January 22, 2021 – Lynn Pickering, a volunteer broadcaster with Prince Edward County’s community radio station,99.3 County FM, is pleased to announce that Rihanna Harris, an 11 year old PECI student, will be a special correspondent on The County Grapevine during Black History Month.
Pickering, supervising producer of The County Grapevine and host of the Monday edition of the popular program, interviewed Harris last fall when the young activist met with education officials to press for more inclusive Black history in the school curriculum.
“It was clear at that time that, in spite of her age, Rihanna had the skills to be a reporter,” Pickering said. “She is curious, committed, confident and, most importantly, loves doing research.”
Harris will interview a different guest each Monday on The County Grapevine from February 1 to March 1.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to meet and interview some of the outstanding Black Canadians who have contributed so much to our country,” Harris said.
The fledgling reporter has already recorded interviews with the Honourable Jean Augustine and Olympic champion Donovan Bailey.
Augustine made history as the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to Canada’s House of Commons as Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore. Her notable achievements include securing unanimous legislative support to pass a historic motion designating February as Black History Month in Canada and a landmark motion to erect the only statue featuring women on Parliament Hill, the Famous Five Monument.
Donovan Bailey, Hall of Fame 5x Olympic and World Champion, is one of the world’s all-time great athletes in sports history. Track and Field News named Bailey Sprinter of the Decade (1990s). Bailey is the first man in history to hold the titles of World Champion, Olympic Champion and World Record-Holder at the same time, while drug-free. Donovan Bailey is also the only person to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame twice.
Other guests include Rosemary Sadlier, former president of the Ontario Black History Society and author of several books including Harriet Tubman, Freedom Seeker, Freedom Leader and The Kids Book of Black Canadian History and County resident Judith Burfoot, founder of All Welcome Here, a BIPOC-led non-profit organization focusing on anti-racism. (BIPOC: Black, Indigenous and People of Colour)
The County Grapevine airs weekdays on 99.3 County FM following the news at noon and repeated after the 6:10 p.m. farm report. It is also available for streaming on www.993countyfm.ca
Rihanna Harris interview with the Honourable Jean Augustine as broadcast Monday February 1st, 2021
Contact: Lynn Pickering lynnpickering@993countyfm.ca
