Today marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada, which advocates say offers a chance to shine a spotlight on the different lived experiences within the Black community.
“It is a way to raise awareness of Blackness in our communities and of the different experiences that members of the Black community have. We have these experiences all year long, but we have this month and can really dedicate some thinking around it,” Michèle Newton said.
The dedicated month provides everyone with a chance to not only learn more, she added, but also to celebrate with their Black friends and neighbours.
This year's theme for Black History Month is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations," which acknowledges the diversity of Black Canadians, the importance of Black leadership and the legacy being built for future generations.
Black communities are diverse at many levels, according to the Government of Canada website.
While compiling a list of local events, Newton said she was impressed to see not only how many were planned around the region by various organizations, but also the wide range.
“I think there are more opportunities and the diversity of the opportunities is something that I noticed as well this year," she said. "There are some theatre productions, there are exhibits at the MacLaren Art Centre. There is a sound canvas and live music has become a part of it as well.
“There are more (events), but they’re also spanning a bigger scope of things to participate in and (also) involve the arts. It is just a great way to have people experience different aspects of Black culture from the different communities," Newton added.
And as much as Black History Month — and the various activities and events planned in conjunction with it — serves as a starting place, they also provide the perfect launching place for people to come together, she said.
“If you experience aspects of another culture, it might inspire some curiosity in you about their lived experiences of being Black in Canada, or perhaps coming here from a different country and being a newcomer to Canada. I think it’s a door to becoming more inclusive of each other," Newton said.
People of all ages can learn about Black culture, Black history and celebrate the achievements of Black people, she added, noting there are numerous resources available online and at local libraries.
“It’s never too early to start having conversations about racism or anti-Black racism. Anyone of any age can appreciate music and art, so I just encourage people to approach this from a family perspective and grow our community together,” said Newton.
The City of Barrie is hosting several different events and programming over the next several weeks, including an exhibition of Black artists’ works in the First Floor Gallery at city hall. Local author Tricia Khan will also speak at the Barrie Public Library's Painswick branch on Saturday, Feb. 8, and A Tribute to Maria Makeba will be held at the Five Points Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 15.
For a full list of events, click here.
Below are just a few of the various events taking place around Simcoe County to celebrate Black History Month:
Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mosaic Connects: Join Making Change at Innisfil ideaLAB and Library Lakeshore Branch for a welcoming and free drop-in program designed to bring Black seniors together through creative craft activities and meaningful social connections.
Now until Feb. 8
Perfect On Paper presented by TIFT. Written by Marcia Johnson and directed by Vanessa Sears at UPlift Black Centre.
Feb. 3 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum Presentation with Carolynn Wilson at Collingwood Public Library.
Feb. 6 from noon to 1 p.m.
Laura LaChapelle: Through My Eyes - Change & Challenge Being Biracial in Simcoe County — free BHM Virtual Lecture Series
Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Canvas for Change: Making Change and the MacLaren Art Centre exhibition opening event. This free exhibit runs until Feb. 23.
Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Black History Month Celebration with Local Author Tricia Khan at the Barrie Public Library's Painswick branch.
Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Black History Month - A Tribute to Maria Makeba at the Five Points Theatre in Barrie. Tickets are $40 and available here.
Feb. 20 from noon to 1 p.m.
Peter Meyler - Richard Pierpoint: Freedom Fighter — free BHM Virtual Lecture Series.
Feb. 20 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sound Canvas at the MacLaren Art Centre with UPlift Black.
Feb. 22 from noon to 4 p.m.
Making our Mark: Artworks from Forest Hill Public School at the MacLaren Art Centre.
Feb. 22 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join Ms. Love on the Move! Get ready to move and groove at this very special workshop for kids ages five to eight to celebrate Black History Month at Innisfil ideaLAB and Library Lakeshore Branch. The cost is $2 per person and registration is required.
Feb. 22 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Second annual Black History Month Gala hosted by Parents Against Racism Simcoe County.
Feb. 26 from noon to 1 p.m.
A Canadian Black History Story (That You Probably Never Heard About!) at the MacLaren Art Centre. The event is free, however registration is recommended.
Feb. 27 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Black History Month Book Club at Innisfil ideaLAB and Library Lakeshore Branch. Join guest facilitator and local Black author Roxann Wittingham as they discuss The Skin We’re In by author Desmond Cole at this special Black History Month Book Club. Registration is required.
Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Black in Canada and Ty the Poetess hosted by Arts Orillia and Orillia and Area Black Community Association at the Orillia Opera House. Click here for more information.
Black in Canada and Ty the Poetess - Arts Orillia & Orillia and Area Black Community Association at the Orillia Opera House.
March 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join Making Change at Innisfil ideaLAB and Library Lakeshore branch for their first Radiant Roots, a Black Cultural Expo. The event will include cultural vendors, food, crafts, speakers, a fashion show and entertainment for the whole family.
March 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm
Black History Month Open Book Club and Author Talk at New Tecumseth Public Library – Beeton Branch. This event is free, however registration is required.
