Caribbean Community Celebrates Rita Cox’s Storytelling Legacy in Toronto

By Anthony Joseph

A distinguished gathering of Caribbean cultural leaders, storytellers, calypsonians, educators and community advocates gathered last Sunday at the Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of legendary storyteller and librarian Dr. Rita Cox.

The event paid tribute to a woman whose pioneering work in multicultural literature and storytelling has left an indelible mark on generations of children and families across Canada and throughout the Caribbean diaspora.

Held in an atmosphere filled with warmth, laughter and nostalgia, the afternoon featured storytelling sessions, calypso performances, steelpan music and heartfelt tributes from prominent members of the Caribbean community who reflected on Dr. Cox’s enduring contributions to education, literacy and cultural preservation.

Dr. Lennox Borel spoke about the importance of storytelling within Caribbean culture and the role Dr. Cox played in elevating the art form internationally. He recalled childhood memories of folklore characters such as Papa Bois, Soucouyant and Anansi stories, noting how storytelling shaped the imagination and identity of Caribbean children.

“Storytelling is one of the oldest art forms,” Borrell said. “It teaches values, preserves history and connects people to their culture and community.”

He also reflected on the role of calypso as a storytelling tradition, pointing to legendary calypsonians such as Hollis Liverpool and The Mighty Shadow whose music documented Caribbean social and political life.

Dr. Cox captivated the audience with her trademark storytelling style, weaving together humour, folklore and moral lessons. One of the highlights was her retelling of a traditional tale about a poor man searching for the “gift of luck,” only to overlook the riches and happiness already placed before him.

The celebration also featured musical tributes from Canadian calypso artists, including a moving performance by multiple-time Calypso Monarch

Macomere Fifi, who performed “Hail to Rita Cox,” a song honouring Dr. Cox’s contributions to Caribbean culture, storytelling and education.

The song praised Dr. Cox as “a jewel amongst us” and “a role model and beacon in Canada,” earning loud applause and emotional reactions from attendees.

Representatives from the Canada Black Music Archives also spoke about Dr. Cox’s impact on preserving Black and Caribbean history in Canada. Phil Vasil, co-founder of the archives, highlighted Dr. Cox’s efforts in developing a collection of more than 16,000 books reflecting Caribbean and African heritage within Toronto’s library system.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Consul General praised Dr. Cox for using storytelling as a tool for empowerment, cultural pride and human connection.

“Through your pioneering work and tireless advocacy, generations of young people have come of age knowing that their stories are valid, worth telling and worth listening to,” he said.

Visibly moved by the outpouring of love and appreciation, Dr. Cox thanked the community for supporting her journey throughout the years.

“I couldn’t be me without this community,” she told the audience. “It is always a pleasure for me to participate in the success of our people and our culture.”

Dr. Cox’s influence reaches far beyond libraries and classrooms. Through storytelling, she helped preserve Caribbean heritage, inspired countless young minds and ensured that the voices and experiences of Black and Caribbean communities in Canada would never be forgotten.

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