Reading-performance | Le Grain de sable : Olivier Le Jeune: premier esclave au Canada (The Grain of Sand: Olivier Le Jeune, Canada’s First Slave)

Hip-hop artist Webster and illustrator VALMO bring to life the story of Olivier Le Jeune

Attend a unique performed reading of the graphic novel Le Grain de sable : Olivier Le Jeune: premier esclave au Canada (2019). Accompanied by Sylvain St-Onge on guitar, the book’s creators—hip-hop artist Webster and illustrator VALMO—will bring to life the true and long-forgotten story of Olivier Le Jeune, the first Afro-descendant slave registered as living in New France.

Originally from either Madagascar or Guinea, he was brought to Québec City by Sir David Kirke in 1629. He was 10 years old. Beyond his status as a slave, he was also the first person of African origin to reside in Canada on a permanent basis.

Through music, images, and words, follow the moving story of his life, from his capture in Madagascar to his arrival in Québec City, in the early days of New France. Before the performance, Webster and VALMO will discuss the development of the graphic novel, highlighting the importance of sharing the story of this young boy who was uprooted in childhood and held in servitude. An account of a still little-known chapter of Canadian history…

With:
Webster, hip-hop artist and lecturer
VALMO, illustrator
Sylvain St-Onge, guitarist