Michael Massiah, Oscar Peterson, and Tom Massiah
Dublin Core
Title
Michael Massiah, Oscar Peterson, and Tom Massiah
Subject
Oscar Peterson with his Highschool friends
Description
This photo of Oscar Peterson with his high school friends Michael and Tom Massiah captures the vibrant youth community of the St. Antoine District, where young people were actively supported and encouraged to explore their talents. Désirée Rochat, community educator and research assistant for Concordia University’s creation of the Negro Community Centre archive, notes, “One of the reasons why you could have people like Oscar Peterson and Oliver Jones come out of the neighbourhood is that you had a real commitment to the youth who lived here.” Institutions like Union United Church and the Negro Community Centre provided young residents with music lessons, mentorship, and social programs, creating a safe and inspiring environment for growth. These resources allowed children and teens to cultivate skills, build friendships, and develop confidence, laying the foundation for future success.
Creator
Library and Archives Canada
Source
Michael Massiah, Oscar Peterson, and Tom Massiah, 1944, R12872-182-5-E, Box. MUS 199, File. 59, Oscar Peterson Fonds, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Publisher
Library and Archives Canada
Date
June 1944
Contributor
Library and Archives Canada
Rights
Library and Archives Canada
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Photo
Files
Citation
Library and Archives Canada, “Michael Massiah, Oscar Peterson, and Tom Massiah,” Black Canadian History Exhibit, accessed December 5, 2025, http://omeka.uottawa.ca/mathieu-black-canadian-history-exhibit/items/show/198.