After raising the Pan-African flag to begin Black History Month in Newmarket, Jerisha Grant-Hall said she felt good.
“I have a great sense of pride to see this happen in our community,” the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) chair told a crowd of dignitaries and residents.
The town kicked off a month-long slate of events planned for the occasion with a flag-raising at the Peace Park flagpole Feb. 1.
Grant-Hall said the flag was about more than just ceremony.
“Our gathering here today is not merely a symbolic gesture. Rather, it is an act of determination and purpose,” she said. “We need to continue to build on our efforts to create a more equitable society for African-descended people, and all people of colour, in Newmarket.”
This is the first Black History Month after the Town of Newmarket’s anti-Black racism task force presented its findings on the struggles of people of colour in town and recommendations on how the municipality could do better. The recommendations included providing space and grants toward supporting Black History Month.
Mayor John Taylor thanked NACCA for bringing the town into allyship and encouraging leadership on the issue. He said the month is about knowledge and he hopes Newmarket residents learn.
“I hope every member of our community takes the time, takes a pause, and doesn’t flip past that article,” he said, “to stop and say to themselves, ‘I’m going to take this time to learn this month' … With that, we can start to move forward with action and change.”
York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson released a statement honouring the beginning of Black History Month in the region.
“Our growing and diverse population is a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity and contributes to a strong, caring and safe York Region for all residents,” he said. “Throughout February and all year long, residents are encouraged to learn more about Black history, including the many important contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of our community and country.”
NACCA board director Pauline Jones explained the history of the Pan-African flag designed by Marcus Garvey and adopted in 1920, representing the blood spilled for liberation, the Black people of the continent of Africa and the natural wealth and vegetation of Africa.
“Today, in coming together with our allies in our community, in this town of Newmarket, we proudly give thanks and honour our past, our present and our future,” Jones said.
Events will be held throughout February, including a reception Feb. 5 and an ongoing online marketplace.
Grant-Hall said we have a collective responsibility to dismantle disparities and inequality in our community.
“There is space for everyone, all of us. All of you contribute to building equitable communities,” she said.
You can find full details of local Black History Month events through the NACCA website and town website.
