West Island Black Community Association

By Chelsey St-Pierre and Beryl Wajsman, Editor
The Suburban

This past weekend, the West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) held a memorial service on Saturday afternoon followed by a church service Sunday morning at Union United Church in Little Burgundy to commemorate the twelve children from the Negro Community Centre who tragically drowned in a boating accident on July 13, 1954 off Ile Bizard. The theme was “Remember their names.” The families of the victims also shared their grief and expressed their gratitude to the West Island community.

“This year marks the 70th year since this heartbreaking event, and plans are underway to honor the memory of these young lives lost. The children took part in a summer outing organized by the Negro Community Centre in Little Burgundy and were involved in one of the deadliest boating accidents in Canadian history. This tragedy not only devastated families but also brought to light significant issues regarding water safety and systemic challenges faced by many from marginalized communities,” WIBCA president Joan Lee said.

There were over 60 children, who were part of the Negro Community Centre (NCC) that was connected to Union United Church, who looked forward to their outing on that fateful day. Lee told The Suburban prior to the event that remembering the names of the 12 was at the heart of this commemorative weekend, but that it also serves as an opportunity to discuss and bring light to issues surrounding the Black community and highlighting strengths and perseverance through difficulties faced historically and today.

Denzil Alleyne, Margo and Marilyn Fonseca, Brenda Kelly, Carol and Alan Leek, Paula Millington, Leon Nealey, Edwin and Diane Springer, Doreen Walton, and Estelle Walton were the names read out loud and memorialized on Saturday and Sunday. West Islanders and Montrealers gathered in the names of the twelve with the sorrowful sentiment of remembering the past coupled with the sense of creating a better future.

“This memorial is not just about remembering a tragic event but also about acknowledging the resilience of a community and the ongoing fight for safety and equality,” Lee stated. “It also served as a reminder and acknowledgment of the resilience of the black community and its continued fight for equality.”

Recognition was given to David Tagieff, who was 12 years old at the time, and who saved two children. Recognition was also given to those who helped families in healing, even after 70 years of silently dealing with this tradegy in their families. n