A new documentary, 'Apex: The Black Masters', sheds light on the journey of Nova Scotia's Black community, from facing exclusion at the Truro Golf Club to establishing their own annual tournament, the Apex Invitational. The film highlights the community's resilience, their struggle for equality, and their enduring legacy.
Darrell Maxwell reminisces about growing up next to the picturesque Truro Golf Club in Nova Scotia, despite being barred from playing there due to his race. His earliest memories are intertwined with the club, having served as a caddie at age five, earning 50 cents for nine holes. Though he yearned to play, Black individuals from his community were restricted to working as caddies and were forbidden from becoming members.
This evolving relationship between The Island, a small historical Black community adjacent to the golf course, and the club forms the core of a new documentary titled Apex: The Black Masters'.Directed by Halifax-based filmmakers Brittney Gavin and Amy Mielke, the film explores the journey of the area's Black community from being excluded from the club to hosting their own prestigious golf tournament for the past 50 years. Gavin, who spent summers with her grandmother in The Island as a child, was inspired to uncover the stories of lesser-known Black communities in Nova Scotia after residing in larger Canadian cities. She discovered a compelling narrative during the 50th anniversary of the Apex Invitational, a tournament founded by Maxwell in 1974 that has become a cherished annual homecoming for Black communities in Truro.While golf serves as the entry point, the film delves deeper into the social and historical significance of The Island. Jude Clyke, a member of the tournament committee, emphasizes that the event transcends the sport, highlighting the scholarship fund established in recent years to support Black students pursuing post-secondary education. Over 140 scholarships totaling over $113,000 have been awarded since 1998. Maxwell, who became the first Black member of the Truro Golf Club in 1961 at the age of 14, expresses his pride in seeing the tournament's evolution. He initially envisioned it as a way to share his love for golf with young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and dismantle the perception of golf as an exclusive sport. The film culminates in a poignant reconciliation ceremony between the golf club and the community, honoring Maxwell as its 16th honorary member, recognizing his talent and contributions over the years.
Sports Canadian History BLACK COMMUNITY GOLF NOVA SCOTIA HISTORY SOCIAL JUSTICE RECONCILIATION DOCUMENTARY
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