Following World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, a powerful cultural partnership is challenging the traditional, clinical narrative of dementia, shifting the focus to storytelling, heritage and the urgent need for culturally safe care within Afro-Caribbean communities.
The Alzheimer Society of Ontario has joined forces with Caribbean Vibrations, Canada’s longest-running Caribbean TV series, known for two decades of spotlighting Caribbean culture, music, travel and the talent of the diaspora. Together, they are leveraging the power of media to break a long-standing silence around chronic illness.
For many in the community, conversations about illnesses like dementia have been historically “culturally irrelevant” or avoided. Ngozi Iroanyah, Director of Health Equity and Access at the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, experienced this silence firsthand when her father was diagnosed in 2008.
“We need to make space for our stories, our culture, and our voices,” Iroanyah emphasised. “That’s how we’ll ensure that no family feels isolated on this journey.”
In response, Caribbean Vibrations is launching a multi-part special on Dementia in the Afro-Caribbean Community. Premiered on OMNI Television on September 27th, the series features Afro-Caribbean industry experts, caregivers and community members sharing intimate, personal journeys and crucial resources. The partnership harnesses the show’s established role in building cultural bridges and community connections to spark open dialogue and tackle the stigma that often compounds the challenge of care.
The conversation was further amplified at a special pre-screening event held on September 21st, 2025, (World Alzheimer’s Day) at the Betty Oliphant Theatre (404 Jarvis St.), blending film, dance and dialogue. The evening, hosted by KITE Research Institute – University Health Network, Canada’s National Ballet School, and Mid Career Productions (Barrocks Inc.), highlighted how creative mediums are essential in re-framing the issue.
The event featured a double screening of short films: Sugar Dumplin: Written and directed by Tristan Barrocks, the film beautifully explores the intersections of food, family, and Caribbean culture in the context of dementia.
Also on the schedule was Dancer Not Dementia. Directed by Anthony Grani, this documentary celebrates the creative lives and careers of dancers living with dementia.
The screenings were followed by a trailer for the Caribbean Vibrations special and a community panel discussion and Q&A, featuring Ngozi Iroanyah. The entire evening is rooted in the philosophy of Reimagining Dementia: A Creative Coalition for Justice, a global movement working to shift the narrative from one of decline to one of possibility and growth.
With the prevalence of dementia among racialised groups projected to increase dramatically, by over 400% by 2050, these cultural interventions are more critical than ever to ensure families receive the culturally appropriate care they desperately need.
“More work needs to be done,” says Iroanyah. “And we are doing it, one community at a time.”
For over 20 years, Caribbean Vibrations TV has brought Caribbean culture, music and travel to Canadian viewers through broadcast and digital media. The series continues to spotlight the stories and talent of the Caribbean Diaspora, building cultural bridges and community connections.
For families seeking support, contact First Link®: https://firstlinkontario.ca
