King entrepreneurs ensure Portuguese history and culture are alive and well

June 11, 2013 · 0 Comments

Jose Melo, Minister Michael Sousa and King Mayor Steve Pellegrini
By Mark Pavilons

The contributions of Portuguese Canadians will forever be showcased, thanks to the efforts of two King Township entrepreneurs.
The Portuguese Canadian Walk of Fame was unveiled in Toronto’s Camoes Square June 2, generating a great deal of enthusiasm and support.
Among the dignitaries on hand for the event was King mayor Steve Pellegrini, who lauded the efforts of King’s own Manuel DaCosta and Jose Melo, whose contributions to this special project were noted.
The brainchild of DaCosta, who helped establish the Portuguese Pioneers Gallery on St. Clair Avenue, the Walk of Fame celebrates individuals of Portuguese descent who have made profound and powerful contributions to Canada. It’s situated at College and Crawford streets.
The three inaugural recipients this year included Nelly Furtado, Michael Nobrega and Antonio Sousa.
Canadian singer, songwriter and actress Furtado has sold 20 million albums worldwide and more than 20 million singles. Furtado’s work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including two Grammy Awards, 10 Juno Awards, three MuchMusic Video Awards and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Michael Nobrega was appointed president and CEO of OMERS in 2007. He also served as chief investment officer until 2009. Prior to his appointment, Nobrega was president and CEO of Borealis Infrastructure, which he launched in 1998. Nobrega was named a Fellow of the Institute by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario in 2009 — the highest designation the Institute confers and which recognizes outstanding career achievements as well as excellence in service to the community and the profession.
Antonio Sousa, father of Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa, was immigrant number one, in 1953. He established the first Portuguese restaurant in Kensington Market which became a central meeting place for newcomers. Sousa helped many new immigrants get accustomed to Canada.
DaCosta said the project was in the works for six months and helps mark the 60th anniversary of Portuguese immigration to Canada.
Those early pioneers were an essential link to today’s Portuguese culture, DaCosta said. Those early, hard-working people helped create much of Canada’s and Toronto’s early infrastructure. The Portuguese, DaCosta pointed out, came here because they wanted to contribute and work and Canada welcomed them.
The Portuguese community today is thriving and has many restaurants, churches and strong cultural associations. June 10 was Portugal Day in Toronto, with the largest parade in the country.
DaCosta’s efforts in Toronto are “small steps” that hopefully will garner some attention and spark the next generation.
DaCosta lauded the granite provided by Allstone Quarry Products, noting the park “will be there forever.”
The committee work will continue and the Walk of Fame will induct three new recipients each year. Next year, their search will expand across Canada.
The granite for the sculptures and pillar came courtesy of Schomberg’s Allstone and Jose Melo’s team of craftsmen.
“June 2nd was a special day to remember. The Portuguese community is a lot richer thanks to the pioneer museum and the Camoes parkette with the Portuguese Walk of Fame. History has been written in stone. Our children and children’s children will prosper from the written history recorded and the artifacts so well displayed for future discovery,” said Jose Melo.
DaCosta and Melo hand-picked the granite, extracted from the Canadian Shield in northern Ontario.
This beautiful natural creation exemplifies nature, strength and durability and pays homage to the determination of Portuguese pioneers.
One large block of granite was used to create the pieces. The glacier surface faces of the granite glow and sparkle in a colourful spectrum of deep pinks and black. The sculptures measure a little over six feet in height and are approximately 18 inches square.
These monuments perfectly complement the parkette, and represent a strong relationship between Canada and this unique European culture. They stand as a testament to the history and lasting impression on the landscape made by Toronto’s substantial Portuguese community.
The award-winning Allstone Quarry Products of King has created major artistic pieces and components for major landmarks across Canada and the world, including Toronto’s Highway of Heroes.
Melo believes you can never have too much art in the world. This project was both an honour and a privilege for Allstone. He hopes their creations in Pioneers Parkette will continue to inspire generations of Portuguese-Canadians to come.
Melo said the square and walk of fame is to celebrate Portuguese-Canadian culture, through an exploration and discovery of language and history. The bust of Camoes sits atop Melo’s granite and this centerpiece honours one of Portugal’s literary icons. Melo also sits on the organizing committee.
Melo lauded DaCosta for his efforts and his generosity. The successful entrepreneur shares his wealth and has helped promote Portuguese culture and art. He has supported Portuguese immigrants for many years, as well as the nearby museum.
Camoes Square, and these efforts, will give Portuguese-Canadians and their children a sense of their past struggles and accomplishments.
Mayor Pellegrini was “proud” to be on hand and congratulate DaCosta and Melo for their efforts and inspiration.
He referred to Melo as a “pillar in the community,” adding he supports his community and is very proud of his heritage. This project, and Melo’s contribution, keeps these cultural connections alive.
Luis de Camoes (1524-1580) is the greatest figure in Portuguese literature. He served as a soldier in a Moroccan campaign, where he lost an eye. His most celebrated work was The Lusiads (Os Lusiada – 1572). The publication of his epic won him a meager royal pension, and his work began to enjoy world fame. By 1655 it had appeared in English in a version by Sir Richard Fanshawe.