial and cultural equality for Black women in Canada.
Join us as we share the inspiring journey of Sharon Niles and LUX Carnival Escape’s commitment to celebrating all abilities and advocating for social change.
What does freedom mean to LUX Carnival?
Sharon: Freedom means resistance; Resistance from the status quo of being confined to a single narrative as Caribbean women. Resistance to celebrate the skin we are in regardless of shape or size. More importantly, the freedom to allow the energy of carnival to flow freely without the need to be reminded of the space in which they are in. That’s the meaning of Freedom to LUX Carnival.
Can you share a memorable moment from a past Carnival that truly captured the essence of freedom and celebration for you?
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
- Toni Morrison
Photos via LUX Carnival Escape
Sharon: We’ve set out to craft our own narrative, by being a purpose driven carnival band visibly highlighting those with special needs. There is such a stigma when it comes to who can play and be a part of carnival. A memorable moment for us that truly stands out was to see 1800 + young adults and kids with special needs being immersed in the culture and celebrating the art of MAS. The joy and look on their faces where they can be themselves was a marvel to witness and has strengthen our resolve and commitment to continue to share the culture and shift the narrative from disability to celebrating all abilities.
What role do you see LUX Carnival playing in the broader movement for racial and cultural equality - particularly for Black women - in Canada?
Sharon: Our superpower lies within our vision to see LUX Carnival as more than just a Carnival Band. Carnival allows us to embrace our cultural heritage and as such bring a community of masqueraders together to celebrate particularly women from varying backgrounds. LUX has been a strong advocate for social change to create a space where women and children would have the chance to celebrate carnival and embrace their culture regardless of their circumstances.
Just imagine if there is a future Peter Minshall or the late Arnold Hughes, who are renowned for their Carnival costumes, but due social or economic barriers, their passion and talents were galvanized and buried. Our goal is to create the next generation carnival hub to allow others to discover their creative talents.
Photos via LUX Carnival Escape
Also, although the carnival consumer is majority women, the industry is very much male dominated whereas the majority of carnival bands are owned by men. It’s time for women to take on more frontline leadership roles and provided the sponsorship and funding to compete on an equal scale rather than relying on smaller budgets. Our vision is too disrupt the market by bringing more women owned businesses to the forefront as partners and collaborators so they can advance their business into different markets.
What message do you hope to convey to the broader Canadian community about Caribbean culture and the meaning of freedom through the participation of carnival?
Sharon: As cultural ambassadors, we need to exercise greater responsibility in our portrayal of Carnival to the broader Canadian community and amplify our contribution to the mosaic of Canadian culture through our story telling and expression of our history. Carnival isn’t just a street party, its an expression of social justice in modern form underscoring the significant contributions of our elders and ancestors. That’s the freedom, they fought tirelessly for and the freedom we have to preserve.
Takeaways
Through her unwavering dedication to celebrating Caribbean culture and promoting social justice, Sharon is redefining the meaning of freedom and inclusivity. Her vision of empowering women, embracing all abilities, and fostering creative talents serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
As we continue to celebrate Emancipation Month, remember to honour the contributions of Sharon and the rich cultural heritage she represents. By sharing her story, we amplify the message that freedom is about resistance, celebration, and the relentless pursuit of equality and justice.
Don’t miss out on the conversation - share what freedom means to you on Instagram and tag us at @canadianblackstandard!
